Membership/Admissions
The Cooks Company has three categories for the admission of members:
Freeman
Honorary Freeman
Liveryman
Freeman
A new member is first admitted to the Freedom of the Company. Until 2003 the daughters of Liverymen were the only women who could be admitted to the Company. They were then known as Freemaidens and were not able to progress to the Livery. Today, both the Freedom and Livery are open to both men and women.
Honorary Freeman
A category restricted to individuals specially chosen by the Court for: their services to the catering trade; in recognition of holding senior position in the Armed Forces; or, for exceptional service to the Cooks Company.
Liveryman
Freemen who have served actively for a minimum of three years, and who have been admitted as Freemen of the City of London, can then be admitted to the Livery up to the Company’s maximum complement of 75.
