Dear Members

I am writing to update you all on arrangements for the Inn’s catering ahead of the summer break.

As many of you will know, we decided to outsource our catering operation at the end of last year and, at that point, we started the search for a catering partner who could fulfil the Inn's needs.  After a comprehensive tender process, we have selected Graysons as our partner. They will be with us for a five year term, with a potential break point after three years. They will take over the catering operation in the Garden Room, Hall lunch, Domus events, and Non-Domus events starting on 5th August.

Graysons bring a broad range of experience, combined with detailed knowledge of the catering sector which is well suited to the Inn’s needs.  The initial signs of the change will be a refreshed and overhauled catering offering in all our outlets.  We are fortunate to have excellent staff and a high quality operation in Middle, and we have all been determined that this will continue.  Graysons have committed to raising these standards further in a process of continuous improvement, and I am sure that those of you who were at the Garden Party will have seen this in operation.

The Garden Room will be open throughout August (Hall closes for lunch on 2nd August and re-opens on 2nd September) and, once we return from the summer break at the beginning of September, we intend to trial opening the Garden Room at 8am to catch the ‘morning coffee trade’.  This will be complemented by an upgraded range of coffee and tea and an extended breakfast, lunch and evening offering.  We will continue to sell the Inn’s wine (including Bench stock) in the Garden Room at very competitive prices. 

In the tender process, we were clear that we wished to retain the ability for members and Benchers to have a good quality lunch in Hall quickly so they are able to return to court or the office without undue delay.  I have also received some requests for a served table, which used to exist prior to Covid.  We will trial this arrangement on the far end of Hall on the right and see what take-up it attracts.  You will be pleased to know that the favourite fish and chips will remain on Fridays!  

Non-Domus events will continue through August in order to capture the summer wedding market.  I have been asked a number of times what difference the outsourcing will have on members and Benchers who may wish to hold events in the Inn.  The answer is that there will be no change from the current arrangement.  Bookings can still be made for private events in the same way as they were before, they will be staffed by the same friendly faces, and we retain discounts for members and Benchers.

I am very much looking forward to welcoming members and Benchers back for the Michaelmas Term to experience these new arrangements in our different venues.  

Sir Christopher Ghika KCVO CBE

Under Treasurer         

To read more about Graysons please click here