Banqueting House Showcase: a feast fit for a king
After essential re-servicing, conservation, and maintenance work, the magnificent Banqueting House - also known as ‘the original party house’ - has reopened its doors, and what better way to celebrate than with a feast beneath Rubens’ breathtaking ceiling?
This October, we were honoured to cater the official reopening showcase, welcoming some of our closest friends, colleagues and collaborators from across the events industry for an unforgettable evening in one of London’s most historic venues.
Guests arrived to a glittering reception greeted by a champagne dress and an array of canapés. On golden and marble trays came our playful takes on classics: the Ham & Cheese ‘Croissant’ with Tunworth mousse and Dhruv’s crispy pancetta; the Seaside Waffle featuring Robyn Moxon’s whipped and smoked cod’s roe with Exmoor caviar; the Aubergine Tacito, a vibrant vegan bite made with zebra aubergine and coconut yoghurt; and our Steak Tartare croustade with ‘Big Mac’ sauce and pickles.
To the sound of trumpets and heralds, guests were called to dinner, where Jimmy opened the evening with a few heartfelt words. He shared what makes these menus truly special - the stories behind the ingredients and the people who bring them to life.
“We wanted this feast to recognise the incredible local suppliers we work with every day - the people who make what we do possible,” Jimmy said. “Every dish on this table represents a friendship, a story, a bit of love from someone who really cares about what they do.”
The menu:
Amuse
Ben’s Tinned Cornish Tuna - freshly caught by fisherman Ben Eglinton just days before the event, line-caught off the coast of Cornwall and paired with soy and ginger dressing, Exmoor caviar, and a crisp sesame cracker.
Starter
Sophie’s Pumpkin Pie - made with pumpkins grown by Sophie at Pittfield Farm in Sussex, who cultivates each one with traditional no-dig methods and deep respect for the land. Served with miso emulsion, orange and ginger gel, and crispy sage.
Main
Alan’s Venison - from Alan Hayward and his team, who ensure complete traceability of their wild venison sourced from across the Home Counties. Served two ways: loin with celeriac puree and brioche ‘toastie’, and a caramelised blackberry-glazed kofta on the side.
Dessert
London Bees Dessert - a celebration of our capital’s sweetest residents! Pear & London honey mousse with milk chocolate crèmeux, pear gel, and honeycomb tuile, featuring honey from urban hives nestled right in the heart of the city.
After a mesmerising performance by Escala, the electric string quartet, the evening concluded with a dessert cocktail and an indulgent affogato bar. Guests built their own after dinner treats - adding amaretto, Cointreau or whisky over espresso and ice cream (and a few Biscoff crumbs for good measure).
As the night drew to a close, guests made their way down to the Undercroft, once King James I’s private drinking den, to continue the celebrations - dancing, laughing and raising a glass to the return of this extraordinary venue.
A huge thank you to our wonderful partners who helped bring the evening to life: Pinstripes & Peonies Flowers for the stunning floral design, HRP Event Productions for flawless production, Options Greathire for the elegant furniture and tableware, and Escala and Young Guns Group for keeping the atmosphere electric all night.
Here’s to Banqueting House, to our brilliant suppliers, and to many more unforgettable nights beneath that spectacular ceiling!
