Frequently asked questions

What is a Livery Company?
Livery Companies were established in the Middle Ages as trade guilds where members of a common trade or craft grouped together into societies for mutual protection. These guilds made provision for the poor, sick and needy in their communities and promoted the interests of their crafts, including apprenticeship, trade control, working conditions and welfare. Its members, known as freemen, enjoyed certain rights and privileges both in trade and in the governance of the City of London , since they all qualified for freedom of the City. The term ‘livery’ referred to the clothing or uniform worn by freemen to denote their particular trade or profession. Livery Companies are still formed today ‘reflecting modern trades and professions’.

Who may join the Worshipful Company of Cooks?

An applicant for the Freedom of the Company must be proposed and seconded by two members of the Court who know him or her personally. Applicants must be over twenty one and normally under fifty years old, and they should have some connection with catering and/or the City.

What is the Worshipful Company of Cooks role today?
The Company is proud to support the City, the modern catering trade and charitable activities through two committees:

• Assistance to Cookery Committee
• Trust and Charity Funds Committee

What type of grants do you make?
The restriction of charitable money means that the Company can usually only support applications pertinent to catering-related projects or projects associated with the City of London .

How do I apply?
Applications for support should be addressed to the Chairman of the Charity Committee c/o the Clerk and include full details of the project, the amount of support required and reasons why an approach is being made to the Worshipful Company of Cooks.

Do you make grants to individuals?
We have limited funds to make grants to individuals for approved catering courses or projects. They must be prepared to attend an interview.

Do you make grants to institutions for installing or refurbishing kitchens?
Grants are only made if the charities are personally sponsored by a member of the Court. The member must personally know the organisation making the application.

How do I get in contact with the Worshipful Company of Cooks?
Correspondence should be addressed to The Clerk, Coombe Ridge, Thursley Road, Churt, Farnham, Surrey GU10 2LQ, telephone 01428 606670, email: clerk@cookslivery.org.uk