if you’re planning a special occasion even if it’s a low key or relatively informal affair like a Masterchef prepared meal in your own home, a relaxed summer garden party, a barbecue for friends or maybe a birthday with a Hog Roast to more lavish exercises such as themed weddings or civil partnership receptions for hundreds of guests in a marquee, then using outside catering makes a great deal of sense.

Some venues like hotels will offer their own catering services as part of an all-inclusive package, especially if you also book accommodation. Your choice is often limited to the menu options they dictate which can be a bit unimaginative, especially for larger parties.That’s certainly the case if your guests have a variety of unusual dietary requirements and preferences.    Obviously, if your chosen venue is outdoors, then you don’t really have much option but to use outside catering.  Even if you plan an indoor event, the venue may not have any kitchen or food preparation facilities, so using outside catering services   is also essential.

So, having decided that outside catering is the route to choose, how do you go about selecting the firm that will ensure a successful occasion?

First you should look for previous experience across a variety of circumstances and venues.   Make sure the company has an events management team or specialist who will take your brief and work within your budget.The better professional companies will include chefs, kitchen assistants, back house support staff, table top hire, linen, cutlery and crockery and rubbish removal/recycling within the menu price.You shouldn’t have to pay any extra for those items.Front of house food service teams and waiting staff are usually charged separately.

Look for experience in outside catering at a range of venues from barns and stately homes to boats and castles.  Even if none of those are as grandiose as the venue you have in mind, it will at least demonstrate the firm’s capability to physically cope with transport, set up, preparation and service no matter how extreme the situation.Insist on references and testimonials and if they are unwilling to provide them, avoid at all costs!

Make sure they share your enthusiasm (if the event is important to you, it should be important to them)  and since the most important element is the food, make sure it’s fresh and  up to the quality you’d expect rather than just be re-heated rubbish!  Most outside catering companies can create bespoke menus to your exact specification, using seasonal and local produce if you desire.

The best ones employ Masterchefs with tremendous culinary experience who can devise inspiring food and drink magically transformed into a spectacular eating experience.  So make sure it’s the headlined chef who will be creating and cooking your menu and get the lowdown on his or her experience.Again get references from people who have actually sampled the fare.Ask all those questions and you should guarantee a catered event with a significant wow factor, no matter where you hold it.

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