Marquee and long tables on the lawn beside a thatched house, private estate, The Admirable Crichton
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The Admirable Crichton, London

A London caterer and event designer since 1981, working in museums, palaces and private homes.

2 min readUpdated 14 October 2026
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London since 1981

The Admirable Crichton, known as The AC, is a London events, catering and design company that opened in 1981. It plans and caters weddings, parties, corporate dinners and receptions, from intimate gatherings to large celebrations. Ruth Lawton-Owen is Managing Director and Gilly Law is Weddings and Events Manager.

A wedding ceremony in a red-walled picture gallery, London
A wedding ceremony in a red-walled picture gallery, London. Photograph: The Admirable Crichton.
The bride and groom walking the length of a panelled long gallery
The bride and groom walking the length of a panelled long gallery. Photograph: The Admirable Crichton.

Palaces, galleries and glasshouses

The AC works across London’s palaces, galleries, museums, livery halls and private homes, and has worked with venues including the British Museum, Royal Hospital Chelsea, Middle Temple Hall, Kew Gardens, Lancaster House, the National Gallery and Syon House. Its own waiting and bar staff run each event.

Round tables set with flowers beneath the glass roof of a historic conservatory
Round tables set with flowers beneath the glass roof of a historic conservatory. Photograph: The Admirable Crichton.
An aerial view of banquet tables in a great hall with a chequered floor
An aerial view of banquet tables in a great hall with a chequered floor. Photograph: The Admirable Crichton.
The British Museum lit in teal for an evening event
The British Museum lit in teal for an evening event. Photograph: The Admirable Crichton.

Table and flowers

Many couples plan the day themselves and use The AC for catering, service and the table scape. Others ask for full planning support, and the team is equally happy to work alongside the couple’s own wedding planner.

A long banquet table with a blossom garland on a black and white marble floor
A long banquet table with a blossom garland on a black and white marble floor. Photograph: The Admirable Crichton.
A pink peony table arrangement with a hand-lettered bride place card
A pink peony table arrangement with a hand-lettered bride place card. Photograph: The Admirable Crichton.
A candlelit round table with pink and white flowers in an oak-panelled room
A candlelit round table with pink and white flowers in an oak-panelled room. Photograph: The Admirable Crichton.

The food

A head chef and development chef lead the kitchen. Menus are modern British with influences from across the globe, change each season and can be built around a couple’s favourite dishes, from canapes, bowl food and food bars to plated dinners. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are always offered, and fees are quoted for each wedding.

A plated asparagus starter with edible flowers
A plated asparagus starter with edible flowers. Photograph: The Admirable Crichton.
A beef fillet main course with kale and potato terrine
A beef fillet main course with kale and potato terrine. Photograph: The Admirable Crichton.
A beetroot and lentil main course with heritage vegetables
A beetroot and lentil main course with heritage vegetables. Photograph: The Admirable Crichton.

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