The Society of the Golden Keys Gala Dinner 2026
- lisahylton2
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
More than 500 guests attended the annual Gala Dinner at London Hilton on Park Lane on Saturday, making it one of the biggest and most successful yet!
The sell-out event attracted dozens of members of The Society of the Golden Keys of Great Britain and the Commonwealth, together with business affiliates and international guests, including Western Europe Zone Presidents who were in London for a special summit. Read more about their trip here.
Platinum sponsors of the evening were The Tourism Media Group, Golden Tours and Gaucho, with further support from the The Lanesborough London, ttg encore, Bicester Village, British Tours, London Hilton on Park Lane, Nyetimber, Parfums de Marly.
Organised by Antony Lynch, The Society's Social Chairperson and Head Concierge of The Hilton London Kensington, the evening included a Nyetimber drinks reception, a three-course dinner, an auction, a charity raffle and entertainment provided by George Diaz and the Funk City Band.
Antony said: "Saturday was the largest Gala night since the 2012 Les Clefs d'Or World Congress in London. The event was attended by members, business affiliates and leading hoteliers."
He added: ""Big thanks to all the contributors who helped make it such a success. It was a spectacular night of catching up with friends, networking, dining and dancing"
Society President, Binoy Nair said: "The organisational skills of Mr Antony Lynch, along with the host hotel’s events team ensured this was a grand success. We also raised a huge amount for our preferred charity, Hospitality Action. My thanks to all the attendees and those behind the scenes who helped make this event an unparalleled success
Honorary Life Memberships
During the evening, Honorary Life Memberships were presented Toru Machida, Head Concierge at The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel and Western Europe Zone Director and Michael De Cozar, Head Porter at The Ritz London.
Toru said: "I have no words to describe how humbled and honoured I feel. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to my family, my Belmond family, and my Les Clefs d'Or family. My congratulations goes to a legend of our Concierge community, Michael De Cozar."
Society President Binoy Nair presents Honorary Life Member certificates to Toru Machida and Michael De Cozar | Photos: Edward Croucher
An Epic Fundraiser
The event included a bumper raffle, which raised more than £23,300 in aid of the Society's chosen charity, Hospitality Action. Hospitality Action was established in 1837 to offer vital assistance to all who work, or have worked within hospitality in the UK.
Hospitality Action Chief Executive, Mark Lewis, said: "We are incredibly grateful to The Society of the Golden Keys of Great Britain and all their business affiliates for helping to raise such an outstanding sum. In 2025, applications for our support rose by 30% year on year, with more than 8,000 calls to our helplines. The funds raised will make a real and lasting difference, helping hospitality people keep food on the table and a roof over their heads. Thank you for your generosity, support and of course, your friendship."
Some of those who attended the Gala Dinner 2026 | Photos: Edward Croucher
The Gala Night in Pictures
Were you captured on the evening? Click here for more pictures of the evening.
Hospitality Action
If you would still like to donate to Hospitality Action you can do so here.
Date for your diary:
5 March, 6pm: Business Affiliates Networking and Members’ Meeting.
