In the heart of London's bustling business scene, more and more companies are waking up to the power of great office lunches. It's not just about the idea of a lunch break anymore - it's about creating a vibrant workplace culture where teams can bond, recharge, refuel, and feel valued.
As a Workplace Manager, you know that office lunch is more than just a meal for staff—it's an opportunity to boost employee satisfaction and productivity. So, you've been tasked with finding the best caterers to fit your company and budget; but where do you start with London's many catering options?
You need a solution that shakes up the midday rush into a meaningful part of your work culture. One that replaces the hassle of long queues and limited choices with a seamless, connected experience that caters to different tastes and dietary needs.
We understand the pressure you're under to make the right choice. That's why we've done the heavy lifting for you. We've compiled a list of ten top-tier office lunch caterers in London, each offering something unique to elevate your workplace dining experience.
Before diving into our top picks, let's explore what makes a great office lunch caterer. After all, choosing the right catering partner can make or break your office lunch experience. Here's what you should keep an eye out for:
One size doesn't fit all when it comes to taste buds! A great caterer should offer a diverse menu that caters to various palates and preferences. Look for
Fresh, seasonal menus to keep things exciting
Options for different cuisines (inclusivity is key)
Ability to customise menus for special events or themes
Flexibility to adjust to changing head counts on a daily or weekly basis
Dietary Restriction Accommodations:
From vegan preferences to coeliac needs, everyone deserves a delicious lunch. A top-notch caterer should be able to accommodate these personalised choices.
Vegetarian and vegan options
Non-gluten-containing ingredients , dairy-free, and nut-free alternatives
Halal meals
Clear labelling of allergens and nutritional information
Look for a smooth, hassle-free office lunch catering service that doesn't disrupt your workday. Consider:
Punctual delivery and set-up times
Efficient and tidy food presentation
Proper equipment for keeping hot foods hot and cold foods cold
The caterer's ability to provide an effective service in your area
Can they offer extended services throughout the day - not just lunch?
Because hangry employees are not happy employees. Look out for:
Consistent on-time delivery
Clear communication about any potential delays (and resolutions)
Ability to handle last-minute changes in headcount
Backup plans for unforeseen circumstances (e.g. traffic, staff shortages)
We eat with our eyes first, after all. A great caterer should provide:
Aesthetically pleasing food presentation
Clean, professional-looking serving equipment
Openly friendly and well-trained staff
Attention to detail in food arrangement and garnishing
High-quality packaging for delivered meals
High standards of health and safety practices
Taking care of our planet is everyone's business. Look for caterers who
Use locally sourced, seasonal ingredients
Offer actually tempting plant-based options to reduce carbon footprint
Use proper plates and cutlery to cut down on single-use packaging
Have food waste reduction strategies in place
Partner with local charities for surplus food donation
Have 3rd party accreditations that validate their commitment to people and the environment
By keeping these factors in mind, you'll be well-equipped to choose a catering company that not only satisfies your team's hunger but also adds value to your office culture.
It's time to meet the top of the crop of London's lunch catering scene. These companies have risen to the top through their exceptional service, mouthwatering menus, and commitment to quality.
Each brings something unique to the table, catering to different tastes, budgets, and office cultures. Whether you're after gourmet cuisine, healthy options, or sustainable practices, you're sure to find a caterer that fits the bill.
We’ll start with us here at Fooditude. We’re not just a catering company; we're your partners in creating a vibrant office food culture. Our secret? A perfect blend of culinary creativity, operational excellence, and a dash of fun.
We believe that great food has the power to ignite happy workplaces, boost morale, and fuel productivity. Our team of passionate chefs work tirelessly to create exciting, nutritious meals that cater to all tastes and dietary requirements. It’s not just about delivering food; it’s about delivering experiences that bring teams together and make lunch the best part of the workday.
Offering and Unique Selling Points:
Delivered-in catering specialists
Restaurant-style central production kitchen in South Bermondsey
Seasonal menus crafted by passionate chefs
Emphasis on locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients
Flexible service options, from daily drop-offs to full-service dining experiences
Tech-savvy menu viewing system for hassle-free meals
Strong focus on sustainability and reducing food waste
Website: www.fooditude.co.uk
Grazing brings a touch of elegance to office lunches with their beautifully presented platters and boxes. Their approach is all about creating visually stunning, delicious food that's perfect for sharing. Grazing's offerings are designed to encourage interaction and conversation among colleagues, making lunchtime a true social event.
Offering and Unique Selling Points:
Artisanal grazing boxes and platters
Focus on high-quality, visually appealing food
Options for breakfast, lunch, and events
Cargo bike deliveries
Website: www.grazingfood.com
Pure has evolved beyond grab-and-go to become a comprehensive catering solution for London businesses. With their new "Food for Business" service, Pure offers inspiring, healthy options for everything from small team meetings to large-scale corporate events.
