Events,
fed and looked after.
Caterers and private chefs for parties, office lunches, family gatherings and dinners at home. Work out the kind of catering first, then compare quotes.
What is
covered.
Food is usually the biggest decision for any event, and the one with the most questions. How many people, what time of day, what the venue has, who has an allergy, and whether anyone will be serving or clearing up. Answer those and the rest of the plan gets much easier.
Event services on AYS Concierge start with catering, which covers a wide range. A tray of sandwiches dropped at the office. A hot buffet for a christening in a church hall. A barbecue in the garden. A private chef cooking three courses in your own kitchen and washing up afterwards. Each one is a different job with a different price.
You search by postcode and see caterers who cover your area. Simple orders, like a set office lunch, may have a fixed price shown before you book. Most events are quoted, so you describe the occasion and local caterers send menus and prices to compare. Quotes are free and there is no obligation, and you pay securely through AYS when you book.
The service
in this category.
1 service in events. Each page explains what is covered, how pricing works and how to get ready.
Drop-off, full service or private chef
Drop-off catering means the food arrives ready, usually on platters with disposable plates and napkins at most, and you do the rest. It suits office lunches and relaxed parties. Full-service catering can include crockery, cutlery, serving staff and clearing up, which matters at a wake, a christening or any event where you want to be with your guests. A private chef shops, cooks in your kitchen, serves and cleans up, and suits small dinners.
Tell every caterer the same things so the quotes compare fairly: guest numbers, date and times, the venue address, what the kitchen or hall has, and whether the food replaces a meal. List allergies in writing. Food businesses in the UK must be able to tell you if dishes contain any of the 14 main allergens, so ask how dishes are kept separate and labelled.
Caterers who prepare food should be registered as a food business with their local council, and many have a food hygiene rating you can check. We ask caterers for insurance and food hygiene training, and the team checks what they send.
What kind of catering do I need for my event?
Think about how formal it is and how much help you want on the day. A buffet dropped off is simplest. Hot food served by staff suits larger family events. A private chef works for a small group at home. If you are unsure, describe the event in a quote request and let caterers suggest what they would do.
How early should I book catering?
For a wedding or a big family event on a popular date, as early as you can. For an office lunch or small party, a couple of weeks is often enough. On AYS you can book from 2 hours ahead up to 90 days ahead, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time.
What does the caterer need to know about the venue?
Whether there is an oven, a fridge, running water, tables and power, how they get food in, and how early they can arrive. A village hall, a garden and a flat kitchen all change what can be cooked on site. Send photos if you can, and the name of anyone at the venue they should speak to.
Can one caterer handle vegan, halal and gluten free guests?
Many can, but check before you book rather than on the day. Give numbers for each dietary need, plus any allergies by name. Ask whether halal meat is certified, how gluten free dishes are kept apart, and whether everything will be labelled. For a severe allergy, talk to the caterer directly before choosing.
How do I work out how much food to order?
It depends on the time of day, how long the event lasts and whether the food replaces a meal. A short afternoon gathering needs less than an evening party where people are drinking. Tell the caterer all of that and they will suggest quantities, so you do not run out or end up throwing food away.
Work in events?
Get booked for it.
Join AYS as a pro. Choose the postcodes you cover, set your prices and take bookings from local customers.