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10 Corporate Entertaining Trends For 2013

Corporate entertaining is set to enjoy a rather fashionable makeover in 2013 as the events industry takes note of what’s hot on the London dining scene. Street food and gourmet popcorn might just spell the end of canapés and Champagne this year as corporates look to impress with their interpretation of the capital’s most innovative and exciting menus. Here’s how to take your event catering to the next level with our top ten corporate entertaining trends.

Five Reasons To Think About Christmas in October

xmas-oct

We know, we know, it’s not even winter yet. But we can’t help but get excited... because the most wonderful time of the year is coming, it truly is!! We’ve decided on a homemade theme at casa del London Kitchen this Christmas, so we’ll be going all out with our cards, decorations and of course our festive foodstuffs!

Favourite Venue: Serpentine Gallery

serpentine-gallery

We’re going a bit more contemporary with our favourite venue at the moment, but of course our love of a bit of artistic flair in a venue has not been forgotten! Today’s accolade goes to the Serpentine Gallery, one of London’s best-loved galleries for modern art, and one of London’s secretly spectacular event spaces.

The Wallace Collection

wallace-collection

On of our favourite venues is steeped in history, The Wallace Collection. Located on Manchester Square (which is not in Manchester), the Wallace Collection is a national museum, an historic London town house (Hertford House) and a fantastic event space.

The Spookiest Things to do in London this Halloween

spookiest-halloween

If, like us, you just can’t wait for the scariest night of the year you’ll be pleased to know we’ve been busy researching how to make the most of this spooktacular evening! These are our top tips to scare your socks off in London this Halloween. We hope you’re feeling brave!

Tips, Tricks & Treats for your Halloween Party

tips-tricks-treats

September 26, 2012 Tips, Tricks & Treats for your Halloween Party Edit Delete Tags Autopost To those of you thinking of hosting your own Halloween soiree this year you’re in luck, because we’ve compiled a little list of tips and tricks to make sure your party is spooky as can be! Yes, we are a helpful bunch. First though, lets get a few things straight. Some people don’t like Halloween. In fact some people don’t bother to celebrate it at all! We need to put that right.

Holidays Are Coming…

holidays-are-coming

This weekend the weatherman told us that summer was over, which is probably for the best because we are now getting increasingly excited about our favourite (and the most wonderful) time of the year… Christmas.

Look What We Found… Dress2Kill

dress-2-kill

Here at the London Kitchen we dress to impress. There’s no shame in admitting it, people. Those who’ve visited our home in Lambeth or seen us out and about will probably have noticed our sharp attire, our dashing good looks and shiny shoes. You may have wondered where we find such stylish little numbers, and how you too can emulate our style…

The London Kitchen Loves… Truman Breweries, Shoreditch

truman-breweries-shoreditch

The Old Truman Brewery has got to be one of the capital’s coolest event spaces. The East London brewery comprises a wide range of spaces, and is currently home to a hive of creative businesses as well as exclusively independent shops, galleries, markets, bars and restaurants.

Boris Has Written a Book

boris-book

Today we bring you… Johnson’s Life of London: The People Who Made the City That Made the World. A book by Boris Johnson, lovable political type, buffoon and London Mayor extraordinaire. We are so very proud.

Today We’re Reading…

fifty-shades

Fifty shades. Yes, we admit it, we have fallen into the trap. The world told us to read fifty shades and we just went right ahead and did it. And we were hooked. Straight away. We might never escape from the clutches of its pages.

The Bank Holiday Exploits of The London Kitchen

bank-holiday-exploits

And so we are back to work once more, but as we toil away at the London Kitchen we cast our minds back to the bank holiday weekend that has passed, and a certain carnival that we were lucky enough to attend…

The London Kitchen Loves…The Foundling Museum

the-foundling-museum

We can’t get enough of this traditional venue - The Foundling Museum at Brunswick Square. You see, this is not just any old venue. This venue has a story to tell. Not only is the Foundling Museum reaped in history and ever so handsome, it has also truly done its bit for the country, both culturally and in a lovely good Samaritan sort of way... And that gives it that little bit of extra appeal in our book.

We Express Gratitude to TFL for Good Works

thanks-tfl

Well dear friends of London town, it is time we faced facts. Our wonderful Olympic games have been and gone, and the sense of loss sets ever deeper with each passing day. We are fighting back tears as we write, we truly are, for we miss those lovely games more than we can say.

