Lunch at Mercers' Hall

Monday 3rd November 2025

Start: 12:30pm | Finish: 3.30pm approx.

The Mercers’ Company is no 1 in the Livery order of precedence. Their current Hall replaces their first Hall having been destroyed by the Great Fire of London and their second Hall having been bombed at the end of the war during the night of 10/11 May 1941. The third Hall was formally opened by H.R.H. The Duke of Gloucester, a Liveryman, on 13 May 1958.

The basic plan of the third Hall follows that of the previous Hall, with an ambulatory and chapel on the ground floor, behind the façade of Cheapside shops, and the Livery Hall and other ceremonial rooms above. The most noticeable change was the relocation of the ceremonial entrance and grand staircase from Cheapside to Ironmonger Lane.

Mercers’ is so popular a venue that there were only two dates available to us in 2025, and 3^rd November was only confirmed to us in mid-January. It is therefore a rare opportunity to dine in this prestigious Company’s Hall and the Master hopes that it being a lunchtime, those of you who either live far away and don’t wish to stay overnight in the capital, or if you just prefer a grand lunch to a grand dinner, will join him.

The Master has arranged an interesting speaker who will amuse us with sayings that have derived from the City of London – such as 'mind your p's and q's'.

The Master has arranged an interesting speaker who will amuse us with sayings that have derived from the City of London – such as 'mind your p's and q's'.

Members’ Information

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Our Members

Annual Banquet at Guildhall

"A veritable tour de force; stunning atmosphere, seriously impressive food and a funny judge..what’s not to like!
Well done everyone" - Mrs J.D.

"A triumph" - Mr A.W."

"..a brilliant evening at Guildhall last night. The event was spectacular and we, our guests and everyone around us enjoyed it tremendously. A great highlight of a fantastic year" - Mr J.H.

"A magnificent evening was had by all" - Mr K.B.

"It really was the most wonderful and unforgettable evening " - Mrs K.J.

"It was a great privilege to be present of Friday evening on such a splendid occasion. What a truly stunning and memorable evening. The organisation, the pageantry and the attention to detail was remarkable. A and I enjoyed it all enormously" - C H.C.

Master's Final Dinner at Fishmongers' Hall
"Just a line to say how much we enjoyed the dinner last night, super seat thank you! Please convey our thanks to the Master for a wonderful evening, superb food and company and thank him for all his events over the past year, we have had great times.

We now look forward to the next year, different venues and events." - Mr P.B.

Reception and Supper at Grocers' Hall
"My guests and I really really enjoyed the Ceremony and the dinner at Grocers’ Hall last evening, I am still on a high with sheer pleasure, you, everyone there so kind and welcoming". Mrs A R

"It was good to meet you at last and on such an excellent evening in one of the nicest Livery Halls in the City. Thank you for making it such a special evening for M and me. It was so well organised and enjoyable. The food was first class and the company good as well". Mr D B

RNLI Demonstration and Supper at the Little Ship Club

"Thank you SO much for arranging a most enjoyable evening. Once again, I was able to catch up on friends and make new acquantainces - all thanks to you for the excellent place settings. The weather was kind to us, the food was amazing and everybody around our table was very happy with the service and the meal." Ms V H

"Following the interesting demonstration Guild Members and their guests retired back inside the Little Ship Club for a stunning two-course supper with some excellent wine and tremendous companionship discussing the RNLI’s great work being achieved on the tidal Thames." Mr D K

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