Stewarts welcomes the arbitration community to London for IBA Arbitration Day
London plays host to the global arbitration community this month as the city welcomes delegates for the 26th Annual IBA Arbitration Day (3 – 4 April 2025), organised by the International Bar Association. One of the most established fixtures in the international arbitration calendar, this year’s event explores the theme Redefining the contours of international arbitration, bringing together practitioners from across the world to reflect on how the discipline continues to evolve.
Sherina Petit, Partner and Head of International Arbitration and India practice lead at Stewarts, served on this year’s organising committee, helping to shape a programme that reflects both the global nature of the arbitration community and the changing dynamics of cross‑border disputes.
To mark the occasion, issue three of International CARBitration turns its focus to London. Collaboration sits at the heart of arbitration, and, in that same spirit, this issue draws on contributions from colleagues across Stewarts’ practices including Commercial Litigation, Employment, Insolvency and Asset Recovery, Policyholder Disputes and Trust and Probate Litigation, to offer a snapshot of the city through food.
London’s dining scene mirrors the arbitration community itself: international, diverse and shaped by a wide range of global influences. The recommendations featured highlight a small selection of venues that capture this breadth – from established London institutions such as Corrigan’s and The Delaunay, to globally inspired favourites including Gymkhana and ROKA. For a more informal setting, contributors point to neighbourhood destinations like Speedboat Bar, reflecting the city’s contemporary street‑food energy.
For something quieter and more reflective of London’s hidden corners, Lucy Ward recommends Rochelle Canteen, set within the garden of a former school and known for its seasonal cooking – a place that feels removed from the city despite being in its centre.
As delegates gather for IBA Arbitration Day, these recommendations are intended as a practical guide to London: places to meet, to continue conversations beyond the conference rooms, and to experience the character of the city that hosts one of arbitration’s most important annual gatherings.
Thank you to our contributors: Stuart Dench, Alejandro Garcia, Pardis Jahanfar, Alex Jay, Aaron Le Marquer, Charlie Mercer, Sherina Petit, Steve Pires, Miriam Spencer, Lucy Ward and Daniel Wilmot.
Watch the video below to explore our dining recommendations for London during IBA Arbitration Day.
Explore International CARBitration and the journeys behind each issue, and share your recommendations.
