In a career spanning nearly thirty years, there are not many London venues Rob has not cooked in, from The Royal Albert Hall to The Tower of London and Harrods, Rob has made a name for himself through the quality and aesthetic of his work.

From South West London, but it is Rob’s Irish heritage, and his Grandmother’s home-cooking, that inspired his love of fresh, quality, sustainable ingredients, and the difference that this makes in all food whether that’s home-cooked family suppers, or high-end catered events.

It is this ethos and passion for quality that earned Rob a 2 rosette Michelin listing when he ran his own restaurant in Dorking, Surrey.

In 2017, Rob took up the position of Executive Head Chef to the Archbishop of Canterbury at his official residence, Lambeth Palace. Rob joined the team, bringing with him, his vast experience of working in various prestigious venues and at other London landmarks, as well as leading the kitchen and operations arm of the Palace’s official and external catering.

An early advocate for returning to menus that are seasonal with ingredients harvested from sustainable sources, Rob has transformed Lambeth Palace’s Green Agenda, pioneering low mileage menus, all vegan banquets that have been enjoyed by City Dignitaries and Government Ministers alike, and even inspired the Palace back to being self sufficient where possible.

In recent years, Rob’s portfolio as Executive Head Chef has grown to now lead kitchen and catering teams at Lambeth Palace, the new state-of-the-art Lambeth Palace Library, the Church House Westminster Conference Centre and The Old Palace, Canterbury Cathedral.

Rob is delighted to be joining the judging panel of this year’s London Venue & Catering Awards, and very much looks forward to seeing the best of what London’s thriving catering scene has to offer.

Anna Golden is Commercial Director of London’s leading venue, Olympia London, and is responsible for sales, account management, marketing and communications.

In 2020, the venue commenced its four-year £1bn master plan investing in the long-term strategic vision to elevate Olympia London to the world stage as a destination and cultural hub for design, arts, entertainment and events. Previously Anna oversaw the relaunch of Olympia London including the award winning rebrand and was instrumental in securing contracts with some of Britain’s best loved consumer shows and most prestigious trade shows from leading organisers, including Ideal Home Show, London Book Fair, and Top Drawer.

Anna was a founder member of Olympia London’s ‘Grand Plan’. This staff-driven ESG strategy is core to the business and enabled Olympia London be one of the first UK venues to sign up to the industry Net Zero pledge.

With over 20 years of industry experience within the events, meetings and hospitality sector Anna joined Olympia London in 2002, after previously working for Forte Hotels for several years.

Mr Gowili oversees the hotel’s 136 rooms and suites, The Ritz Restaurant, The Palm Court, The Rivoli Bar and private dining rooms of the adjoining 18th century William Kent House, and is supported in his role by a team of over 300 colleagues. With a passion and broad knowledge of the luxury hotel business, Mr Gowili joined The Ritz London in 2011 as Front of House Manager, before quickly progressing to Rooms Division Manager. He was appointed Hotel Manager in 2013 and under his leadership The Ritz London has achieved outstanding revenue growth, whilst maintaining the very highest levels of guest service. Prior to joining The Ritz London, Mr Gowili held senior management positions within the Red Carnation Hotel Company.

Richard’s background has been in hospitality since he started his own catering company in 1986, Richard Groves Catering & Events (RGC&E), working in prestigious Central London venues and private houses. Following a merger with two of his clients, Business Pursuits and the Ultimate Experience, and the subsequent rebranding of RGC&E to create food and party design, he became a founding director of the Concerto Group, which ultimately became the UK’s leading event and venue management and catering group turning over in excess of £35 million per annum which was sold to CH&Co in 2015.

Joining Smart Group in 2015, Richard brought special event and London venue caterer Moving Venue into the Group, which grew their turnover from £4,000,000 to £11,000,000 in 5 years and won sole catering contracts at, amongst others, Illuminate at The Science Museum, Landing 42 and Magazine London, together with catering contracts at the Hampton Court Music Festival, Henley Festival and 6 Day Cycling at the London Velodrome.

Richard is a past President of the International Special Event Society, and a partner in hospitality and events industry expert advisors, Kershaw Partners.

He is working with his alma mater – Oxford Brookes University, on their student mentoring programme.

Mr Gowili oversees the hotel’s 136 rooms and suites, The Ritz Restaurant, The Palm Court, The Rivoli Bar and private dining rooms of the adjoining 18th century William Kent House, and is supported in his role by a team of over 300 colleagues. With a passion and broad knowledge of the luxury hotel business, Mr Gowili joined The Ritz London in 2011 as Front of House Manager, before quickly progressing to Rooms Division Manager. He was appointed Hotel Manager in 2013 and under his leadership The Ritz London has achieved outstanding revenue growth, whilst maintaining the very highest levels of guest service. Prior to joining The Ritz London, Mr Gowili held senior management positions within the Red Carnation Hotel Company.

Tim Brennan started Caper and Berry in the 2005 and it has gone on to become one of the London and south east leading caterers of weddings, events and private parties. Over the last five years Caper and Berry has continued established its self in the London market with a listings at many of London’s iconic venues. Priding themselves on working with great producers, sourcing amazing ingredients with precision cooking and impeccable service – Caper and Berry offers an exceptional product to the London market.