VOL 26 ISSUE 22, June 2, 2025
Main caption: Harry Lomas (right), director of culinary at Wembley Stadium, and Tas Hamilton (left), were among the 2,700 Delaware North U.K. team members who supported the Emirates FA Cup Final on May 17 at Wembley Stadium in London.
Each year, the Emirates Football Association (FA) Cup Final transforms Wembley Stadium into a theater of passion, drama and spectacle – not just on the pitch, but behind the scenes, where Delaware North U.K. team members deliver culinary excellence across the venue’s five levels of hospitality.
While English football fans around the world tune in for the game, few realize the scale and sophistication of the food and beverage operation that unfolds across the stadium to support this iconic event.
At the 2025 FA Cup Final on May 17, Wembley Stadium – where Delaware North has been the exclusive hospitality provider since 2007 – played host to an astonishing 8,000 hospitality covers across 18 restaurant spaces and 151 private suites, offering guests an elite matchday experience. From premium corporate hospitality to exclusive VIP lounges, the event proved once again that world-class sport deserves world-class dining.
Among the highlights was a three-course menu curated and delivered by Michelin-starred chef Tom Shepherd of Upstairs restaurant in London. This bespoke dining experience was served to 80 special guests and featured the event’s commitment to blending fine dining and English football traditions.
Wembley was awash with celebration as over 10,000 glasses of champagne were served to toasting fans and VIPs. Whether celebrating a goal or enjoying the glamour of the event, bubbles flowed the lounges and suites, contributing to the electric atmosphere.
In keeping with this elevated experience, over 1,000 fresh oysters were shucked and served – delivering a refined culinary moment within the chaos and joy of the match.
Beyond the elite dining experiences, the event also served up excitement in a glass, with over 1,500 hand-mixed cocktails crafted by skilled bartenders. From classic mixes to innovative creations, these drinks added flair to fans’ celebrations and elevated the game-day experience.
But tradition still holds strong at the heart of English football, and nothing says match day like a steaming hot pie. At halftime alone, 12,000 pies were served across the venue, offering a comforting, familiar favorite that bridged the gap between gourmet hospitality and authentic stadium fare.
FA Cup Final team member support by the numbers
Delaware North U.K. had a staggering 2,700 team members that were onsite to make it all happen, including:
- 300 chefs overseeing the kitchens
- 950 hospitality team members delivering seamless service
- 1,200 concessions staff ensuring fans had access to snacks and drinks
- 45 corporate team members providing logistics and coordination support
From plating dishes to serving pints with speed and precision, the Delaware North team delivered an exceptional matchday experience on every level.
The FA Cup Final is more than just a football match – it’s a national event, cultural touchstone and, for many, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Behind the scenes, it’s also a masterclass in scale, logistics and hospitality excellence.
With food and drink as key ingredients in the day’s success, the efforts of thousands of team members helped make the 2025 FA Cup Final at Wembley not only a feast for the eyes – but for the palate, too.
Innovation on tap: frictionless bar technology expands
Lewis Blake (left), head of concessions at Wembley Stadium, shows Jamie Obletz, group president of Delaware North Sportservice and Patina Group, a Bar Tap location that was unveiled during the FA Cup Final on May 17. With this recent opening, Wembley Stadium now has two Bar Tap locations.
This year’s final also marked a significant milestone in Delaware North’s commitment to innovation. Building on the success of the first frictionless Bar Tap location at Wembley Stadium that launched last year, Delaware North unveiled a second, larger unit for the FA Cup Final – offering fans an even faster, more seamless service experience.
Powered by Amazon Just Walk Out technology, fans can quickly grab drinks and get back to the action – eliminating queues and enhancing the guest experience.
The partnership was driven by Lewis Blake, head of concessions at Wembley Stadium, and Joao Pedro Santos, senior technology and business development representative for Amazon Just Walk Out.