Showing Our Support for Team GB

support-for-team-gb

We have come to the radical decision that the chances of team GB will be significantly improved if we eat solely foods that are team GB coloured, for the duration of the games. We think our team will be truly thankful for our efforts. We’d also like to mention that yesterday’s gymnastics triumph could possibly have been party to do with our new diets. First medal in 100 years? Coincidence we think not.

London’s Best Cocktails

londons-best-cocktails

It’s no secret that here at the London Kitchen we love a drink. We love wine and we love beer, but if there’s one drink that we would crawl over shards of glass for it’s got to be a good old cocktail.

Catering for Corrie

catering-for-corrie

The London Kitchen journeyed to Weatherfield recently, for something a little bit different. The Manchester trip was in honour of an event where ordinary catering would not do. In Weatherfield all catering is Corrie themed.

Ten Top Tips to Save Money on Your Wedding

save-money-on-your-wedding

This month at The London Kitchen, our founder Damian has some great top tips for a financially smart wedding, planning a wedding can be stressful enough without all the extra costs along the way. We know some great ways that you can not only save money, but also relieve some of the pressure of Wedding planning. Unless you’d like us to take the reins…

Meet The Team: Danielle

meet-the-team-danielle

Danielle met Damian through his mentoring programme at Oxford Brookes University and after gaining a degree in Hospitality Management Studies joined the team as an event planner. She is quickly learning the industry and loving every minute of it, working on a series of exciting events at some of London’s most prestigious venues. When Danielle isn’t at work she’s most likely to be making her way across London’s extensive hospitality scene, probably one bar at a time!

Venue of the Month: St Paul’s Cathedral

venue-of-the-month-st-pauls-cathedral

Our venue of the month is more than just a spellbinding event space. St Paul’s Cathedral is an iconic piece of the London skyline, with a dome among the highest in the world. It is a venue steeped in history, and not without its fair share of controversy, but now it has another accolade to add to its collection – the London Kitchen’s venue of the month!

Meet the Team: Jay

meet-the-team-jay

Jay joined Damian in 2008 at Red Snapper Events to complete his industrial placement and has worked on numerous projects since. After graduating in 2011 with a degree in Events and Hospitality Management Jay has re-joined the team as a planner where he feels most at home and is ready to take the industry by storm.

London’s Best Brunch Spots

londons-best-brunch-spots

Brunch is the perfect meal. You don’t have to get up early, but you don’t have to wait till lunch. You can have whatever you like, from sickly sweet breakfast dishes to hearty lunch

London’s Best Bar Snacks

londons-best-bar-snacks

It’s a problem we all face. We’re in a bar, drinking away. Alas, we are caught unawares by a sudden grumble in the belly. We realise we haven’t had dinner… But we don’t want to leave the bar. A quandary indeed. Ultimately it is always the same; we end up with crisps for dinner. This is neither a substantial nor satisfying solution to the insurmountable hurdle of drinking hunger. What we need is a drinking hole with the very finest bar snacks.

A Venue with the Wow Factor: Christ Church Spitalfields

the-christchurch-spitalfields

Today we’d like to introduce a Church, but not just any old Church... This one’s very special. It’s probably our favourite. It is The Christ Church, Spitalfields.

The Harwood Arms: Pub Food Never Tasted So Good (Ever)

Here at the London Kitchen we’re all for a proper English pub. But what we like more is a proper English pub that offers a little something extra in the foodie stakes. It may not surprise you, therefore, to find that we are very big fans of The Harwood Arms.

The London Kitchen Loves… Eat The Olympics

eat-the-olympics

It’s what we’ve all been waiting for… the Olympics are coming to London! But how’s a foodie to celebrate? Well by eating the Olympics, of course.

London’s Finest Full English

londons-finest-full-english

You’ve just woken up, you feel groggy. You start to wonder what happened last night. You’re unsure of how you got home, and are astounded by the lack of currency in your wallet. Sound familiar? We certainly hope so. There’s only one remedy for this predicament, one thing which can revive and energise Londoners after a drink or three. And that, my friends, is the full English breakfast.

The London Kitchen are Doing the Lambeth Walk

doing-the-lambeth-walk

Some of you may know we speak of famous cockney jingle that is ‘Doing the Lambeth Walk’. A song about the very road our offices are on! The song was originally written for musical Me and My Girl, later giving its name to the popular Cockney dance choreographed by Lupino Lane. By 1939 Lambeth Walk had found fame and fortune, giving its name to a film starring a dancing Lane.

