Top Food-Trends for Office Catering in London That Your Team Will Talk About

Why Trends Matter in Office Catering

The Changing Office Lunch Landscape in London

The office lunch scene in London is evolving faster than ever. What once meant uninspiring sandwiches or basic buffet trays has transformed into a dynamic food culture influenced by health awareness, global flavours, and employees’ rising expectations. Today, lunch isn’t just a break in the middle of the day, it’s a part of the workplace experience.

With hybrid working becoming a long-term norm, businesses have realised they can create more meaningful in-office days simply by elevating the food they offer. When employees know they’re getting fresh, exciting meals, attendance improves, team engagement rises, and the office environment feels more energised.

Corporate catering London has grown into a highly competitive industry, pushing caterers to innovate with seasonal ingredients, international cuisine, and dietary-friendly menus. As a result, staying informed about the latest office catering London trends has become essential for companies that want to attract, retain, and genuinely delight their teams.

Key Drivers Behind New Catering Trends

Several key factors are reshaping the way London companies plan food for their teams:

• Employee Well-being: Teams want nutritious meals that help them stay focused and energised - not heavy dishes that cause an afternoon slump.

• Cultural Diversity: London’s workforce is incredibly multicultural, encouraging catering suppliers to draw inspiration from global cuisines.

• Food Awareness: More people want to know where their food comes from and what’s inside it.

• Dietary Sensitivity: Vegan, dairy-free, halal, gluten-free, and allergen-friendly options are no longer “optional” - they’re expected.

• The Dining Experience: Modern teams value food experiences, whether that’s a build-your-own station, a themed lunch, or a seasonal showcase.

With these influences in mind, let’s explore the most talked-about trends shaping office and corporate lunch catering in London today.

Trend #1: Build-Your-Own Bowls and Custom Stations

Why Customisation Resonates with Teams

Custom bowl stations remain one of the top office catering London trends. They offer flexibility, fun, and freshness all at once, creating an experience that feels more like visiting a trendy food market than a traditional office lunch line.

Employees enjoy custom stations because they can tailor their meal based on:

• Protein preference (grilled chicken, tofu, paneer, salmon, falafel)

• Spice level and sauce selection

• Portion size

• Dietary requirements

• Personal taste

It’s the perfect mix of convenience and creativity. People can make a bowl that’s light and refreshing or hearty and comforting, without feeling limited by a fixed menu option.

These stations also naturally increase employee satisfaction because they remove the guesswork: team members build meals they actually want to eat. Plus, they reduce food waste, as guests only take what they need.

How to Set It Up in a London Office Space

Setting up custom stations doesn’t require a full kitchen. Many corporate catering services London provide everything needed, including serving equipment and layout guidance. To make it smooth:

• Use a central table to display bases, toppings, and proteins.

• Arrange items in order of selection: base → protein → vegetables → toppings → sauces.

• Ensure clear allergen and dietary labels on each item.

• Provide compostable bowls and cutlery.

• Allow enough space for staff to move without crowding.

Popular build-your-own concepts for London offices include:

• Mediterranean grain bowls with hummus, feta, and roasted vegetables

• Poke bowls with fresh fish, rice, edamame, and sesame toppings

• Mexican burrito bowls with seasoned beans, salsas, and guacamole

• Asian noodle bowls with greens, tofu, and aromatic broths

• Salad stations with premium toppings and freshly roasted proteins

This trend works especially well for team lunches, onboarding days, and collaborative in-office events.

Trend #2: Seasonal, Local & Plant-Forward Menus

Sourcing Local Produce in London

Seasonal and local menus continue to rise in popularity, driven by London’s growing emphasis on sustainability and food quality. Employees are more aware of food sourcing than ever before, and caterers have responded by partnering with local suppliers, farms, and artisanal producers.

Many London corporate catering companies now highlight:

• Seasonal vegetables from farms across the South East

• Fresh bakery items from local independent bakeries

• Small-batch dairy, cheese, and condiments

• Urban-farmed greens and herbs

• Ethical sourcing and reduced food miles

Not only does this support the local economy, but it also improves taste. Seasonal produce is harvested at peak freshness, meaning dishes are more flavourful, colourful, and nutrient-rich.

