Mobile Caterers in South East

Taste Adventures are Kent based caterers, headed up by Sarah, who has over 30 years experience in the catering business. She's shared her advice on what to look out for when booking suppliers and how to make sure your event runs smoothly.

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

Tell us as much information as possible about your event. For example, is it a special occasion, a formal dinner, an informal lunch or a party picnic? The essential information is: number of guests, the location of the event, date and timings, the kind of facilities available at the venue, and your budget (if you have one). It's always useful to get an idea of food preferences for you and your guests, including any style of menu and types of dishes you like. Consider whether you would like us to help you plan your whole event or simply deliver the agreed menu on the day.

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

I think that hiring a caterer is a big leap of faith, so if time allows, contact your chosen provider and ask as many questions as you can think of to get an idea of who will be working with you to make your event a success. Most professionals will be happy to respond and if they're not, find out why! Do ask your provider for some idea of previous work, or places where they have worked. This will give you an idea of the kind of catering that they are able to provide. Not all chefs are suitable to cater for all kinds of events! Ask your provider what their terms of business are, e.g. do they require a deposit to confirm the date, are they VAT registered?

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

I have been a chef for over 30 years. When I lived in London I ran a restaurant, worked with a big public catering company at the Victoria and Albert Museum, and then started a catering consultancy, putting restaurants into church buildings - the biggest project was St Martin in the Fields in Trafalgar Square. Whilst raising a family in the East Sussex countryside I started up an outside party catering company and picnic business, building them to manage and supply contracts including the South of England Showground, Michelham Priory, Royal Ascot, Cowdray Polo, Windsor Howden Insurance, and numerous private and corporate events and parties. I have been a Slow Food chef for over 25 years and continue to work with the best ingredients I can find, to promote and support local food and farming wherever I am cooking in the world.

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

The bookings from this platform are so varied! I have recommended it to a number of clients.
Recently, I catered a funeral wake for a lovely family. The wake was held at the family home and there were about 100 guests expected. As always at these occasions the number of guests was unpredictable! Funeral wakes always require particularly sensitive handling, and after many years of helping families consider the range of specific details required to make the occasion run smoothly, I take pride in the good reputation my team and I have for discreet, friendly and efficient service. Food is so important on these occasions and our client wanted something special for this wake. They were so pleased with everything (particularly the mini cheese scones topped with cream cheese, fresh apple and thyme, and our mouthful size lemon cream meringues!) that they are keen to use us again for future events!