Stationers plays host to the Royal Charter Dinner

One of the most Important Dinner's of the year for the Worshipful Company of Stationers' and Newspaper Makers; this dinner marks the date of the Royal Charter that was granted by Queen Mary Tudor. A highly important dinner with a four course menu with matching wines per course. The Livery Hall being full to capacity at 205 guests was served by the on-site team led by Richard Fisher, General Manager, Mustapha El Boussaki Head Chef and Sue Carson.

This years dinner was even more of a challenge due to the City Parade that was taking place on the steps of St. Paul's Cathedral only 50 meters away from the entrance of the venue, because of this all surrounding streets were closed and the security around the building was tightened. The Parade was being shown live on BBC and had a royal presence but unfortunately Prince William or Prince Harry did not pop in for a
drink!

Even with logistical issues of getting suppliers lorries through security, ensuring staff arrived on-time and that Grace was not spoilt by the noisy flypast, the event ran to the timetable as set by The Clerk of The Stationers' Company (Brigadier D Sharp AFC); all 205 guests where served the four course meal in the designated time of 1 hour and 40 minutes.

The menu as chosen by The Clerk was as follows:
Starter
Tower of Crispy Duck with Plum Sauce
Château de Chausse, Côtes de Provence, 2006
Fish Course
Darne of Turbot, Carrot and Celeriac Puree and Lemon Saffron Crème Fraiche
Saint-Véran, Domaine de la Croix Senaillet, 2006
Main Course
Escalope of Veal with a Champagne Sauce, Duchess Potato and Medley of Beans and Peas
Château Tour du Haut- Moulin, Haut Médoc, 1995
Dessert
Iced Pumpkin Parfait Chinese Spiced Cake
Chateau Peyruchet, Cadillac, 2002

Numerous comments about the dinner were from both Members of The Court and from guests attending. The Master of The Stationers' Company wrote "Many congratulations it all went so well. I am extremely grateful for the smooth running which created such an enjoyable atmosphere".