Plant-forward Options That Don’t Feel Like ‘Salad’

Plant-forward catering has become mainstream, yet importantly, it’s not about forcing everyone to eat salad. Today’s plant-forward dishes are vibrant, satisfying, and packed with flavour. They’re designed to appeal to vegans, vegetarians, and flexitarians alike.

Examples that London teams love include:

• Roasted cauliflower shawarma with tahini drizzle

• Sweet potato and chickpea harissa bowls

• Mushroom and truffle tagliatelle

• Plant-based katsu curry

• Mediterranean roasted veg with quinoa and lemon dressing

These dishes are nutritious without feeling restrictive, making them ideal for corporate lunch catering in London. Plant-forward menus also offer practical benefits: they’re generally budget-friendly, environmentally positive, and inclusive for most diets.

Trend #3: Dietary-Inclusive Menus (Vegan, Gluten-Free, etc.)

Catering to Diverse Team Needs

One of the biggest shifts in office catering London is the demand for fully inclusive menus. Rather than offering a basic vegan salad or a single gluten-free tray, companies want a selection that ensures everyone can enjoy a proper meal.

Inclusive catering often features:

• Vegan dishes that are just as exciting as non-vegan options

• Gluten-free pastas, wraps, and mains

• Nut-free snacks and desserts

• Halal-certified meats

• Dairy-free sauces and dressings

• Allergen-aware meal prep and kitchen processes

This ensures every employee feels valued and avoids awkward situations where someone “can’t eat anything” at the table.

Communicating Dietary Options Clearly

Clear communication is one of the simplest ways to elevate a catering experience. The best corporate catering London providers now include:

• Printed tent cards

• Colour-coded labels

• Icons for gluten, dairy, nuts, soy, and eggs

• Separate trays to avoid cross-contamination

• Advance digital menus so teams can plan

This builds trust and comfort, making mealtime enjoyable for everyone.

How to Pick the Right Trend for Your Team

Budget & Venue Considerations in London

Choosing the right catering style depends on multiple factors:

• Budget: Seasonal menus and custom stations vary in cost, but both can be adapted to different price ranges.

• Office Space: If space is limited, drop-off catering or pre-portioned meals might work better than live stations.

• Team Size: Larger teams benefit from buffet-style or build-your-own setups that keep lines moving.

• Event Type: Casual lunches, quarterly meetings, and celebrations each have their ideal menu style.

• Frequency: For weekly lunches, consider rotating menus to maintain excitement.

London offers a huge variety of corporate catering options, making it easy to find the right fit.

Measuring Team Satisfaction & Feedback

Collecting feedback will help you refine future catering decisions. Companies often use:

• Fast Slack or Teams polls

• QR code surveys placed near the serving area

• Anonymous suggestion boxes

• Quick “vote cards” for favourite dishes

• Weekly feedback via HR or office managers

Tracking preferences ensures your catering stays relevant and enjoyable every time.

Conclusion & Next Steps for Your Office Catering Event

Office catering in London is no longer a background task, it’s part of workplace culture and team-building. From build-your-own bowls to seasonal menus and dietary-inclusive options, today’s trends focus on freshness, experience, and inclusivity.

Embracing office catering London trends allows companies to offer meals that are memorable, energising, and genuinely appreciated. By choosing the right catering partner and keeping your team’s preferences in mind, you can create food experiences that boost morale, bring people together, and enhance the overall in-office atmosphere.

Whether planning a weekly lunch or a one-off event, these food trends will ensure your catering stands out and becomes something your team genuinely talks about.

FAQs

1. What is the most popular office catering trend in London right now?

Build-your-own bowls and custom stations are currently the most popular because they cater to multiple dietary needs and give employees full control over their meals.

2. Are plant-based menus suitable for corporate events?

Absolutely. Plant-forward menus are now widely accepted and appreciated, offering hearty, delicious alternatives that appeal to vegans and non-vegans alike.

3. How can I ensure all dietary needs are covered?

Choose a caterer who provides clear labelling, allergen information, and a diverse menu that includes vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and halal options.

4. Is seasonal catering more expensive?

Not necessarily. Seasonal menus can actually reduce costs because they rely on locally available produce. The dishes also tend to taste fresher and look more vibrant.

5. How far in advance should I book corporate lunch catering in London?

Booking 1–2 weeks in advance is ideal for larger or themed events, although many catering companies can accommodate quicker orders for standard lunches.