Aldridge said many of the mid-market brands "blur into one", and now plans to offer one caterer per market.
"In times of economic slowdown everyone needs to work hard to secure business, it can’t just be a one way street," said Aldridge.
"Caterers on the list understand what is expected of them. Whilst they benefit from the work they receive from us, I’m not sure what difference the end client gets.
"It’s very rare for clients to specify a caterer in 2012," he added. "With ever increasing short lead times clients want quotes immediately and do not want to have to select from a large panel."
Caterers that remain on the Merlin Events London list are: Rhubarb, Payne & Gunter, Dish, Payal Events and kosher caterer Tony Page.
Do you agree with Aldridge’s decision? and let us know. And look out for his new blog coming soon to Eventmagazine.co.uk.