Mr. John Bennett was crowned Master of The Worshipful Company of Cooks of London at the Confirmation and Associated Companies dinner on 12th November 2025, marking the start of his year in office.
The Second Master, Commander Mike Richardson RN, and Warden, Mr Simon Fooks, were crowned in their new roles, joined by Colonel Paul Budd OBE FIH as the new Renter Warden.
Our new Master has had a long career in the hospitality industry, starting in 1977, first in Hotels and then Food Service. His career mainly focused on the business and industry sector, working for Sutcliffe Catering, Granada Food Service, Compass Catering, finally becoming CEO of bespoke hospitality provider BaxterStorey in 2012. Nine years later he stepped down from the role and is now a Non-Executive Director.
At dinner the Master welcomed three new members to the Livery – Mr Ian Faul, Major Harry Lomas MBE BEM and Commodore Jeremy Rigby CBE – two new members to the Freedom of the Company – Mrs Janet Clarabut and Major Alistair Hughes- and a newly indentured Apprentice, Mr Dylan Patel, with Warden Simon Fooks serving as his Apprentice Master.
Mr Ian Faul, Major Harry Lomas MBE BEM, Commodore Jeremy Rigby CBE
(R) Newly Indentured Apprentice, Mr Dylan Patel, with the Master and Warden.
As is custom, representatives from the Associated Companies, an association that dates back centuries, joined us for this dinner. From the Mercers – House Warden Henry Lloyd and Renter Warden Andrew Fenwick; from the Broderers – Master James Neill and Warden Cris Tarrant; from the Masons – Master Peter Blincow and Upper Warden Adrian Munns; and from the Innholders – Master Elect Sir James Wates, Warden Dr Richard Wylde and Clerk Rebecca Tomlin.
It was, as always, an evening of good food, good wine and good company!