A Very Patriotic Preserve

jubilee-jam

Ladies and gentleman we are pleased to announce that Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee is almost upon us! It is time to celebrate and be merry in the sunshine (fingers crossed).

Pink Lemonade

pink-lemonade

With summer on our minds in this gorgeous weather, we thought we’d give you a recipe for pink lemonade. Whether you make it into alcoholic pink lemonade is your choice entirely. We just like to give you options! Sitting in the garden sipping one this is a great end to a stressful day. Put your feet up and enjoy!

Anyone for Pimm’s?

Anyone for Pimms?

Anyone for Pimm’s? The sun is finally out in London Town, and this means only one thing...It’s Pimm’s O’Clock! Pimm’s O’Clock is our favourite time of day, and it’s easy to see why. Pimm’s is a refreshing and fruity drink which just screams summer (in a very polite, very British way). A sunny afternoon in a beer garden just isn’t wouldn’t be same without a nice glass of Pimm’s. We’re such fans of the stuff we’d quite happily drink it all year round, but that wouldn’t be the Pimm’s way.

Meet The Team: Damian

Managing Director Damian Clarkson

Introducing Damian Clarkson, Managing Director of the London Kitchen. Damian has worked for some of the biggest names in event catering, including The Admirable Crichton, Rhubarb Food Design and Mosimann’s. Damian also enjoys being a Mentor at Oxford Brookes University for Hospitality Undergraduates. We caught up with the man himself to ask him a few questions about life at the London Kitchen.

Lambeth, Clay and The London Kitchen

Lambeth, Clay and the London Kitchen

This week we’ve been feeling a little inquisitive. We realised the other day that we’ve been calling the lovely London borough of Lambeth home for some time now, but we haven’t been formally introduced. We knew little of its history; we started to wonder if it held any secrets, so we did a little research. We were hoping to unearth treasure...and guess what, we did!

A Nice Cup of Tea

A Nice Cup of Tea

Tea is the stuff of life. It’s more than just a drink. It’s a problem solver and a comfort, it’s delicious as it is relaxing. It’s good for stress and it’s good for hangovers. It’s even a passable cure for many ailments. The cup of tea is not even fussy about when it is consumed. It’s for breakfast and it’s for afternoons. It’s got everything covered. It goes well with a biscuit, too.

Summer Cooler

Posted by The London Kitchen, 30 Apr 2012

Try to forget the fact that it’s raining....here’s a nice summer cooler cocktail!

’Tis the Season to...Eat Asparagus

Fresh and Gorgeous

We know spring is sprung when British asparagus starts appearing again. It is around this time every year that we find ourselves longingly looking forward to its return.

Fish and Chips: London’s One True Love

Does it get any better?

If there’s one thing that unites the people of this green and pleasant land it’s a love of fish and chips. There’s nothing like it. We are willing to bet that no human being is immune to its greasy, delicious charms. Well, anyone claiming to be is not to be trusted.

Afternoon Tea with a Twist

afternoon-tea-with-a-twist

Afternoon Tea with a Twist It doesn’t get more quintessentially English than afternoon tea. A nice cup of tea, a freshly baked scone, teeny tiny cakes and sandwiches, all arranged on a tower of plates the size of a small human. Great, isn’t it?

The Best Coffee in London

The Best Coffee in London

Oh caffeine, what would we do without you? We’d likely wither away and die. Thankfully we don’t have to, for London has foreseen our dire need for coffee and granted us an array of wonderful coffee shops and cafés from whence to get our fix.

Recipes: Homemade Oreo’s

Homemade Oreo’s

We’re not quite finished with our biscuit dunking experiments for this week. In fact we’ve decided to step the dunking up a little, by baking biscuits of our very own. This week we’re making our version of Oreo’s, for the following reasons: a) We quite like Oreo’s b) Oreo’s are designed for dunking, thus making them a suitable candidate for research

The Best Biscuits for Dunking

The Best Biscuits for Dunking

It’s no secret that we Brits love our tea. A nice cup of tea and a sit down and we’re happy as Larry. We like our tea so much that sometimes we struggle to believe that it can be improved. But we all know it can, with the addition of a biscuit. A biscuit dunked in tea... well Larry himself couldn’t be happier.

Hot Mulled Apple Juice

Our resident drinks expert Chris shows you how to make this perfect non-alcoholic winter warmer cocktail.

