Exclusive private catering events are back in Derbyshire!

The last few months, although testing, haven’t been quiet. I’ve kept myself busy with my usual countryside management pursuits and while stocks aren’t what they usually are, the pantries are

filling up and ready to tantalise your taste buds! Succulent Derbyshire pigeon, local rabbit and freshly-caught trout are on your menus – and I picked up some beautiful honey straight from the hive in Aston recently.

I’ve also been busy in my role as a Trustee of the Derby-based charity me&dee, enjoying some hands-on woodworking. I found a majestic fallen Ash on the land over the spring and with 10ft long solid pieces I’ve enjoyed crafting gorgeously curved bird tables for their new Sherwood Hideaway. Please do take a look here at the incredible work me&dee do supporting families in need.

But finally! It’s superb that I can get stuck back into what I love most – creating, demonstrating and serving up melt-in-the-mouth, soul-satisfyingly fresh and inspired dishes – straight to you. I can almost taste your lovely, crusty, glossy belly pork now, sitting on a bed of fragrant, herb-infused, fluffy rice… And your Carsington trout, home-smoked and sizzled to perfection on the BBQ…

Exclusive catering experiences

I’ll be concentrating on your special intimate gatherings with your family and friends – either hosted in your own garden or at a venue of your choice (our mezzanine opens on 4th July for 20 guests). 

Perhaps you have an overdue birthday or an anniversary to celebrate? Or do you simply want a chance to have some familiar faces in friendly surroundings?

 

I’d love to get together with you to design an irresistible seasonal menu based on anything you fancy. Perhaps you live near a river, or have some favourite flavours or a themed garden? Let’s talk through some ideas – it’s YOUR private function. 

I can serve you up a whole host of menus. Have you seen our specially created ‘Great British Bounce Back’ Tapas?

One favourite is my quintessential afternoon tea – with crumbly cheese straws and intense smoked salmon… Or what about some spicy, exotic street-food to fire your imagination?

Maybe you’d prefer a beautifully presented BBQ or even a mini hog roast with exquisite glazes and marinades I’ve mastered over the years.

If traditional dinner parties and canapes are more your style, I’ve developed a fabulous range of hot ‘bowl food’ that can be easily eaten with a fork (no awkward balancing!) while your guests concentrate on catching up for a few hours (the beef bourguignon is a popular one).

I haven’t forgotten my vegetarian friends either. If you are vegan, vegetarian or have any dietary requirements at all, I’ve got some special dishes for you too. 

Prioritising safety with hygiene and social distancing

Your family and friends have missed each other. What an absolutely awesome way to come back together, over a succulent selection of locally sourced fresh dishes, with a menu created just for you? But I’m sure you – or one or two of your guests – may have some concerns.

I’ll talk – and walk – through all the logistics with you.

If you’ve chosen to have your menu delivered at a venue, I’ll talk to them about space and movement. If you’re inviting a few special people to your home, I’ll take a look at the space available – perhaps in a garden or a dining room –  and make some recommendations.

I’ll keep staff to a minimum to limit risk and I’ll invite buffet guests up table by table. If it’s a 3 course meal you’re going for, I’ll serve it to the tables – keeping social distancing a priority.

It goes without saying that handwashing facilities are always in use and I can erect a fully portable outdoor marquee kitchen (ask about my demonstrations if your guests would like to feel like Masterchefs!).

 

Booking your private dining event

You can give me a call on my mobile (07931 933892) or send me an email. We also have a form on the website you can fill in if you prefer.

If I’m busy prepping someone’s menu or out filling the freezers, I’ll get back to you the same day (or within 12 hours if you’re a night owl). 

The fresh produce we use means we usually only need 48 hours notice for an event, but that does depend on availability. With many of our regular clients and postponed events looking forward to getting us back in their diaries, please do plan ahead and call us now to get your dates booked… 

It’s great to see you here – leave me a message and have a browse through the site at our menus for inspiration – I’ll speak to you very soon about planning your own!

 

Take care of yourself – and stay safe.

Ralph