Market leader in luxury Scottish catering, events, and venue operations, Hickory, dishes up the news of their exclusive partnership with The Merchants’ Hall.
THE independent Scottish catering, events, and venue operator, Hickory, has announced its new and exclusive partnership with The Merchants’ Hall, a hidden gem located in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic New Town. Hickory has been appointed sole caterer and venue manager of the iconic venue and will support The Merchants’ Hall in its mission to promote local artisans and businesses.
The announcement highlights the recent growth of the multi award-winning company and follows several exciting new partnerships and developments, making Hickory one of the largest independent catering operators in Scotland.
The Merchants’ Hall is a distinguished nineteenth century building owned by The Royal Company of Merchants of The City of Edinburgh, designed to reflect values still associated with Scotland’s capital city, of integrity, acumen, and accomplishment. Over the years it has had an impressive array of hosts, including Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh. Representing the graceful union of art and architecture, the Hall is available for hire for those who wish to enjoy its resulting opulence and prestige.
Seating up to 150 dinner guests, Merchants’ Hall provides a beautiful backdrop to weddings or Champagne receptions with its striking domed ceiling and Minstrels’ Gallery. A complimentary red carpet can be rolled out for guests, adorning the Hall’s grand entrance and providing guests with a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Businesses looking to hire The Merchants’ Hall have their choice of hosting conferences, receptions, and seminars in the main Hall, or hiring the Court Room and adjoining Crush Hall upstairs for smaller events. The venue provides the perfect space to mingle, entertain, and network in, and is fully accessible with a lift and accessible toilet facilities.
Hickory managing director, Stephanie Stubbs, said: “The Merchants’ Hall is one of Edinburgh’s true hidden gems offering a stunning and memorable venue for formal gatherings from corporate events to intimate weddings.
“Hickory is thrilled to have been appointed as the sole caterer and venue manager. Our team brings creativity and industry expertise, consistent high quality and commercial understanding. We look forward to hosting our first client event in September and have a busy festive period ahead.”
The Membership, Events and Communications Manager for the Royal Company of Merchants, Gill Daniell, said, “We’re delighted to be partnering with Hickory as we evolve The Merchants’ Hall into a new era. With their exceptional quality of service and catering, their impressive investment in sustainability and their respect for traditional and history, they represent our vision and aims for the future of our historic venue.”
With a commitment to facilitating spaces of enriching experience across Scotland and strong emphasis on sustainability, Hickory continues its mission to deliver Scotland’s best events and hospitality experiences. Quality ingredients are sourced locally by a professional culinary team, who deliver innovative seasonal dishes.
Named a finalist in the Best Scottish (Independent Business) category at the Scotland Food and Drink Excellence Awards in 2022, Hickory continues to scoop awards year after year, and secured its first contract outside of Scotland in August of last year. They achieved their ISO 9001 accreditation last year and catered for Climate Action at COP26 in 2021, demonstrating their commitment to excellence in all areas of service, and their core values of quality and sustainability.
