Monthly
Dinners & receptions
Recent tables have included Bentley's Oyster Bar & Grill, the Goring, L'Escargot, the Oriental Club and Shangri-La at The Shard.
London · Established 1899
Bringing together the people who shape hospitality.
For more than 125 years, the Réunion des Gastronomes has brought together hospitality leaders, entrepreneurs, chefs, restaurateurs and rising talent to share ideas, build lasting friendships and celebrate excellence in food, wine and service.
1899
Founded in London
150+
Members across hospitality
107th
Annual Banquet · Nov 2026
Our story
Founded in London in 1899, the Society has spent more than 125 years bringing together many of hospitality's most respected figures. Our heritage defines who we are, but our focus remains firmly on supporting today's profession and tomorrow's leaders.
The first meeting was held at the Queen's Hotel, Leicester Square — a monthly gathering to wine, dine and discuss the questions of the day. Early members included Escoffier and Ritz, Quaglino and Oddenino, and four generations of the Goring family.
More than 125 years on, the Réunion remains what it has always been: a society of senior figures from across the hotel and catering industry, brought together by a shared belief in fellowship and the pleasures of the table.
Solidarité·Union·Fraternité
The year in dinners
A calendar of exceptional tables.
Our events are about much more than exceptional dining. They provide opportunities to exchange ideas, strengthen friendships, build professional relationships, and experience outstanding hospitality in some of Britain's finest venues.
November
The Annual Banquet
The spectacular highlight of the year, where members entertain their guests in style — at Lambeth Palace in 2025, and this November at Simpson's in the Strand.
Summer
Summer occasions
A day out of town — Phyllis Court at Henley, the vines of Bolney Estate — and, this year, the President's Afternoon Tea in the garden of the Goring.
Join us
A place within our community.
Whether you are an established industry leader, an ambitious professional developing your career or someone supporting the hospitality sector, there is a place within our community. Membership is about relationships, learning, friendship and shared values as much as tradition.
01
Member
Proprietors, senior executives and senior managers with a proven record in high-quality food & beverage service.
02
Associate
Those on a career path in professional food & beverage service, working toward the senior roles in the industry.
Join before the end of 2026 and you pay only the 2027 subscription — the rest of this year is with our compliments. Applications are supported by a proposer and seconder, and sent straight to the General Secretary.
Apply for membership →The diary
What's coming up.
Our calendar reflects the diversity and quality of modern hospitality, from industry breakfasts and exclusive dinners to our Annual Banquet and Summer Outing. Every event provides opportunities to learn, connect and enjoy exceptional hospitality.
Booking is handled securely through Bookwhen, available to members on sign-in.
From the society
View the archive →Latest news.
Stay up to date with Society news, member achievements, forthcoming events, and stories from across the hospitality profession.
3 August 2026
The President's Summer Afternoon Tea at the Goring
Read more →Summer 2026
A fish supper at Bentley's Oyster Bar & Grill
Read more →Summer 2026
Neville Watson celebrates his 90th at L'Escargot
Read more →Summer 2026
New roles for our 2025 Award winners
Read more →“
The discovery of a new dish does more for human happiness than the discovery of a star.
Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin
The Gastronomes Award
Backing the next generation.
The Gastronomes Award demonstrates our commitment to the future of hospitality by recognising exceptional emerging talent. Finalists benefit from mentoring, professional connections, and unique career development opportunities, whilst the winner receives experiences that support long term success.
- Two years' complimentary Associate Membership
- Mentoring from Gastronome members through the year
- An invitation for two to the Annual Banquet
A seat at one of London's oldest tables.
If you share our passion for exceptional hospitality, we encourage you to discover more about the Society, attend one of our events and explore membership. We look forward to welcoming the next generation of hospitality leaders alongside those who have shaped our profession for decades.