What started as two best friends hosting supper clubs has evolved into one of London’s most exciting female-led catering companies. This month, we caught up with Lily — co-founder of Dinner Ladies — to talk about the highs, lows and big flavours that have defined their 10-year journey. From bold brand activations to purpose-led food experiences, Dinner Ladies continues to push boundaries in hospitality — and Lily is right at the heart of it.

Firstly, congratulations on 10 years of Dinner Ladies! Can you tell us a bit about your background and how it all started?

Thank you! Dinner Ladies began as two best friends who wanted to bring people together to share an experience around food. Emily and I met at university, then lived in China together. We discovered our shared passion for food there and fell in love with the country’s food scene. When we came back to London, we started with small dinner parties and supper clubs. We built the brand slowly over time and here we are 10 years later.

Dinner Ladies has grown into one of the most creative female led catering brands in London. What has been the most pivotal decision in getting it there?

We have always pushed ourselves to think big and jump into opportunities, even if it meant figuring things out as we went. But also, investing in our people. Our team is everything. Building an environment that nurtures talent and creativity, especially among women, has been one of our proudest and smartest decisions.

Bold flavour and visual impact are at the heart of what you do. What has been the highlight and lowlight of running such an incredible company?

The highlight has to be the moment we won our first sole site at Apothecaries’ Hall, a tremendous achievement for an up and coming caterer competing against many who had been in the industry for years. An obvious lowlight was being hit by the pandemic just as we were gaining momentum. But that challenge strengthened our resilience and creativity, and we came out stronger and bigger than before.

What has surprised you most about the journey from supper clubs to running one of London’s most creative catering companies?

That the spirit of those original supper clubs still runs through everything we do, even our large scale brand activations. People still want connection, storytelling, and a sense of occasion. We have also been surprised by how much of a platform the business has become, not just for food, but for mentoring, activism, and community.

There is a clear commitment to sustainability and community in everything you do. How do you balance purpose with the pressure of running events at scale?

Purpose is not an add on for us. It is how we work. From our Sharing Plates initiative, where every event helps feed someone in need, to only using compostable packaging and zero emissions deliveries, we have built sustainability into our infrastructure. It is not always easy, but we believe the more we grow, the more responsibility we have and the more impact we can create. We will be getting our B Corp certification this year, which is a real credit to our dedication in this area.

Is there a moment, or a particular event, meal, lesson learned or conversation, that made you stop and think, “We are really doing something special here”?

Our Wasted Supper Club. It started as an experiment, asking guests to bring food waste for us to turn into a feast. We took a real creative risk and it paid off. We created an experience that genuinely shifted how people think about food. And our 10 year birthday party was completely epic. The night really took my breath away.

What do you know now that you wish you could have told yourself at the very beginning?

Do not be afraid to be bold and do it your way, because that is the right way. And know that being vulnerable and asking for help is not a weakness. It is a massive strength.

10 years in, Lily and the team at Dinner Ladies are showing no signs of slowing down. With B Corp certification on the horizon, a continued commitment to creativity and community, and a belief that food should always mean something more — the next chapter looks as exciting as the last. Here’s to fearless founders, full-flavour feasts, and the future of food that makes a difference.