Corporate Catering in London: Costs, Formats and How to Plan It
From a boardroom lunch to an awards dinner for hundreds: which format fits, what the market typically charges, and what your caterer needs from you.
By Sharonelle, Founder & Events Director
· 3 min read
Choosing the right format
| Occasion | Format that usually works | Service |
|---|---|---|
| Working lunch or training day | Platters, boxes or a simple buffet | Delivered and laid out |
| Board meeting or client lunch | Plated or served lunch | Chef and front-of-house on site |
| Breakfast meeting | Pastries, hot items, fruit and coffee | Delivered or served |
| Networking reception or launch | Canapés, bowl food or food stations | Served by staff, with a bar |
| Client dinner | Plated or tasting menu | Full service, often with wine pairing |
| Awards night or gala dinner | Plated dinner for large numbers | Full service, timed around the programme |
| Conference | Arrival refreshments, lunch, breaks and a reception | All-day service |
| Summer or Christmas party | Food stations, bowl food or a feast | Served, with a bar |
What corporate catering typically costs
These are market ranges from Bark's UK catering price guide, to help you budget. They are not House of Nelle's prices: we quote every event individually.
| Type | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Corporate catering, general | £10 to £60 |
| Business breakfast | from about £8 |
| Simple finger food | from about £10 |
| Finer finger food | £30 to £60 |
| Gala dinners | £50 to £150 |
Central London prices usually sit towards the upper end, especially for served menus, evening events and premium ingredients. Staff, equipment hire, drinks and VAT can be included or charged separately, so check every quote.
What to tell your caterer
- The occasion and audience: colleagues, clients, senior guests or the press
- Numbers, and when final numbers will be confirmed
- Timings: arrival, when food should be ready, speeches or presentations, finish
- The space: office floor, meeting room, venue, and whether there's any kitchen
- Dietary requirements and allergies, collected from attendees in advance
- Brand or presentation requirements, such as menu cards or signage
- Drinks: soft drinks only, wine with lunch, or a full bar
- Budget, so the caterer can suggest the right format
Office and building logistics
In London, getting food to the room is often the hardest part. Before the day, agree with your facilities team and caterer:
- Loading bay or delivery slots, and service lift access
- Security passes or visitor registration for catering staff
- Where food will be set up, and whether there's power or a kitchenette
- Where waste goes, and who clears the room
- Any building rules on hot food, open flames or noise
Dietary needs at work events
Collect requirements when people register, not on the day. Every item should be labelled with allergens, and alternatives should be as good as the main option. Our guide to planning dietary requirements covers allergens, labelling and how to collect information.
When the catering is part of a bigger event
For launches, conferences and awards nights, catering is one part of a larger plan that includes the venue, AV, staging and guest management. Make sure the caterer has the full run of show, and one person to report to.
We cater corporate events, office lunches and conferences across London and the Home Counties, with planning and coordination from Sharonelle on every booking. For the whole event, see corporate event management and our corporate event planning checklist.
Questions answered
How much does corporate catering cost per person in the UK?
Bark's price guide puts corporate catering at roughly £10 to £60 per person, with business breakfasts from about £8 and gala dinners at £50 to £150. Central London and served events usually sit towards the upper end.
How far in advance should I book corporate catering?
A few days is often enough for a delivered office lunch. Allow several weeks for receptions and client dinners, and two to three months or more for awards nights, conferences and Christmas parties.
Can corporate caterers handle regular office lunches?
Many can. Ask whether they offer recurring weekly or monthly orders, how they vary the menu, and how much notice they need for changes in numbers.
Sources for prices
Price ranges are typical market figures from these published guides, not House of Nelle's prices. Always get written quotes.