I know it seems far too early to be talking about Christmas, but in the Wine and Food Society we do need to plan well ahead. And this is one dinner we would encourage you not to miss. And to avoid the inevitable “Christmas Rush” in December, when many of our diaries become strained, we have decided to hold it at the end of November.   

So why would we advise you not to miss it? For three reasons

• We are holding it in the prestigious location of one of the City of London’s best Livery Halls, the Bakers’ Hall (see below)
• The catering will be provided by the caterers many of us believe are the best in the City, the Cook & Butler. See the mouthwatering choice of the four course menu (again below)
• And most importantly perhaps, as a Christmas bonus, the branch have decided to heavily subsidise the cost of the meal to a “mouthwatering” members’ price of only £75.

The Baker’s Livery Company, 19^th in the order of precedence, is one of the oldest City of London Liveries with a history dating back over 800 years. The first known records of the existence of the Bakers’ Guild are contained in the great ‘Pipe Rolls’ of Henry II which listed the yearly ‘farm’ paid to the Crown. It is shown that the Bakers of London paid a Mark of gold to the King’s Exchequer for their Guild from 1155 AD onwards.

The Worshipful Company of Bakers has owned the site of Bakers’ Hall since 1505 and has lost three previous Halls to fire, the first during the Great Fire of London which allegedly started in a bakery in the nearby Pudding Lane. The current Hall is a modern but friendly building, situated approximately 200m from the Tower of London.

Naturally we will start with drinks reception, followed by a sumptuous dinner consisting of: 

Cornish Fillet of Sea Bass in a crispy batter, caper & basil puree with a saffron sauce

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Roast Breast of Grouse with Grand Veneur sauce, roast potatoes and game chips, fried dripping bread grouse pate, bread sauce, apple jelly, streaky bacon, braised red cabbage and a trio of peas

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Egermont Russet Caramelised Apple Tart with cinnamon crumble, Honey Crème Anglaise with Toffee Ice Cream

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Stinking Bishop Cheese on Granary Crout with Rocket Salad & malted vinegar dressing 

We will follow that with coffee or tea and chocolate truffles as well as a glass of port or cognac to finish. A selection of red and white wines will accompany the meal and naturally vegetarian alternatives can be provided and dietary requirements catered for.

As I said, “one not to miss” 

Roger Ellis, Organiser

Tel: 07860 847743

E-mail: roger.ellis@blackraven.co.uk   

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Nearest tube:    Tower Hill or Monument (6 mins walk)
Mobility:            Just a few steps to the function room but the toilets are down a flight of stairs
Dress:                 Black Tie