The Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants

WCoBM based at Cutlers’ Hall, 4 Warwick Lane, London EC4M 7BR, became a full Livery Company in 1977 and received a Royal Charter in 2012. Established in 1961, it represents all sectors of the builders’ merchant industry, promoting its importance in Britain’s construction sector. Membership is by invitation, comprising industry leaders such as merchants, manufacturers, and service providers. The Company fosters industry growth through networking, collaboration, training, and education, and supports various charities, including industry-related causes and the Lord Mayor’s Appeal. It has been a corporate member of Farringdon Ward Club since 2022.

PETER CLIFFE

Born in London, raised in North Wales and proud of both heritages, Peter spent over 35 years running pub restaurants in Central London, both in the City and the West End. But his happiest, and most challenging time was at The Red Lion at the top of Whitehall.

Often called the Prime Minister's local as this is the nearest hostelry to Number 10. He spent 11 years there and dealt with everything from state visits, the Olympics, a royal wedding and Mrs Thatcher’s funeral. Not to mention protesters, the London marathon and (his favourite) Remembrance Sunday – The Red Lion is almost adjacent to the cenotaph and inside the security cordon for the day’s events!

Alongside this he served as a sitting magistrate for Westminster for over a decade, hearing cases at several central London Magistrate’s Courts (including Bow Street before it closed) and appeals at Southwark and the Old Bailey.

It was during this time that he was introduced to the Farringdon Ward Club and signed up fairly quickly!

He has changed tack slightly for the last few years – and now has the catering contract for The Club for Acts and Actors in Covent Garden, an unashamedly old-fashioned club for members of the entertainment industry.

Having rekindled his Ward Club involvement last year, he looks forward engaging with friends old and new.