How much catering costs in London, 2026
Most caterers will not publish a number. This page does. Below are the ranges we see across the London market, what sits behind them, and what we charge. All figures are per head unless stated, exclude VAT, and assume London postcodes.
The market, by service style
| Service style | London market range | Pearl Lemon Catering from |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast catering | GBP 12-25 | GBP 18 |
| Working lunch / sandwich and salad | GBP 15-30 | GBP 22 |
| Afternoon tea | GBP 20-45 | GBP 28 |
| Finger buffet | GBP 30-40 | GBP 34 |
| Canape reception (6 pieces) | GBP 17-129 | GBP 38 |
| Bowl food | GBP 35-60 | GBP 42 |
| Fork buffet / hot service | GBP 40-60 | GBP 48 |
| Seated three-course dinner | GBP 70-150 | GBP 85 |
| Grazing platter (serves 8-10) | GBP 80-120 per platter | GBP 95 per platter |
What actually moves the price
- Staffing. Delivered-and-set-up is the cheapest option. Staffed service adds roughly GBP 28 per hour per member of staff, with a four-hour minimum. A seated dinner needs roughly one server per 10-12 guests.
- Equipment hire. Crockery, glassware, linen, chafing units and mobile kitchen kit are billed at cost when the venue is unequipped. A dry-hire venue can add 10-20 per cent to the total.
- Guest count. Below about 20 guests the fixed costs dominate, which is why most premium caterers set minimums. Above 150, the per-head price usually falls.
- Lead time. Short-notice bookings cost more when they force premium supplier pricing. Our standard lead time is as little as 48 hours.
- Menu. Protein choice, seasonality and dietary spread matter more than cuisine. A fully vegan menu is not cheaper than a mixed one.
- Service charge and VAT. Most quotes exclude VAT at 20 per cent. Check whether the number you are comparing includes it.
Minimum spend
Ours is GBP 450 for delivered-and-set-up catering and GBP 1,200 for staffed events in London. Across Europe, EUR 2,500 per event plus travel and accommodation. Premium London houses commonly set a 20-guest minimum; the delivery platforms set none, and the difference shows in the service.
How to compare two quotes properly
- Check the guest count each quote assumes, and whether it includes staff.
- Check portions per head – see our guide to quantities.
- Check equipment, delivery, travel and clear-down are itemised rather than assumed.
- Check VAT, deposit and cancellation terms – ours are in the booking terms.
- Check the caterer’s insurance and allergen process: credentials, allergen policy.
See our full price list or send us your brief for a costed proposal within 48 hours.
