Two back-to-back catering services at Amazon’s London office on the same day: a lunch for about 30 guests, partly seated and partly standing, followed by a served afternoon tea for about 30 more. This case covers only the catering we were commissioned to provide.
- Client: Amazon (London office)
- Format: Two events on one day: mixed seated and standing lunch, then a served afternoon tea
- Planned for: About 30 attendees per event (20 seated and 10 standing at lunch)
- Drinks: Wine, beer and soft drinks allocated per guest, with glassware
- Turnaround: About 45 minutes between events
Afternoon Tea and Lunch Catering for Amazon: A Corporate Case Study
Two different formats had to run in one window: a lunch for 20 seated and 10 standing guests, then a reset into a table-served afternoon tea. Drinks, glassware and timings had to be confirmed on a short timeline.
Back-to-Back Events Break Weak Systems
Running two different service formats in one window creates pressure on prep, staffing, and timing. If the first event overruns or the second is not ready, the entire schedule slips. We structured both events to run as one controlled operation.
Mixed Service Formats Create Complexity
A seated lunch with partial service and a separate afternoon tea require different setups, pacing, and presentation. Without clear planning, this leads to confusion on-site. We defined each format clearly before service began.
Beverage Coordination Adds Another Layer
Wine, beer, soft drinks, glassware, and service timing all need to align with both events. If drinks are not structured properly, service slows and guest experience drops. We treated beverages as part of the event system, not an add-on.
Amazon: Dual Corporate Events with Different Service Requirements
Amazon hosted two corporate events on the same day at their London office, with 30 attendees at each. The first required a mixed seated and standing lunch service, while the second required a full afternoon tea served at the table. Both also required coordinated beverage service including wine, beer, and soft drinks.
Dual Event Delivery
We planned and delivered two separate catering formats within the same schedule.
This required tight coordination across food, beverages, setup, and timing.
The result was a controlled service flow across both events.
Mixed Lunch Service Format
The first event included 20 seated guests who required served food and 10 standing guests who could self-serve.
We planned the service to handle both formats.
This ensured all guests were catered for appropriately.
Afternoon Tea Service
The second event required a full afternoon tea served directly to guests at the table.
This included structured presentation, timing, and service flow.
The format shift required a reset between events without loss of quality.
Full Beverage Coordination
Each guest was allocated wine, beer, and soft drinks across the event.
We also handled glassware and service items to support both event formats.
This ensured drinks service stayed consistent throughout the day.
How We Delivered Two Events in One Service Window
Delivering multiple corporate events in one day requires control across planning, prep, timing, and execution. Here is how we managed both events from setup through completion.
Outcome
Both events were delivered as agreed: the mixed lunch first, then the room was reset in about 45 minutes for the served afternoon tea, with drinks and glassware handled throughout. Each event was planned for about 30 attendees. The client was happy with the service.
- Two formats in one day A mixed seated and standing lunch and a served afternoon tea.
- About 45-minute reset The space was turned around between events.
- Drinks handled throughout Wine, beer, soft drinks and glassware were managed across both events.
Takeaways for buyers planning something similar
By treating both events as one controlled system, we avoided the breakdowns that usually happen with split formats.
- Operational Control Both events were planned together rather than handled independently.
- Clear Service Structure Each format had defined roles, setup, and flow before the event began.
- Timing Discipline Arrival, service, and reset windows were treated as fixed operational checkpoints.
What happened in practice
Both services were planned around a tight timetable, with roles and the reset agreed in advance.
- Short Planning Window Drinks, glassware and timings had to be confirmed quickly before the events.
- Mixed Guest Formats The lunch combined seated and standing guests in one service.
- Rapid Reset Between Events The team used the 45-minute window effectively to transition from lunch to afternoon tea.
- Client Expectations Met Across Both Events Despite the complexity, both events were delivered according to the agreed scope.
Checkout Our Other Case Studies
See how we execute conference catering services, brand activations, corporate dining, beverage concepts, and multi-day event delivery across London and international locations.
Planning Multiple Corporate Events in One Day?
Running more than one session in a day at your office? Send us the timings, numbers and formats, or contact our events team, and we will plan the catering and the changeover together.
See our corporate event catering in London.
- Speak with our events team
- Define your event formats and requirements
- Put the right structure in place before event day
FAQs
What did Amazon book?
Two separate catering services on the same day at its London office: first a lunch for 20 seated guests with served food and 10 standing guests who helped themselves, then a table-served afternoon tea. Each event was planned for about 30 attendees, with wine, beer and soft drinks allocated per guest.
How do you reset a room between two events?
We plan the second setup before the day: what is cleared, what stays, and where afternoon tea stands, crockery and glassware are prepared. At Amazon, the team had about 45 minutes. Tell us early if your space is shared or tightly booked.
Can one lunch include both seated and standing guests?
Yes. At this event, 20 guests were served at the table while 10 helped themselves. We plan the food and staff so both groups are served at the same pace, and keep a clear area for standing guests so they do not disrupt the seated service.
How are drinks allocated at a corporate lunch?
For this booking, each guest was allocated wine, beer and soft drinks, with glassware supplied for both events. We will agree an allocation per head or a total quantity with you in advance, and how any extra drinks on the day are handled.
What do you need to quote back-to-back office events?
The date, office address and access, timings for each event, guest numbers and formats, dietary needs, drinks requirements and how long you have between events. Staffed events start from a £1,200 minimum and need at least 48 hours’ notice.
