Fine dining at RCP London Events

The global fine dining market is expected to grow steadily between 2023 and 2027 according to a recent report. An increasing need for customized and newer food options are fueling the growth of this market which struggled exponentially during the pandemic. 

The statistics support a similar trend we are seeing at RCP London Events, with more people booking our spaces for their fine dining events. In 2022 alone, we served over 2,900 3-course meals and poured over 25,000 glasses of wine, a clear indicator that the fine dining scene is not only back, but it is here to stay.

History of fine dining at the RCP 

Fine dining at the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) dates back hundreds of years. Food and drink have always been a crucial part of the RCP’s rich tradition of ceremony dating back over 500 years.

For example, in 1656 physician and RCP fellow William Harvey funded an annual lecture and dinner, which included a call to the fellows and members of the RCP to ‘search and study out the secret of nature by way of experiment’. The Oration was delivered annually on, or as near as is practicable to, St Luke’s Day (18 October) by a distinguished doctor or scientist.

This fantastic tradition coined the Harveian Oration continues today. Each year, the RCP invites a leading doctor or scientist to speak on issues relating to their field of work, while our team of event planners put on a fantastic fine dining experience for our guests in our Osler and Long Rooms, a space designed by Sir Denys Lasdun to accommodate grand banquets.
 

Some examples include a beautifully decorated gold cup for champagne, a silver decanter dating back to 1889, a silver fruit dish possibly dating to 1664, and many more marvels. Our library collection also boasts rare books on the art of fine dining in the 17th century, covering everything from how to decorate the table to questions of etiquette.

Guests can marvel at the 500-year-old collection of objects and artworks on display at the venue. Our museum collections have been gathered over five centuries since the foundation of the RCP by the Royal Charter of Henry VIII in 1518. From books to medical artefacts, paintings to silverware, the museum collections reflect the changing nature of medicine and of the RCP's role throughout the years and it is displayed around the venue for our guests to admire.

RCP’s fantastic fine dining spaces 

RCP London Events has a plethora of fantastic spaces for fine dining. Whether you are looking for a traditional room steeped in history or a modern space with a unique atmosphere.

On the first floor, the Dorchester Library and the aforementioned Osler and Long Rooms are the biggest rooms in our venue and among the most suggestive.

The Dorchester Library houses one of the most significant collections of rare books in the world, containing over 50,000 printed items from 1471 to the present day. In the 17th century, it was regarded as the country’s most important library of learning outside Oxford and Cambridge. Today, this magnificent room provides an enchanting backdrop for dinners for up to 120 guests and drink receptions for up to 250 people.

Fine dining feasts 

While atmosphere is an important part of fine dining, food is of course the most important element. We are proud of our high standards and reputation for first-class food, wine and service and our selection of mouth-watering menus reflects the latest in modern cuisine, as well as traditional classics.

We are known for our passion for food at RCP London Events, and we have recently been awarded silver for ‘Best Catering at a London Venue’ at the London Venue and Catering Awards 2022. 

Our approach to catering goes beyond pure sustenance. We curate our menus in a way that guests feel fuelled by default and we ensure each allergy and dietary requirement is carefully planned for. Our fine dining package comes with a three-course or four-course meal choice, carefully selected wines to complement and enhance your fine dining experience, Fairtrade coffee and petit fours. All dinners can be enhanced with delicious cheese boards, amuse bouche and palette cleansers - our team is always on hand to assist you with your selection and recommend the best food and wine pairings to make your experience memorable.
 
We strive toward being as sustainable as possible. Sustainability and health have never been more important than now, especially at RCP London Events, where messaging and enjoyment through food reflect the RCP’s green policies and ethos. Our food is inventive and memorable, with something to suit all tastes and our menus are built around seasonal produce from our local suppliers.

Our team look forward to hearing from you and helping you organise your next fine dining event at RCP London events. To find out more or let us know your requirements, please enquire here or reach out to us events@rcp.ac.uk