Monthly
Dinners & receptions
Recent tables have included the RAF Club, the Oriental Club, Shangri-La at The Shard, the Langham and L'Escargot.
London · Established 1899
The London society for people who live to dine.
For over a century, the Réunion des Gastronomes has gathered the people who shape how Britain eats — proprietors, chefs, restaurateurs and hoteliers — around one table, in pursuit of good food, fine wine and good company.
1899
Founded in London
150+
Members across hospitality
105th
Annual Banquet, 2024
Our history
Formed in London in August 1899 to raise the standards of hospitality, exchange ideas of value to the profession, and promote the culinary arts. The objectives are as important today as they were then.
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.
Most months, members gather at a prestigious hotel, restaurant or club for a reception, an excellent dinner and fine wines — and the conversation that comes with them.
November
The Annual Banquet
The spectacular highlight of the year, where members entertain their guests in style — most recently in the House of Lords.
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
Three ways to belong.
Membership is open across the profession — whether you have spent a career at the top of it, or are on your way there.
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.
03
Affiliate
Hospitality professionals in supporting roles within establishments that provide high-quality food & beverage service.
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.
Many events are open to the professional guests of members. Reserve your place in a few clicks.
Booking is handled securely through Bookwhen, available to members on sign-in.
From the society
View the archive →Latest news.
21 November 2025
Annual Dinner at Lambeth Palace
Read more →14 October 2025
Industry Breakfast at 1 Lombard Street
Read more →15 September 2025
The Grouse Supper returns to L'Escargot
Read more →8 July 2025
Summer Outing at Bolney Estate Vineyards
Read more →“
People who do not accept the new, grow old very quickly.
Auguste Escoffier
The Gastronomes Award
Backing the next generation.
Our award identifies and encourages excellence in professional food & beverage service — supporting rising talent with the potential to lead the industry. There is no age limit, only ambition.
- 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.
Membership is by application, supported by a proposer and seconder. We welcome applications from across the profession — and we'd be glad to meet you at an event first.