A society since 1899.
More than a century of dining, fellowship and the pursuit of excellence in hospitality — from a first supper in Leicester Square to the tables of today.
The early title of the organisation was “Les Gastronomes”, later changed to Réunion des Gastronomes. The first meeting was held in August 1899 at the Queen's Hotel, Leicester Square. There had been meetings before that date, but no records were kept.
The purpose was to meet monthly in members' establishments, to wine and dine, and discuss matters of common interest connected with the hotel and catering profession. The cost to members at that time for supper, including wines, was fifteen shillings per head.
Establishments where the early meetings took place were the well-known hotels and restaurants of London — the Hotel Cecil, Princes Restaurant, the Queen's Hotel, the Café de l'Europe, the Hotel Bristol, St James' Restaurant and the National Liberal Club. The managers of these establishments were among the first members.
Why the Réunion exists.
Protect
To protect, in every way possible, the interests of the members.
Promote
To develop, support and promote the culinary art in every way possible.
Unite
To promote — principally through its social re-unions — mutual understanding and the exchange of ideas between colleagues.
From Leicester Square to the Lords.
All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.
Who leads the Réunion.
An honorary committee of senior figures from across the profession, elected by the membership to steer the society.
Officers
Committee members
Past Presidents & ex officio
Become part of the next chapter.
We welcome applications from across the profession — and we'd be glad to meet you at an event first.