In conversation with Michael Hockney, Founder of the Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch
At the Guildhall, a notable ceremonial venue in the City of London, one day out of the year stands apart. On this day, traditional protocols fall by the wayside. The seating arrangement is absent, hierarchy is ignored, and place cards are nowhere to be found. Instead, 1,650 attendees gather to enjoy curry, forming lines to serve themselves, engaging in conversations with whoever is nearby at the tables.
This occasion, known as The Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch, is scheduled for Thursday, April 16, 2026. Tickets can be purchased here.
The driving force behind this unique gathering is Michael Hockney, a former management consultant and trustee of the Army Benevolent Fund. He is the visionary behind what has grown into one of the City’s significant philanthropic events: the Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch.
The Origin Story
The first event took place in 2008, originally held outside the Guildhall in marquees due to renovations in the kitchen.
“It felt like sardines in a tin,” Hockney recalls. “Yet it managed to raise £120,000 net, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. We decided to continue the event the following year, especially since the new Lord Mayor was keen to host it.”
From its humble beginnings, attendance surged rapidly. Today, every major room in the Guildhall accommodates 1,650 guests, with over £4.2 million raised since the event’s inception.
Why Curry?
The selection of curry as the featured dish was a thoughtful choice. Hockney points out the longstanding tradition in the Army of enjoying curry in the mess once a week. Curry also enjoys the status of Britain’s favorite dish.
More significantly, curry transcends notions of status. It eliminates the barriers imposed by rank, allowing for genuine interaction among diners.
A Unique Experience in the City
Persuading the Lord Mayor and the Corporation to support such an informal event was surprisingly uncomplicated, according to Hockney. In fact, it aligned perfectly with the Lord Mayor’s vision for 2008.
The absence of a seating arrangement has become a hallmark of the Lunch. There are no designated tables, allowing for spontaneous interactions among attendees. It is quite common for a guest to find themselves sharing a table with prominent figures, from clergy to business leaders to newcomers in the City.
This event offers an unparalleled opportunity for diverse individuals to connect, free from social constraints.
Continuity and Purpose
Despite significant growth in scale, the event’s fundamental mission has remained unchanged. Hockney emphasizes the importance of the funds raised, which effectively support veterans facing challenges in their transition to civilian life.
Since 2019, the focus has shifted toward aiding employment and transition, backing initiatives like Lifeworks and the Warrior Programme, designed to bolster veterans’ confidence and facilitate skill development.
The Current Landscape
Over the years, the Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch has expanded to utilize all the main areas within Guildhall, transforming it into a vibrant social setting. The event features cocktail bars, book signings, stalls from various guilds, and an extensive silent auction with premium items—yet the unpretentious shared meal remains at its core.
Events Beyond the Lunch
Many may be surprised to learn that the Big Curry Lunch has evolved into a broader fundraising initiative throughout the year.
Hockney explains that spin-off events include the Big Curry Masala spice blend from Chef Cyrus Todiwala and a seasonal auction that culminates at the Lunch.
This auction usually consists of around 70 sought-after lots, showcasing unique experiences and products. Alongside this, the annual raffle features a singular British-made watch from renowned watchmaker Pinchbeck, commemorating The Battle of Britain, with a piece of aviation history included in the boxed presentation.
An additional fundraising dinner is scheduled for February 24, 2026, hosted by Todiwala at Café Spice Namaste.
Committee members are also spearheading affiliated events, both domestically and internationally, extending the initiative’s reach.
Through all this growth, Hockney insists that the Lunch itself retains its distinctiveness.
Impact of the Lunch
Over seventeen years, the Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch has raised more than £4.2 million. This year’s fundraising objective stands at £440,000. All event expenditures are covered by sponsors, ensuring donations directly benefit veteran support programs.
Programs backed include Lifeworks, which provides veterans with essential career coaching, resume development, and interview preparation throughout the UK. In 2026, proceeds from the Lunch aim to support 65 veterans in their journey to sustainable civilian careers.
Additionally, the Warrior Programme focuses on enhancing mental resilience through an intensive year-long approach aimed at veterans and their families. Supported by research from King’s College London, its early phases have shown notable improvements in mental well-being and employment rates, with funding to assist up to 40 veterans and their partners this year.
Significance of the Event
The Big Curry Lunch stands out not just for the amount of money raised but for how efficiently it allocates those funds. This event prioritizes sustainable change over temporary assistance.
The goal is to ensure long-lasting employment, enhanced mental well-being, and a smooth transition into civilian life for veterans, ultimately creating significant shifts for those involved.
Final Thoughts
Hockney would encapsulate the event in a single phrase: “Great cause, great fun, great generosity, amazing impact.” The true accomplishment of the Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch lies not in its charitable nature but in its embodiment of community spirit, offering a space where diverse groups gather without the usual pretenses, illustrating the City of London at its best.
Tickets for the Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch – April 16, 2026
Individual tickets: £110 per person. This includes unlimited curries, dessert, and drinks.
Groups of 10 or more: £120 per person. This also includes unlimited curries, dessert, and drinks, along with a reserved meeting space and complimentary champagne upon arrival.
