The highlight of the night saw Ray Keene OBE take on multiple opponents at once. Among those participating were Michael Wiltshire, Carl Portman MBE, Jeremy Norman and Max Norman (despite sharing a surname, the two Normans are unrelated!).
Brian Clivaz, another of the Society's founding members and L'Escargot CEO, also took part, playing against Max Norman and the Society's Secretary, Ima von Wenden.
Between games, members enjoyed speeches toasting the lasting appeal of chess, the Society's continuing growth and the friendships that have developed through a shared love of the royal game.
In keeping with the occasion, L'Escargot produced a menu inspired by chess history and some of its greatest personalities. The meal began with Les Hors d'Oeuvres Kaspa, the restaurant's renowned signature dish, whose name inevitably evokes the former world champion Garry Kasparov and has become a favourite talking point at Howard Staunton Society dinners. The main course featured Beef & Ale Pie served with pommes purée and petits pois - a subtle culinary tribute to another giant of the board, Alexander Alekhine. Dessert was King Richard's Pudding with Sauce Anglaise, before a Plateau de Fromages de France to finish, including Brie, Chaource and Pié d'Angloys.
One of the most poignant moments came with the presentation of the Howard Staunton Society Annual Award. The inaugural award was received by Jessica Martin on behalf of her late father, the distinguished artist and sculptor Barry Martin, one of the Society's original founders in 1993. The honour recognised Barry Martin's outstanding contribution to British chess: his work in uncovering and preserving Howard Staunton's legacy, the memorial he designed and the iconic portrait he painted of Staunton himself, together with his enduring role in founding the Society and steering it across three decades. Members warmly remembered his wit, creativity and unwavering support for the chess community.
The occasion demonstrated once again that the Howard Staunton Society is about far more than competitive play. By bringing together leading chess figures, enthusiasts, historians and friends around the table as well as the chessboard, the Society continues to honour the legacy of Howard Staunton while promoting fellowship, intellectual curiosity and an appreciation of chess as one of the world's great cultural traditions.
As World Chess Day celebrations go, it was an evening of fine food, stimulating conversation, memorable games and heartfelt tributes - one that captured the spirit of the Society and the timeless appeal of the game itself.
Video of the evening by Atta Haq:
