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
106th
Annual Banquet, 2025
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
Read our full history
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.

Restaurant dining room
Monthly

Dinners & receptions

Recent tables have included the RAF Club, the Oriental Club, Shangri-La at The Shard, the Langham and L'Escargot.

An elegant table laid for a banquet
November

The Annual Banquet

The spectacular highlight of the year, where members entertain their guests in style — most recently in the House of Lords.

Vines at an English wine estate at first light
Summer

The Summer Outing

A day out of town — recently the gardens of Phyllis Court at Henley, and the vines of Bolney Estate.

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.

Applications are supported by a proposer and seconder, and submitted through our online form — documents attached, 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.

14
Dec

Christmas Lunch

Sette, Bvlgari Hotel — Knightsbridge · 12:00–15:00
Reserve a place
21
Nov

Annual Dinner

Lambeth Palace · Black tie
Reserve a place
14
Oct

Industry Breakfast

1 Lombard Street · Bank · 08:00
Reserve a place
15
Sep

The Grouse Supper

L'Escargot, Soho · 18:30–22:30
Reserve a place
Booking is handled securely through Bookwhen, available to members on sign-in.
From the society

Latest news.

Stay up to date with Society news, member achievements, forthcoming events, and stories from across the hospitality profession.

View the archive →
14 October 2025

Industry Breakfast at 1 Lombard Street

Read more →
15 September 2025

The Grouse Supper returns to L'Escargot

Read more →

The discovery of a new dish does more for human happiness than the discovery of a star.

Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin
Adrian Kobak receiving the 2025 Gastronomes Award trophy at the Annual Banquet
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
Explore the Award

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.