Jacqueline is the Managing Director of deWintons, a London based event catering company. Trained at the Leith’s School of Food and Wine, Jacs set up deWintons over 12 years ago and, with business partner James Symington, has built deWintons into one of London’s best-known caterers with a corporate and private client list that includes HSBC, MTV, Nike, Jo Malone and Designers Guild.
Catering for any event – six planning tips
Jacqueline says: “At deWintons, we love working with people as much as with food. And, when you’re organising an event, the secret of your success lies in developing a really good relationship with your caterer. Below, I’ve set out a six point plan for success when selecting and working with your chosen caterer. I hope you find these pointers useful.
1. Choosing the right caterer for your event: If you’re organising an event for 500 people, then make sure your caterer has done similar type events in the past. Check out Hardens, London Launch, Party Offers and the Essential Party Guide for listings of the best caterers around. Any worthwhile caterer should give you case studies and references from previous jobs. If they won’t – maybe they have something to hide!
2. Form a relationship early on: Arrange to meet your chosen caterers as soon as possible. At deWintons, we like to organise both a site visit and also a visit to our premises. An on-site visit gives you both a chance to talk through logistics and planning (there is always something you might not have considered and a good caterer should spot that for you!). A visit to the premises really helps to establish if you’ve made the right choice. Are the staff friendly? Are the kitchens clean? Does the food being prepared seem fresh?
3. Organise a tasting: This should form part of your visit to the premises. deWintons always offers a tasting to its clients. This will help you to confirm the menu and also, equally importantly, to decide on the style of the presentation. Good caterers should be flexible to clients’ needs. If you have some suggestions of your own – don’t be afraid to discuss them!
4. Confirm staffing: Most caterers prefer to provide their own staff. We believe, at deWintons, that having well trained, attractive and friendly staff is as important as the food that is being served. Nearly all of our letters of thanks mention our staff as much as our food!
5. Share Ideas: Most good caterers are also good event planners so use their expertise and contacts. You may only want to book their food, but always share all planning details and remember, any worthwhile caterer should ask you endless questions anyway. At deWintons, we have a set checklist that we always like to discuss and agree on.
6. Plan ahead: Try to book your caterer 2–3 months in advance if it’s a dinner, ceremony or party and allow 6–12 months for a wedding. Caterers can of course work to much shorter deadlines, but the best do get booked up in advance so plan ahead!”