Kettner’s Lunches

For literary types and aficianados of the 1890s, the name Kettner’s immediately conjures up the image of glamorous after-theatre suppers and of Oscar Wilde ‘feasting with panthers’. But for Liberals/Liberal Demcrats the West End eatery is best remembered for the convivial lunches hosted there by its one time owner (and head of Pizza Express), Peter Boizot. At a time when the Liberal Party’s fortunes were turbulent, these events – always graced with a speaker — rallied people living or working in Central London. When Peter (who managed a large portfolio of cultural, sporting and philanthropic interests) sold Kettner’s, the lunches moved to the National Club, where they continue to this day.

Indeed, this lunchtime I was there (in my role as Vice-Chairman), for a committee brainstorming about the future of the group, which may seek charitable status, as well as to discuss some possible speakers for next season. Under the current Chairman, Peter Whyte, these have been a distinguished lot, not always Liberal Democrats; recent memorable talks were given by Lord Watson of Richmond and Earl Spencer. People don’t have to be a member of the party or of the NLC to attend, but the normal Club dress code applies. For further details, contact the co-ordinator, Andrew Pickersgill, on: andypickers@yahoo.co.uk .