Livery Society “meats” at Butchers’ Hall

On a typically cold and windy March afternoon, a merry band of ten Feltmakers convened at the Butchers’ Hall for the Livery Society carvery lunch, not only to warm their hands and ears from the elements but also their spirits with conversation, food and wine; all of which were sure to flow.

Being a relatively new Liveryman, it struck me that Livery Companies are rather uniquely positioned within the Square Mile to be a medium for meaningful and genuine connection outside of the professional sphere. It was therefore no surprise (but still a pleasure) to see the luncheon begin, as is tradition, with a welcome drink in the reception hall accompanied by a sea of smiles and recognition as acquaintances were made and old friends reunited.

Within the hour, Master Butcher Gwyn Howells announced that the lunch was nearly ready, dawning on me, only then, that we were in for a culinary delight (it being a roast beef lunch served by the Butchers’ Company, no less, but more on that shortly) and with that, we ascended the stairs to the Main Hall. The Feltmakers contingent, as I suppose is usually the way, were all on cracking form with conversation free flowing across and around the table between new joiners such as myself and more veteran Liverymen (a big thank you to Tim Stocks for organising this).

So to the main event; the beef. Supplied by John Stone, it was cut-with-a-fork superb, following an equally delicious soup starter and succeeded by a delicate lemon meringue and cheese board. Mercifully, being a carvery, second helpings were not only allowed but encouraged.

It was a privilege and a delight to have been hosted by the Worshipful Company of Butchers in their Main Hall, which if you haven’t attended since it reopened in 2019, should be on your ‘to visit’ list, with its fine Southland Beech donated by the New Zealand Government, stained glass windows, early 19th century chandeliers and the largest Vestey Tapestry in the City.

I’m certainly looking forward to the next Livery Society event and encourage all new joiners to attend as a way to meet other Feltmakers and indeed, other Company members. On the theme of Companies who uphold their namesake profession to the highest standard, I suppose we had better see whether the Vintners would be willing to host in the near future…

Zac Bradpiece