Good food,
for your occasion.
Buffets, sit-down dinners, office lunches and private chefs, from local caterers who quote for your guest numbers and menu.
What to expect
from your pro.
Catering can mean a tray of sandwiches dropped at the office, a hot buffet for a christening, a barbecue in the garden, or a private chef cooking three courses in your kitchen. Before you contact caterers, have a rough idea of the guest numbers, the date, the venue, and whether you want food delivered, served, or cooked on site.
The details make a big difference. A caterer needs to know about allergies and dietary needs early, such as vegetarian, vegan, halal or gluten free. They also need to know what the venue has: an oven, a fridge, running water, tables, or nothing at all. Ask whether they bring plates, cutlery, serving staff, and whether they clear up afterwards.
On AYS Concierge you describe your event and local caterers send quotes, so you can compare menus and prices before choosing. Quotes are free and there is no obligation. Some simple orders, like a set office lunch, may have a fixed price shown before you book. You pay securely through AYS and can book up to 90 days ahead.
Common jobs
we cover.
Not on the list? Describe it and ask for free quotes.
Party buffet
Cold or hot buffet for a birthday, christening or wake, delivered and laid out, with plates and napkins if needed.
Office lunch
Sandwiches, salads or hot dishes delivered for a meeting or team lunch, labelled for allergens and dietary needs.
Private chef at home
A chef shops, cooks and serves a dinner in your kitchen, then leaves it clean.
Wedding and event catering
Canapés, a sit-down meal or evening food for a larger event, often with serving staff. Booked well in advance.
Barbecue catering
A caterer brings the grill and cooks in your garden or at the venue, so you can be with your guests.
Afternoon tea
Finger sandwiches, scones and cakes for a baby shower, retirement or birthday, served on stands.
Cultural and specialist menus
Caterers who cook particular cuisines or halal, kosher-style, vegan or gluten free menus. Mention exactly what you need.
Drop-off platters
Grazing boards, mezze or desserts delivered ready to serve, for when you are hosting but not cooking.
Booked in
three steps.
Add your postcode
See the catering pros who cover your area and their prices.
Choose a pro and a time
Book a fixed price job, or ask for free quotes if your job is not standard.
Pay securely and relax
You pay through AYS when you book. Cancel free up to 24 hours before.
How the price
is worked out
Catering is mostly quoted, because every event is different. Describe your event and local caterers send a price, often per head. What changes the price: the number of guests, the menu and ingredients, whether food is delivered, served or cooked on site, serving staff, hire of plates, cutlery and equipment, the length of the event, and travel to the venue. A set office lunch may have a fixed price.
How to get
ready
- Confirm guest numbers as closely as you can, and give the caterer a final count before the deadline they set.
- Collect allergies and dietary needs from guests early and pass them on in writing.
- Check what the venue has: kitchen, oven, fridge, water, tables and parking for unloading.
- Agree arrival time, serving time and who clears up and takes away leftovers and rubbish.
- Tell the caterer about access, such as stairs, lifts or a long walk from the car park.
Choosing the right pro
Every caterer is reviewed by the AYS team and passes a photo ID check before they can take bookings. We ask caterers to upload their insurance and food hygiene training, and the team checks what they send. Caterers who prepare food should be registered as a food business with their local council, and many have a food hygiene rating. Ask about this before booking.
How far in advance should I book a caterer?
For a wedding or large event, as early as you can, because good caterers get booked up on popular dates. For a party or office lunch, a couple of weeks is often enough, though it depends on the caterer. On AYS you can book from 2 hours ahead up to 90 days ahead.
How much food do I need per guest?
It depends on the time of day and the type of event. A light afternoon buffet needs less than an evening meal, and an event with drinks and no proper meal needs more. Tell the caterer how long the event lasts and whether it replaces a meal. They will suggest quantities so you do not run out or waste food.
Can caterers handle allergies?
Food businesses in the UK must be able to tell you if dishes contain any of the 14 main allergens, such as peanuts, milk, eggs, gluten and sesame. Give the caterer full details of every guest's allergy in writing. Ask how they keep dishes separate and labelled. For severe allergies, talk to the caterer directly before booking.
Is a caterer registered with the council?
Food businesses, including home-based caterers, should register with their local council before they start trading. Most are then inspected and given a food hygiene rating. You can ask the caterer for their business name to check it. Pros can also upload their food hygiene training to their AYS profile.
Do caterers provide plates, cutlery and staff?
Some do and some do not. Drop-off caterers usually bring disposable plates and napkins at most. Full-service caterers can bring crockery, cutlery, serving staff and sometimes tables. List what you need when you request quotes, so each caterer prices the same thing and you can compare fairly.
What is a private chef?
A private chef comes to your home, usually does the shopping, cooks a meal in your kitchen and serves it, then cleans up. It is popular for birthdays, anniversaries and small dinner parties. Agree the menu, number of courses, guest numbers and kitchen equipment in advance, and say if you want wine pairing advice.
Catering
near you.
AYS opens area by area. Pick your city for local tips, or check your postcode at the top of this page.
Often booked
together.
Do you offer catering?
Get booked for it.
Join AYS as a pro. Choose the postcodes you cover, set your prices and take bookings from local customers.