Social Pantry, the UK’s leading independent and female-founded sustainable caterer, is excited to announce two new exclusive venue partnerships with the iconic City of London corporation. From 1st September 2024, Social Pantry will deliver its high impact yet socially and environmentally conscious catering at The Central Criminal Court (Old Bailey) and Mansion House, two of the City’s most impressive and culturally significant venues. With the exciting new City of London Corporation tender-wins as well as being appointed as the exclusive caterer for Tower Bridge earlier this year, the new partnerships continue to further cement Social Pantry’s presence as one of London’s go-to caterers.
Having been appointed as the exclusive caterer for both Mansion House and The Central Criminal Court, Social Pantry will be managing all aspects of the catering within the prestigious venues. This includes internal cafés and eateries accessible only to members of the court, as well as the plethora of official state functions that are regularly held at these iconic London landmarks. Across both new venues, Social Pantry will be managing a total of 13 unique catering concepts, which founder Alex Head and the team will be leading with their impressive sustainability-first approach.
A magnificent grade I listed building, Mansion House provides a spectacular setting for business meetings, civic and livery activity, conferences, receptions and dinners. With its glimmering crystal chandeliers, intricately detailed domes and stark white and gold pillars, Mansion House is an impressive venue for a range of event occasions. The building is also home to a wonderful plate and art collection, adding to its iconic historic charm. There are versatile event spaces available on both the first and second floors, with a number of rooms and layout options available for all occasions and celebrations of all sizes. The largest, The Egyptian Hall which is based on designs by the classical Roman architect Vitruvius of Roman buildings in Egypt, can host dinners for up to 350 guests.
Offering an incredible and one-of-a-kind event space, The Central Criminal Court (Old Bailey) is marked by its impressive marble interiors, imposing arches, domed ceilings and stained glass windows. The site has two main bookable event spaces with the Grand Hall, the larger of the two, suitable for a seated dinner of up to 240 guests or a standing reception for 350 guests, and the smaller Judges Dining Room which can accommodate a reception of up to 80 guests.
Alex Head, Founder and CEO of Social Pantry says: We are so excited to be adding The Old Bailey and Mansion House, two more City of London Corporation venues to our exclusive catering partnerships alongside Tower Bridge which we launched in the Spring. The team at Social Pantry are really looking forward to putting these iconic venues on the map for events as well as running the in-house catering at The Old Bailey. As an independent caterer we’re extremely proud to win this contract with the City of London Corporation and to bring our sustainable, ethical approach to the catering at these venues.
From its commitment to employ more prison leavers year on year, to utilising zero-waste initiatives, and creating menus that focus around nose-to-tail and root-to-flower dishes, Social Pantry strives to deliver exceptional quality service and events at minimal social and environmental cost. Menus are seasonal and globally inspired yet locally sourced, working with incredible suppliers that align with Social Pantry’s ethos. Alongside sustainable food suppliers, Social Pantry also works with a number of other brands and partners that ensure the business can reduce its ecological impact to a minimum in areas such as waste management, transport and more. Working with trusted suppliers, the team devises beautiful, creative events for their clients that never compromise the important social and ecological pledges made by founder Alex Head and the team.
Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Finance Committee, Henry Colthurst says: We are pleased to be working with Social Pantry. Many organisations use our venues for evening and weekend events. Outstanding catering is a key attraction of those venues. The Square Mile enjoys a unique history and culture, encompassing some of the country’s most iconic buildings, including the Mansion House and the Central Criminal Court. From our markets and cultural icons, to our world-famous bridges and much enjoyed green spaces, we are proud to be stewards of unique national assets.
Social Pantry, currently working with over 70 iconic venues across London and the UK including Tower Bridge, Somerset House, The National Gallery, The Royal Academy of Arts among others, is thrilled to add The Central Criminal Court and Mansion House to its growing roster of leading venue partners.
