How to Plan a Corporate Lunch in the City of London: A Practical Guide

A good corporate lunch in the City of London is about more than finding somewhere to eat. It is an opportunity to bring colleagues together, meet a client away from the office, celebrate a team achievement or simply create some breathing space during a busy working week.

But choosing the right restaurant can be surprisingly difficult. You need a convenient location, a menu that works for different preferences, an atmosphere where people can actually talk, reliable service and enough flexibility for the size and purpose of your group.

For businesses based around Liverpool Street, Bishopsgate, Bank, Aldgate and the wider City, Spitalfields is particularly convenient. It offers a wide choice of restaurants while remaining close to major transport connections.

Dilchad, at 24 Widegate Street, Spitalfields, London E1 7HP, is a long-established family-run Indian restaurant located close to Liverpool Street and the City. The restaurant has been part of East London’s dining landscape since 1962 and specifically offers corporate events and group dining.

In this guide, we look at how to plan a successful business lunch in the City of London, from choosing the venue and menu to considering dietary requirements, timings and the experience your guests will have.

Why Does the Restaurant Matter for a Corporate Lunch?

The restaurant you choose can influence the entire tone of a business lunch.

A venue that is too noisy can make conversation difficult. A restaurant that is too formal may make a casual team lunch feel unnecessarily stiff. Somewhere too far from the office can turn a one-hour lunch into half a day’s commitment.

The ideal venue should therefore balance several factors:

• Convenient location
• Comfortable seating
• Suitable atmosphere
• Reliable service
• Food that suits different tastes
• Options for dietary requirements
• Appropriate timing for a working lunch
• Ability to accommodate groups

This is especially important when the lunch involves clients or business partners. You want the restaurant to support the conversation rather than become a distraction.

Choose a Convenient Location

Location is one of the first things to consider when arranging a business lunch.

For City workers, Liverpool Street is particularly useful because it connects the City with several parts of London and beyond. Spitalfields is only a short walk away, making it practical for colleagues travelling from different offices.

Dilchad is located on Widegate Street, close to Liverpool Street Station and Old Spitalfields Market.

This means guests can reach the restaurant without having to make a complicated journey through central London.

When inviting clients, include the restaurant’s full address in the calendar invitation or meeting confirmation. If someone is unfamiliar with the area, provide simple walking directions from the nearest station as well.

You can find Dilchad’s location and contact details on the Dilchad contact page.

Think About the Purpose of the Lunch

Not every corporate lunch has the same purpose.

Before booking a table, decide what you actually want the lunch to achieve.

Client Lunch

A client lunch is often about building or strengthening a professional relationship. The environment should allow for relaxed conversation without feeling too casual.

In this situation, consider a comfortable table where everyone can hear one another and take their time over the meal.

Team Lunch

A team lunch can be more informal. It might be used to celebrate a project, welcome a new employee or simply give colleagues an opportunity to socialise outside the office.

For a team meal, variety becomes particularly important because people may have very different food preferences.

Business Development Lunch

If you are meeting a prospective partner or client, the restaurant can become part of the overall impression you create.

A well-organised lunch demonstrates attention to detail. It shows that you have considered the guest’s time, dietary needs and overall experience.

Celebratory Corporate Lunch

Not every business lunch needs to be about negotiations.

Companies may also organise lunches to celebrate promotions, completed projects, business milestones or team achievements.

In these situations, a restaurant with event and group-dining experience can be particularly useful.

Why Indian Food Works Well for Business Lunches

Indian cuisine is particularly suitable for groups because the menu can accommodate a wide range of preferences.

One guest might prefer a mild and creamy curry, while another may want something spicy. Someone else may choose a vegetarian dish, while another guest might prefer grilled meat or seafood.

This variety allows a group to build a meal around different tastes rather than forcing everyone into the same type of food.

Indian food can also work well for sharing. Starters, tandoori dishes, breads, rice and side dishes can be placed in the middle of the table, allowing guests to experience several flavours during the meal.

For people unfamiliar with Indian cuisine, a business lunch can also be an opportunity to introduce them to dishes they may not normally order.

Dilchad’s menu includes tandoori dishes, curries, biryani, vegetarian options, breads and other Indian and Bengali-inspired dishes.

Before arranging a large booking, review the Dilchad menu so you have an idea of the options available.

Consider the Menu Before the Day

One of the easiest ways to make a corporate lunch run smoothly is to think about the menu before everyone sits down.

You do not necessarily need to pre-order every dish, but understanding the menu can help you make better decisions.

For a larger group, consider a mixture of:

• Vegetarian starters
• Tandoori or grilled dishes
• One or two curry options
• Biryani or rice
• Naan or other breads
• Vegetable side dishes
• Cooling accompaniments

This creates variety without ordering an excessive number of dishes.

Sharing several dishes can also make the lunch more interactive, particularly if the group already knows one another.

