Master & Clerks' Lunch at Apothecaries' Hall - 8 June 2023

Apothecaries’ Hall is the oldest extant livery hall in the City of London, having been rebuilt in 1672 following the destruction of the former hall, previously part of the Dominican priory of the Black Friars. The hall, save for refurbishments, and updates to kitchen and services, is largely as it was at that time, having had a fortunate escape in World War II when a large incendiary bomb failed to detonate.

We were honoured by the presence of the following Masters and Clerks:

  • Apothecaries – Dr Jonathan Holliday (Clerk: Nick Royle)
  • Architects – Christopher Dyson (Clerk: Cheryl Reid) 
  • Builders Merchants – Richard Hill
  • Constructors – David Sheehan
  • Paviors – John May

The clement weather on the day allowed us to commence with a champagne reception in the courtyard, before proceeding upstairs to the hall for luncheon.

 MC_Lunch_June_2023_-_1.jpgView of the assembled company in the Courtyard

Once the Master, Wardens, the Very Reverend Andrew Tremlett, Dean of St Pauls, our principal guest, together with the Clerk and the Chaplain had processed into the Hall 75 of us sat down to a delicious lunch.

MC_Lunch_June_2023_-_2.jpg The Beadle leads the Master, Wardens and Principal Guests in procession MC_Lunch_June_2023_-_3.jpgThe assembled company and guests

 The menu consisted of the following:

The starter was Baked Seabream with Café de Paris Butter, accompanied by The Valley sauvignon Blanc from Elgin, South Africa.

The main course was a Rump of Cumbrian Lamb accompanied with Dauphinois Potatoes, Pea Puree and Sauce Vierge.

With the main course, a red Bordeaux, Ch Lanessan 2014 was served.

We continued with a Summer Pudding and clotted cream, accompanied by a Monbazillac from Ch. Fonmourges.

We finished off with tea, coffee and mints, together with Grahams LBV Port.

 MC_Lunch_2023_-_4.jpg

The Master speaking 

Following the luncheon, the Toasts to The King; Queen Camilla; the Prince and Princess of Wales and other members of the Royal Family; The Lord Mayor and The City of London Corporation were proposed by The Master.

The Toast to the Company was proposed by The Junior Liveryman, Mr Christian Brash, and the Toast to Our Guests was proposed by The Master.

Following the toasts, the Response was given by the Very Reverend Andrew Tremlett, Dean of St Pauls. MC_Lunch_June_2023_-_5.jpgThe Very Reverend Andrew Tremlett speaking and on his Right, Dr Jonathan Holliday, the Master Apothecary.

This rounded off what was a very memorable lunch.