The London Kitchen loves Rodizio Rico

Rodizio Rico

As caterers, we’re always being asked where we eat, and Damian found this great, busy Brazilian restaurant

Woofing it down

Lily’s Diner

Last week The London Kitchen had the great pleasure of catering for a truly unique drinks party to celebrate the opening of Lily’s Diner.

Heavenly Hire

The Cotton Club this December

London’s world-famous club venue Heaven will be transformed into the art deco wonderland that is The Cotton Club this December - with entertainment from London’s electro-swing pioneers The Correspondents, Charleston dance classes from The Bees Knees, sultry Jessica Rabbit jazz singer, Gramophone DJ’s and walkabout theatrics from festival maestros Bearded Kitten.

Damian loves Cox Cookies and Cake

Cox Cookies and Cake

Eric Lanlard and Patrick Cox have opened up a fabulous new cake store in Soho. With amazing cupcakes including "The Kiss" a delicious vanilla cake with blueberry compote centre, vanilla frosting and topped with white chocolate lips.

Different Views

Here are two different views of our favourite venues! See the Roundhouse in the round with a 360 view of a seated dinner for 600 and a time lapse at Old Billingsgate seating 1,200!

Autumn - Winter Grub

Autumn Winter grub

There really is nothing like pub grub in Autumn to keep us from feeling the cold. Our chef has devised a fantastic menu including mini game pies, mini scotch quails eggs with homemade brown sauce, mini Pint o’ Prawns for starters.

Seasonal September Goodies

Seasonal September Goodies

At the London Kitchen we love seasonal and sustainable food! Blackberries, beetroots and tomatoes are all at their best in September.

Rowena loves The Greenwich Comedy Festival

Greenwich Comedy Festival

With a line up that includes Bill Bailey, Ed Byrne, Reginald D Hunter, Phil Jupitus... The list goes on. Taking place from the 6th-12th September it certainly is an event that is not to be missed!

Adrian loves SJ singing Jazz

SJ singing jazz

“S-J, has a UNIQUE voice in the realms of ‘iconic&rlsquo;, …sends shivers down your spine and leaves you wanting more, more, more … she is the Peggy Lee of our time…”

Emily loves Frank’s Cafe and Campari Bar

Frank’s Cafe and Campari Bar

Frank’s Cafe and Campari Bar is held on top floor of the disused car park at Cerise Road, Peckham. With stunning views of London, guests can enjoy the annual sculpture exhibition initiated by the Hannah Barry Gallery whilst enjoying sumptuous cocktails.

The London Kitchen at the Lyric Hammersmith

The London Kitchen at the Lyric Hammersmith

The London Kitchen was honoured to cater for The Lyric Theatres’ fundraising evening in June. With a line up that included The Feeling and Will Young we kicked off the evening with canapés which included our Shredded Ham Hock on Crostinis and our famous Tomato Tarte Tatin Canapés. Guests then enjoyed a starter of roasted figs, poached pear, and warm golden cross goats cheese salad.

Summer Scones

summer scones

The perfect way to celebrate this summer is with our hugely popular high tea. Whether in your office or in your garden we can provide delicious treats for afternoon tea! From cucumber sandwiches to scones, cupcakes to mini pork pies we can create a feast that will suit your budget. To get us truly in the summer spirit - Steve our Executive Chef has given us his secret scone recipe to impress your friends with.

How to prepare a chicken for cooking

Watch head chef Damian Malone demonstrate how to easily and safely prepare a fresh chicken in 5 minutes....

From Russia With Love: The V&A Museum

The V and A Museum

The icy and snowy conditions that heralded the new year in 2010 were very much in keeping with The Russian Dinner, held recently at the V&A, Kensington. The London Kitchen braved the Siberian winds to put on an event that was fit for a Czar and his entourage!

Big in Japan

sushi

With Japanese inspired fashion all the rage in the boutiques of Shoreditch, we thought an intimate conveyor dinner for 30 guests would bring a truly Zen twist to this private party....

Hot Stuff

Here’s a special winter warmer straight from the kitchen....

In the mood for love

love

A tantalising menu to get you in the mood for Valentine’s day, put together by our resident love-doctor, Emily...

The London Kitchen at the Fashion Fringe

The London Kitchen made its debut at the Fashion Fringe, where Donatella Versace named the winners of the annual competition to find new cutting-edge design talent.