Do Not Forget Dietary Requirements

Dietary requirements should be discussed before the lunch rather than discovered when everyone is already seated.

When sending the invitation, ask attendees whether they have:

• Food allergies
• Vegetarian requirements
• Vegan requirements
• Gluten-related dietary requirements
• Religious dietary requirements
• Other food restrictions

This is particularly important for a client lunch. You do not want a guest to discover at the table that they cannot comfortably eat the food that has been ordered.

Dilchad has previously published information about its halal food offering and advises guests with specific certification questions to contact the restaurant directly before booking.

If an attendee has a serious allergy, always speak directly with the restaurant rather than relying solely on the online menu.

Allow Enough Time for a Business Lunch

A corporate lunch should have a realistic schedule.

If you have only 45 minutes between meetings, choosing a restaurant where you need to rush through several courses may not be sensible.

For a proper client lunch, allowing around 90 minutes can create a much more comfortable experience.

A simple schedule might look like this:

The exact timings will depend on the group and restaurant, but building some flexibility into the schedule is always sensible.

Choose a Restaurant Where Conversation Is Possible

Food is important, but conversation is often the real reason for a business lunch.

If you are meeting a client, you may need to discuss projects, budgets, partnerships or future plans. Excessive background noise can make this unnecessarily difficult.

When choosing your table, ask whether the restaurant can place your group somewhere suitable for conversation.

Dilchad describes its restaurant as a setting for corporate gatherings as well as birthdays, weddings and other special occasions. Its long-established presence in Spitalfields also means that it serves both local workers and visitors to the area.

For larger corporate bookings, it is worth discussing your requirements with the restaurant in advance rather than simply arriving with a large group.

Consider Sharing Dishes

Sharing dishes can be particularly effective for an Indian business lunch.

Rather than ordering one main course per person, you can create a selection that everyone can explore.

For example, a table might include:

• Chicken tikka
• Seekh kebab
• A vegetarian starter
• A chicken curry
• A lamb curry
• Vegetable dishes
• Basmati rice
• Garlic naan

This approach works particularly well when the guests are comfortable sharing.

It also allows people to try different dishes without committing to an entire portion of something unfamiliar.

For a more informal team lunch, this can be a much more engaging experience than everyone ordering separately.

Include Vegetarian Options

Indian cuisine has an exceptionally broad vegetarian tradition, so there is little reason for vegetarian guests to be given only one token option.

Dishes such as dal, chana masala, paneer, vegetable curries and vegetable biryani can form a substantial part of a group meal.

Dilchad’s menu includes a range of vegetarian dishes, making it possible to build a varied meal for groups with mixed dietary preferences.

If you are organising a corporate lunch where several people have different diets, ask the restaurant about the best combination of dishes rather than simply choosing everything yourself.

You can also read Dilchad’s guide to popular Indian vegetarian dishes for inspiration before your booking.

Use the Occasion to Introduce Clients to Something Different

A business lunch does not have to be predictable.

If your client is already familiar with Indian food, consider introducing them to dishes beyond the standard British curry-house favourites.

For example, Bengali-influenced dishes can offer something different from the familiar butter chicken or chicken tikka masala.

Dilchad has been family-run since 1962 and has strong roots in the Bengali community of East London. Its current menu combines traditional Bengali influences with a wider Indian and South Asian offering.

The restaurant’s own history is closely connected with the development of East London’s Bengali community, which gives a meal there an additional cultural dimension beyond the food itself.

For more background, read From Bengal to Spitalfields: The Story, Flavours and Legacy of Dilchad.

Think About Transport

When organising a business lunch, you should make the journey as simple as possible for your guests.

A restaurant close to Liverpool Street can be convenient for people travelling from different parts of London.

Spitalfields is also within easy reach of areas including Bishopsgate, Aldgate and the wider City of London.

When sending your invitation, include:

• The restaurant name
• Full address
• Nearest station
• Booking time
• Expected duration
• Your contact number

This small amount of information can prevent unnecessary confusion on the day.

Should You Book in Advance?

For a corporate lunch, booking in advance is strongly preferable to relying on a walk-in table.

A reservation gives the restaurant an opportunity to prepare for your group and gives you greater confidence that the seating arrangement will work for your meeting.

When booking, tell the restaurant:

• Number of guests
• Preferred arrival time
• Whether it is a business or corporate booking
• Any dietary requirements
• Whether you need a longer table
• Whether you have any timing restrictions

If you are organising a particularly important client meeting, contact the restaurant ahead of time rather than relying entirely on an online booking form.

You can use the Dilchad reservation page to enquire about a table.

What Should You Wear to a Business Lunch?

The answer depends on the purpose of the meeting and the restaurant.

For a client meeting, smart casual or business casual clothing is generally a safe choice unless your company or event has a specific dress code.

If the lunch is part of a formal corporate event, your organisation may already have appropriate expectations.

The important thing is to look professional without making the meal feel unnecessarily formal.

