Monday lunch at the Plaisterers' Hall

I wish every week would start like this!
On Monday I was invited to an autumn lunch at the Plaisterers' Hall, just a 15 minute walk (in the freezing cold) from the office. The Hall "is the largest and one of the finest Livery Halls in London. Opened in 1972 and situated in the heart of the City of London, it reflects the grandeur of a bygone era but in an ultra modern setting.
The Company's first Hall was bequeathed to the Company by William Elder, Citizen and Plaisterer in 1556. It was situated at the corner of Addle Street and Philip Lane and destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666. The second Hall was built in 1669 from the design of Sir Christopher Wren, but this was also destroyed by fire in 1882.

The present Hall, opened in November 1972 has décor throughout of the neo-classical style created by Robert Adam in the 18th century. His various designs have been faithfully reproduced in great detail both on plaster and wood, some being taken from his original moulds" (http://www.plaisterershall.com/history.php)

The lunch started off with canapes and drinks in the rooms just outside the hall. The theme to the catering seemed to be mixing sweet and savoury in all the dishes. Canapes included smoked salmon with wasabi panna cotta!

Main: Sirloin of British Beef with chard and cashel blue bread and butter pudding, spinach, glazed beetroot and roasted garlic cream

Dessert: Bonfire Sundae with baked apple ice cream, beetroot chocolate brownie (which fortunately did not taste of beetroot - I don't like beetroot!), pumpkin marshmallow, caramelized nuts, cinder toffee sauce and fondant flames

And after lunch, we were treated to a pick 'n mix station with petit four, macaroons, Turkish delight, brownies and other sweet things. Too bad that the bags were tiny! To round it all off, we got a goody bag with sparklers and sweets.

Unfortunately, the photos didn't come out that well. The venue is really beautiful - amazing that this was only built in the 70s! The hall also has a balcony area, which I guess could be used for entertainment purposes. It's a really stunning venue and I am not surprised it's very popular for weddings.

Part of the reception area

Decor in the foyer outside the hall

Natural daylight thanks to floor to ceiling windows

Fabulous candleholders and flowers as centre pieces and stunning chandeliers