If you are budgeting for office catering in London, the honest answer is that it depends, but the ranges are not a mystery. This guide breaks down what office catering actually costs per head in London in 2026, what pushes the price up or down, and how to get the best value without cutting corners.

Typical price ranges per head

As a guide for budgeting, office breakfast runs around 5 to 10 GBP per person, a working lunch around 10 to 18 GBP per person for packed meals or platters, and premium or event catering from 20 to 40 GBP and up depending on menu and service. These are typical London ranges, not fixed quotes, and the right figure depends on your specific brief.

What drives the cost

Four things move the price more than anything else. Headcount matters because larger orders often bring the per-head cost down. Menu complexity matters because hot dishes and bespoke menus cost more than sandwiches and platters. Service level matters because drop-off is cheapest, while on-site setup and staffing add cost. And lead time and location matter because last-minute orders and deliveries outside central London can carry a premium.

Minimum orders, delivery and VAT

Beyond the per-head price, watch three line items. Most London caterers set a minimum order value, often between 35 and 50 GBP. Smaller orders may carry a delivery fee. And prices are usually quoted inclusive of VAT, but not always, so confirm before you compare. A quote that looks cheaper per head can end up costing more once minimums and delivery are added.

How to get the best value

The best value rarely comes from simply choosing the cheapest option. Compare a few quotes side by side rather than booking the first caterer, match the format to the occasion so you are not over-spending on service you do not need, and for regular needs consider a recurring programme where per-meal pricing and pre-ordering keep both cost and waste down. Pre-ordered, per-meal models mean you pay for what people actually eat.

Compare office catering costs with heycater!

With heycater! you describe your occasion once and compare tailored quotes from vetted London caterers, so the real cost is transparent before you commit, including how minimums and delivery affect the total. For one-off needs there is Meetings & Catering, and for a daily lunch where per-meal pricing keeps spend tight, there is heykantine!. Know the ranges, watch the minimums and VAT, and compare before you book, and office catering in London stays firmly within budget.