Have a question about the Lord Mayor's Big Curry Lunch? We have a few pointers below covered, however should you have more questions, please contact lmbc@armybenevolentfund.org
How do I access my ticket?
Your ticket will appear in the form of a QR code on your LMBCL website profile. You will need to download this QR code to gain entrance to the Guildhall.
Your QR code is specific to you, and has your name, ticket time and entrance on it.
I want to book several tickets, but don't yet know the names of my guests - do I need to fill out all their details?
You do not need your guest details to book your tickets, you may 'skip' that section of the booking form; however, we will need their names by no later than 2nd April 2026. Please fill these in on your profile on our website under 'manage tickets'.
If your guest's name is not assigned to a ticket by the 2nd April, they won't be able to enter the Guildhall.
What is the dress code?
Civilians
Lounge Suit and tie, or equivalent
Livery, Ward Club and City Club members
Badges of Office
Military Personnel
Officers - Service Dress with leather/medals
Warrant Officers – No2 Dress with leather/medals
Other Ranks – No2 Dress with medals
Do all guests need to bring identification?
Yes, every attendee is required to bring and present their QR Code ticket and photo ID.
The name on the ID must match the name on the ticket.
Entry will be refused to any guest who fails to produce photo ID.
I want to book tickets for a group (10 or more) and take advantage of the corporate area. Can I do this directly?
We prefer all tickets to be purchased through the website under a group ticket package, however if you are having problems please contact Katy Wildman on 0207 811 3201 or kwildman@armybenevolentfund.org, or e-mail lmbc@armybenevolentfund.org
Will there be first aid onsite?
Yes, members of St John Ambulance will be present in the Guildhall.
Can I arrive earlier than my specified Lunch Sitting time?
Yes, all activities begin at 11.45am and remain open until the end of the Lunch. However, we ask guests to ensure they go to lunch in the Great Hall at their alloted time (12:30 pm, 1:15 pm or 2:00 pm), as each Lunch sitting has a carefully managed capacity.
Is the venue suitable for guests with accessibility needs?
The Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch welcomes guests and volunteers with disability. The Guildhall building has a number of different levels but is well-prepared for wheelchair users and/or those with other mobility concerns. There are passenger lifts, chairlifts, and disabled WCs around the building.
If you would like to discuss your specific needs before attending the Lunch, please contact lmbc@armybenevolentfund.org or call 0207 811 3202.
The Army Benevolent Fund's staff team will be onsite during the Lunch, and will be happy to help you in any way they can.
Does the Curry Lunch have a sustainability policy?
The Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch Committee takes great care to follow the lead set out in the City of London’s Vision and Policies on Sustainability.
In terms of the lunch menu offered, our supplier is Pilgrim's Europe, the largest supplier of Asian food products to the UK grocery trade. Pilgrim's Europe works closely with most of the large supermarket chains and sets the highest standards for its sourcing. We have negligible food waste.
In line with the policies of the Corporation and The Cook and The Butler, the City catering company that oversees the Lunch at Guildhall on behalf of the Corporation, we do not use single-use plastic at the Lunch, the purified still and sparkling water we offer both use tap water, our coffee is Fair Trade and all glass bottles are recycled.
The Corporation and The Cook and The Butler are both London Living Wage employers.
Left over food from the Lunch is also not wasted, but instead distrubuted to the large group of volunteers that help at the event.
Who is the Royal Guest of Honour?
Because of strict security measures, the Royal Guest of Honour is announced only a few days before the Lunch. Previous Royal Guests have included HM King Charles (when HRH The Prince of Wales), TRH The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, HRH The Princess Royal, HRH The Duke of Kent, and TRH Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.
Are there other events that support the Lunch?
Yes, there are a number supporting events for the Lunch. These include:
- The Lord Mayor's Launch Reception: Each year the Lunch is launched by the Lord Mayor in November. The reception is attended by the Civic and Mayoral Party, the LMBCL Committee, sponsors, supporters and Livery Masters and Clerks. During the evening the Lord Mayor makes a speech outlining the aims and objectives for the Lunch that year.
- The Garden Launch: Every January or February there is a launch for the opening of the Veterans' Garden in Guildhall Yard. The Garden is designed (and maintained) by the Worshipful Company of Gardeners and remains in place until the evening of The Lord Mayor's Big Curry Lunch. The Lord Mayor, a Royal Guest of Honour, celebrity gardeners and Masters and Clerks from the Livery Companies and Ward Clubs in the City are usually in attendance.
- The Lord Mayor's Thank You Party: Each year the Lunch is followed by a 'Thank you Reception' in May, to thank all those involved on the day. The Lord Mayor announces the final result of the Lunch that year and publically thanks key sponsors and supporters.
- Other Satellite Events: Committee Members and Livery Companies sometimes hold their own events in support of the LMBCL and any funds raised goes towards the final total. To hear about what Satellite Events are on throughout the year, please get in touch with lmbc@armybenevolentfund.org.
