Who we are

The smallest of London’s Livery Companies, the Worshipful Company of Cooks can trace its origins back to the 12th Century. Thirty-fifth in order of seniority in the City Livery Companies, it was founded from two guilds of cooks in medieval London - the Cooks of Eastcheap and the Cooks of Bread Street.

Receiving its first charter in 1482, the Cooks’ Company is as vital today - actively supporting the modern day craft and catering industry, as well as funding a range of charitable activities - as it was, when it controlled all the catering trade within the 'Square Mile'.

The Company is no longer an association of tradesmen in its original sense of control; yet its membership today still includes craft tradesmen, as well as active engagement with a broad range of organisations associated with cooking.