Catering on the London Underground

Merner Miller,
LT Catering QueenTransport for London has a long established relationship with catering; a heritage borne out of a need to satisfy the appetite of a large and growing workforce. In the 1860s the Metropolitan Railway hosted a lavish fundraising banquet in unfinished tunnels to attract further investment. In 1910 – 1920 it was common for dinners to be held for staff to celebrate special events. Between 1948 – 1973, London Transport (LT), held Catering Queen and best-dressed canteen contests.

During World War II, 63 million people sheltered in London's Underground stations, which sparked a large-scale catering operation. London Transport set up a Tube Refreshment Special train which delivered food and drink to the stations and canteens run by volunteers were set up on platforms.

Catering at Baker StreetAfter the war London Transport’s catering operation massively expanded, leading the way in the development of industrial catering processes in the UK. Staff were recruited from the West Indies and other countries to train as chefs and canteen assistants to meet the demand of the growing transport network.

Catering on the Underground is still in operation now, albeit on a much reduced scale, with canteens at St James’s Park, Baker Street and Acton serving international cuisine that reflects the culinary tastes of TfL’s diverse workforce.

For more information about the history of Transport for London visit the London Transport museum website: www.ltmuseum.co.uk

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