How to choose an event caterer

Knowing how to choose an event caterer saves you from the two worst outcomes: a caterer who cannot deliver and a quote that hides its gaps. Whether it is a wedding, a party or a corporate day, the same handful of questions sort a safe choice from a risky one. Here is what we would look for, from a caterer's side of the table.

Ask what is actually included

The first job is to find out what a price covers. Staff, setup, clear-down, equipment hire and drinks are the usual places quotes differ, so ask about each. A clear caterer will happily itemise, and a vague one is telling you something.

Read a few recent reviews as well, since they show how a caterer performs when it counts.

Check they can work your venue

Not every caterer can work every venue. Ask where the food is cooked, what equipment they bring and what they need from the space. We bring our own kit and can work from a venue kitchen or a gazebo kitchen, needing only power, water and parking.

If a caterer needs a full fitted kitchen, a blank-canvas venue could be a problem.

Watch the red flags

A few signs are worth heeding. A fixed menu before any conversation about your event, reluctance to itemise a quote, no insurance or hygiene certification, and no way to taste the food are all reasons to pause. We hold full public liability insurance and a five-star food hygiene rating, and we are glad to share certificates with venues.

Our FAQ page answers the practical questions caterers should be open about.

Taste before you commit

Nothing tells you more than tasting the food and meeting the people. A tasting shows you the cooking and the standard you are buying, before any money beyond a deposit changes hands. It is the single most useful step in choosing well.

Once you are confident, a deposit holds the date and the planning begins in earnest.

Frequently asked questions

Ask what the price includes, where the food is cooked, what they need from the venue, how they handle dietary needs and whether you can taste the food first. Ask about insurance and food hygiene too. The answers tell you both what you are buying and how straightforward the caterer is to work with before you commit.

It depends on the event, but earlier is always safer for popular dates. Weddings are often booked six to twelve months ahead, while smaller events can sometimes be arranged at shorter notice. The sooner you enquire, the more likely your date is free and the more time there is to plan the food properly.

Yes. We hold full public liability insurance and a five-star food hygiene rating, and our staff are certified. We are happy to provide certificates to venues on request, which many require before an event. If a caterer cannot show this, treat it as a serious reason to look elsewhere.