Offering and Unique Selling Points:
Versatile catering options for meetings, events, and daily workplace feeding
Flexible solutions including Drop Points service with individual logins and set budgets
Ability to cater for various locations, including film sets and outdoor events
Options for both individual meals and buffet-style catering
Focus on healthy, inspiring food that caters to diverse tastes and dietary needs
Website: www.pure.co.uk
Social Pantry is transforming London's office lunch scene with a catering approach that combines culinary excellence with social responsibility. As an independent caterer, they not only deliver exceptional food but also champion a meaningful cause by employing ex-offenders. Their mission extends beyond serving extraordinary meals to fostering positive societal and environmental impact.
Offering and Unique Selling Points:
Bespoke menus featuring sustainably sourced, seasonal ingredients
Wide range of options from elegant canapés to immersive dining experiences
Innovative approach to office catering, including live cooking stations
Strong commitment to sustainability, with industry-leading eco-friendly practices
Website: www.socialpantry.co.uk
Karma Cans takes a fresh approach to workplace dining. This dynamic catering company has found the sweet spot between health-conscious meals and mouth watering flavours, all while keeping sustainability at the forefront of their operations.
Offering and Unique Selling Points:
Weekly-changing menus featuring fresh, made-from-scratch dishes
Diverse options catering to all dietary requirements, including meat, fish, vegetarian, and vegan choices
Strong focus on healthy, nutritious meals that don't compromise on taste
Commitment to sustainable practices in food sourcing and delivery
Lantana brings a taste of Australia to London offices with their vibrant, healthy offerings. Inspired by Melbourne's famous café culture, Lantana offers a fresh, laid-back approach to office catering. Their menu is a fusion of flavours from around the world, with a focus on nutritious, satisfying meals. Lantana is particularly known for their excellent coffee, making them a favourite for quick office meetings and all-day conferences.
Offering and Unique Selling Points:
Known for their excellent coffee
Great breakfast and lunch options
Now that you've met the cream of the crop, how do you choose the perfect caterer for your office? Here are some steps to guide you:
Before you start reaching out to caterers, it's crucial to have a clear understanding of your workforce’s needs. This will help you narrow down your options and find a caterer that's the right fit for your business. Consider
Office size and budget
Dietary requirements and preferences
Office culture and values - make them aware of any consumption nuances applicable to your industry (e.g. out of hours needs)
Frequency of catering needs
Space and facilities available
Once you know what you're looking for, it's time to research potential caterers. Don't just rely on their own marketing materials – look for independent reviews and recommendations to get a balanced view. Steps to take include
Explore caterers' websites and social media
Read reviews from multiple sources
Check industry awards and food hygiene ratings
Ask for recommendations from your network
Survey your workforce on their needs and recommendations
When you've shortlisted potential caterers, it's time to dig deeper. Don't be afraid to ask detailed questions – a good caterer will be happy to provide all the information you need. Here are some key areas to enquire about
Reading about a caterer is one thing, but tasting their food and experiencing their service is crucial before making a final decision. Many caterers offer tasting sessions or trial orders for this purpose. During your trial
Attend tasting sessions or place a small trial order
Evaluate food quality, presentation, and portion sizes
Assess punctuality and customer service
Gather feedback from a diverse range of staff
Test special dietary options if required
Remember, you're not just choosing a caterer for a one-off event, but potentially starting a long-term partnership. Think about how this relationship might develop over time. Here are some points to ponder
Assess communication and flexibility
Understand the contract terms
Enquire about dedicated account management
Ensure they can scale with your company's growth
Meet some of their team - particularly if you are using their in-house staff
The best caterer for you is one that aligns with your company culture and values. Don't be afraid to ask potential caterers about their sustainability practices, team diversity, or any other factors that are important to your organisation.
Investing in quality office lunch catering isn't just about filling bellies - it's about nourishing your company culture. The importance of a positive workplace culture cannot be overstated. Here's how great lunches can feed your people happy:
Well-fed employees are more focused and energised. Quality lunches provide the necessary nutrients for sustained mental performance throughout the day. By offering balanced meals, you're fuelling your team's creativity and problem-solving abilities, leading to increased output and efficiency.
Shared meals create opportunities for informal interactions and team building. In London's fast-paced work environment, lunch breaks offer valuable time for colleagues to connect beyond work-related discussions. These interactions allow for better communication, collaboration, and a sense of community within the office.
Quality food shows you value your employees' well-being. When staff feel cared for, their job satisfaction naturally increases. This attention to detail in providing good food can translate into higher morale, reduced stress levels, and a more positive attitude towards work.
Varied menu options that cater to different dietary requirements and cultural preferences can promote a sense of inclusion. This diversity in food choices reflects and supports the diversity within your team.
London's office lunch catering scene is diverse and exciting. At the end of the day, the right caterer can do more than just provide tasty meals - they can help create a vibrant, productive, and happy workplace culture.
Ready to ramp up your company’s office lunches and overall catering needs for your business? Why not start with Fooditude? We're passionate about creating food experiences that bring people together, boost morale, and fuel a high-energy team spirit.
Get in touch with us today to discover how we can boost your office food culture. Let's make lunch the highlight of your team's workday!