The Provision of Lancaster House Event Catering Services

Constructed in the early 19th century and situated close to Buckingham Palace, the house is a Grade I listed building rich with history including its architecture, artworks and legacy. Since WWII Lancaster House has been host to diplomatic events such as G7 and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. Now, alongside ministerial and major government events, Lancaster House also hosts commercial events for private clients, which include conferences, receptions and dinners.

The Delivery Teams at Lancaster House are responsible for managing all such events, which may be categorised in the following way:

• oGovernment Hospitality refers to the delivery of events for the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) and other government departments, hosting foreign ministers, international committees, and guests of government for lunches, dinners, receptions, and conferences to the highest standards of hospitality and service.
• oCommercial Events at Lancaster House generate income for the FCDO through venue hire and event management services. The clientele includes businesses hosting corporate events to private hire clients, raising the profile of Lancaster House as a prestigious and historical venue in central London.

Events vary, ranging from intimate dinners to receptions for up to 900 guests across the ground floor and first floor of the house and garden, engaging multiple suppliers. The FCDO is seeking to appoint

10. suppliers to an accredited list to provide catering services to Lancaster House’s Government Hospitality and Commercial events.

The majority of events will require modern British cuisine with all aspects such as produce, menu, presentation and service reflecting the high quality expected at Lancaster House and the FCDO’s sustainability policies. These is also a requirement for a variety of cuisines to suit the needs of the FCDO’s client base.