Event Catering in Bedford, Bedfordshire

Elaine's Kitchen, based in London, supply beautifully crafted canapes and delicious buffets to suit any event such as funerals, birthdays, dinner parties and celebrations. With several years of experience, they are able to share some stories here and also some useful tips for when looking to book a caterer.

What do you need to know from an organiser in order to provide a comprehensive quote?

In order to provide a comprehensive quote, I need to know the event date, the number of guests, dietary preferences and whether the food is to be dropped off or served. It is also important to know that the client is looking for good quality food as all of the food I serve is freshly made using the finest ingredients.

What advice would you give to a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

My advice would be to contact several caterers, talk to them and ask questions.

I always offer a suggested menu but explain that it is only a starting point and that I am completely flexible and happy to change any or all of the elements on that menu. The food makes or breaks the event and the client should be completely happy with the person they are allowing to provide food for their event. References give a good indication of the quality of the food and service.

If a caterer is not happy to provide exactly what is required, it usually means that they don't have the skill or experience required, walk away.

Please tell us a little bit about how and why you started the business.

Elaine's Kitchen is the culmination of many years of serving delicious food at festivals, private events, farmers' markets and from my own eateries.

I ran a catering business called Tastes of the Nile for years but due to a series of difficult family circumstances, I was forced to close. Now, after a period of time working as a chef in some of the finest kitchens in London, I am once again eager to share my passion for good food with my own menus.

I love to cook, and I love to feed people. I am a mum to 5 amazing individuals and they are my harshest critics. Food is important to us as a family and I want clients of Elaine's kitchen to feel the warmth of the family come through the service and the food that is prepared with utmost attention to detail as well as love.

Please tell us about a booking you've had through Add to Event, how did it go? Would you recommend us to others?

I am quite new to Add to Event. I am now ready to go and have found the Add to Event platform a great way to offer my services to people searching for great food.

I have had several bookings already. The last one was for a Vegan Afternoon Tea to be served at a baby shower. I love a challenge and to create a completely vegan menu was just that. Having spent several months on Afternoon Tea Service at a top London hotel, I felt very prepared and was able to deliver an exciting and varied vegan menu that was loved by the client and her guests. The reviews were excellent and they will be using me for another event soon.

I have told several colleagues about the site and recommended that they sign up.