How to Keep the Lunch Professional Without Making It Stiff

The best business lunches usually strike a balance between professional conversation and genuine social interaction.

Do not immediately begin discussing contracts or sales targets the moment everyone sits down.

Give people a chance to settle in, order drinks and have some natural conversation.

Once everyone is comfortable, the business discussion can develop naturally.

Food can actually help create this transition. Discussing dishes, asking whether someone has tried a particular curry or talking about the restaurant can provide an easy opening before moving into more serious topics.

Plan for the Bill in Advance

Few things make a business lunch more awkward than uncertainty over payment.

Decide beforehand who is responsible for the bill.

If you are hosting a client, the expectation is often that the host will arrange payment, but company policies vary.

For a team lunch, you may prefer to pay centrally or divide the bill.

If the payment method matters, clarify this with the restaurant before the meal, particularly for a larger corporate booking.

Corporate Events Beyond Lunch

A successful lunch may lead to larger corporate events.

Companies may need restaurants for:

• Team celebrations
• Client dinners
• Business networking
• End-of-project meals
• Staff celebrations
• Company anniversaries
• Private dining
• Corporate parties

Dilchad specifically offers corporate events and event planning alongside its restaurant service.

The restaurant’s location in Spitalfields can make it particularly convenient for companies based around Liverpool Street and the City.

For larger events, contact the team in advance to discuss group size, menus, timing and any other requirements.

Why Dilchad Can Work for a City Business Lunch

Dilchad combines several characteristics that are useful for corporate dining.

First, its location at 24 Widegate Street puts it close to the City and Liverpool Street.

Second, the menu offers enough variety for groups with different preferences.

Third, the restaurant has experience hosting corporate gatherings as well as other group occasions.

Finally, Dilchad has been part of the East London community since 1962, giving the restaurant a sense of history that newer venues cannot easily replicate.

That does not mean every business lunch needs to take place at the same restaurant. The right venue will always depend on the purpose, group size and preferences of your guests.

However, for businesses looking for an Indian restaurant close to the City of London, Spitalfields is a location worth considering.

A Simple Corporate Lunch Checklist

Before confirming your booking, run through this checklist:

1. Confirm the number of guests.
2. Choose a convenient date and time.
3. Ask guests about dietary requirements.
4. Choose a restaurant with appropriate seating.
5. Check the current menu.
6. Confirm whether sharing dishes would suit the group.
7. Book the table in advance.
8. Tell the restaurant that it is a corporate booking.
9. Confirm any timing restrictions.
10. Share the address and transport information with guests.
11. Decide who will handle payment.
12. Arrive early enough to welcome your guests.

These simple steps can turn a potentially stressful lunch into a straightforward and enjoyable business meeting.

Final Thoughts

Planning a corporate lunch in the City of London does not need to be complicated.

The key is to choose a venue that combines convenience, good food, comfortable surroundings and the flexibility to accommodate different guests.

Indian cuisine is particularly well suited to business lunches because of its variety. Vegetarian dishes, tandoori cooking, curries, biryani, breads and regional specialities give groups plenty of opportunities to create a meal that suits everyone.

Location matters just as much. A restaurant close to Liverpool Street and the City can make the logistics considerably easier for busy professionals.

Dilchad has been serving the East London community since 1962 and today welcomes corporate gatherings, private events, celebrations and everyday diners. Its location at 24 Widegate Street in Spitalfields makes it a practical option for businesses looking for an Indian restaurant near the City of London.

If you are planning your next business lunch, take a look at the Dilchad menu, explore the restaurant’s events options and contact the team to discuss your requirements.

Plan your corporate lunch at Dilchad →

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a good corporate lunch venue?

A good corporate lunch venue should be convenient to reach, comfortable enough for conversation, capable of accommodating different dietary requirements and able to provide reliable service for the size of your group.

Where can I have a business lunch near Liverpool Street?

Spitalfields is a convenient area for business lunches near Liverpool Street. Dilchad is located at 24 Widegate Street and offers Indian and Bengali-influenced cuisine alongside corporate and group dining options.

Is Indian food suitable for a business lunch?

Yes. Indian food offers a wide range of vegetarian, meat, seafood, grilled and curry dishes, making it suitable for groups with different tastes and dietary preferences.

Can Dilchad host corporate events?

Yes. Dilchad’s website specifically highlights corporate events, event planning and group dining. For larger bookings, it is advisable to contact the restaurant in advance to discuss your requirements.

How far is Dilchad from Liverpool Street?

Dilchad is located on Widegate Street in Spitalfields, close to Liverpool Street Station. The restaurant’s location makes it convenient for City workers, clients and visitors travelling into the area.

Should I book a restaurant in advance for a business lunch?

Yes. Booking in advance is recommended, particularly when you are hosting clients or bringing a larger group. It also gives you an opportunity to discuss seating, dietary requirements and timing with the restaurant.