Welcome to CA House: Meet Peter Friscuolo, CA Catering Manager

The CA is delighted to formally introduce Peter Friscuolo, our new Catering Manager. Peter is a man with a vision, energy, and, as it turns out, a very good story about our patron Sir Robin Knox-Johnston.

Peter brings eighteen years of hospitality experience to CA House, having worked across hotels, restaurants, premium cocktail bars, nightclubs and luxury cruise ships. It is the breadth of that experience and the energy that comes with it that defines his approac.

"What drew me in was the industry's sheer energy," he says. "I love creating fast-paced environments where people connect. No two days are ever the same."

His first impression of CA House was immediate and telling. "CA House has a distinct soul and warmth, far from a generic commercial space," Peter recalls. "The standout moment was stepping onto the terrace and looking out over the incredible views of the marina. The entire atmosphere feels like a hidden waterside oasis with a proud, historic community."

Peter joined the CA in January, stepping straight into the heart of the busy events season. "It was incredibly fast paced from day one, but it was the perfect introduction," he says. "Diving straight into the deep end made it fascinating to learn about all the different specialised Sections, and it gave me a fantastic opportunity to meet members face-to-face straight away.

"Every person who walks through our doors has an incredible, unique journey to share about their time on the water," he says. "Hearing those stories is what I have enjoyed most."

One encounter, though, stands out. "Our patron, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, arrived late one evening to stay the night. We ended up sitting down together in the Galley and I got to hear his incredible stories firsthand. That was a pretty unforgettable moment."

A new vision for the Galley

With the settling-in period now complete, Peter's attention is firmly on what comes next for the Galley, as he shares, For the summer months, I want the offering to feel light, vibrant and refreshing - crisp wines and fresh dishes that members can enjoy out on the terrace overlooking the marina," he explains. "When winter arrives, the focus will shift toward something more comforting and heartier, with rich, warming wines that complement the cosy indoor space and the busy events season."

Drawing on his background in restaurants and cocktail bars, Peter is already working on new event catering menus, a refreshed daily bar menu, and what he describes simply as ‘a traditional Sunday roast’ - watch this space!

A versatile home for events

With Section events returning from October, Peter is looking ahead to how the food and drink offer can best support the programme. His message to Section Secretaries is simple, "Bring forward your specific requests - anything is possible."

Beyond the day-to-day food and drink offering, Peter is keen to highlight CA House as a venue for private events - from daytime corporate meetings to evening social gatherings.

"CA House is an incredibly versatile space," Peter says. "Clients will receive full support from the very beginning of the planning process right through to the event itself."

The personal touch

Part Italian, part Danish, Peter’s approach to food is rooted in simplicity and quality, with a focus on bringing people together. "Nothing beats making fresh food using simple, high-quality ingredients," he says. "I find myself cooking Italian food the most - it just suits that philosophy perfectly."

Peter and the team look forward to welcoming you to CA House. For information about the Galley, private events or room hire, visit www.theca.org.uk/join/ca-house or email galley@theca.org.uk.