In August, we typically close for conservation and maintenance works for the Hall, which is a scheduled monument and grade-II listed building. A few years ago, the works included refreshing and repairing the drawing room wallpaper. Hand-painted and dating from the late 18th/ early 19th century, the wallpaper was bought as part of the post-Second World War restoration. The wallpaper, being as precious and delicate as it is, is not attached to the walls, but to boards on the walls to allow for their regular refresh.

We are delighted to have been shortlisted in not one but THREE categories for this year’s London Venue and Catering Awards! The categories are: Best Livery Hall for Events, Caterer of the Year (for venues up to £7M turnover) and Best In-House Caterer. A huge well done to the Hall and Events teams at Merchant Taylors’ who ensure each and ever event is exceptional. We cannot wait for the grand final in November and we will keep our fingers crossed!

Our final Livery Dinner of this Mastership Year was held last week and what a night it was. The evening focused on welcoming new Liverymen as well as reflecting over the past 12 months of the Company’s work across education and philanthropy. Blending ceremony and tradition with looking ahead to the future and our upcoming 700th year, attendees heard updates on its support for schools and educational programmes, and celebrated the foundation’s long-term partnerships and community-focused initiatives that continue to tailor brighter futures across London and the UK.