May was our busiest month ever with record sales and some huge events on our calendar that included a 2-week crew catering festival, Plumpton Racecourse’s final race of the season, a Rugby Ball and a Royal Coronation Dinner.
We cover a range of corporate and private events across the year, and May was most definitely “Marquee May” with events taking place across the South-East.
Preparation was the key to this month as marquees come with their own challenges and quirks. With set-up the key to our success, knowing the venue or at least visiting a few days before to double-check the kitchen setup and kit to ensure a smooth running on the day was invaluable.
The main three for May:
Event: Coronation Ball
Date: 6 May 2023
Venue: Castle Goring
Guests: 220
There are some things even the King can’t have, and on this occasion, it was the weather! The heavens opened for this stunning Coronation Ball at Castle Goring in May, which saw 220 glamorous guests attend the charity ball raising money for several charities supported by Lady Colin Campbell. A new venue for us in 2023 in which we look forward to catering many more black-tie events.
On the menu:
King Charles 111 Fish Platter
Smoked salmon, chilli king prawns, smoked mackerel & crayfish choux bun, pickled cucumber, lemon aioli
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Queen Camilla Supreme of Chicken
Garlic butter chicken breast, summer minted pea & celeriac risotto, smoked & charred English asparagus, baby carrots, parmesan crumble
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Coronation Creme Brûlée
Creme Brûlée served with poached rhubarb and stem ginger shortbreads
Event: Rugby Club Warlingham Centenary Dinner
Date: 20 May 2023
Venue: Marquee at the Rugby Club
Guests: 275
A celebration for the Rugby Club with special guest Martin Johnston (ex-England World Cup winning captain). Working with Jack Sprat event production who managed the event planning and production, while we worked on a night of delectable dining - starting with a champagne and canapé reception. On the menu was a selection of canapés, a three-course seated dinner, rounded off with a cheese board station served with teas and coffees.
Event: Plumpton Racecourse Ladies Day – 14th season finale
Date: 14 May 2023
Venue: Plumpton Racecourse Season Finale
Guests: 450+
On the menu:
Pan-seared scallops and maple pork
celeriac purée, pink lady apples, hazelnut, and spring onion butter
finished with pea shoots
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Roast Chicken supreme
new potato and sun blush tomato crush, crispy chicken and bacon terrine,
smoked asparagus, glazed carrot
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Raspberry crème bar `
raspberry meringues, raspberry sauce, raspberry profiterole
Ladies day was the finale to our race weekend at Plumpton and it didn’t disappoint. We served 220 guests in the marquee restaurant, 110 in a second restaurant, and a further 120 guests across 13 boxes all whilst managing 7 bars where we pulled over 5000 pints!
It is always a busy and spectacular day especially when the sun shines, 7 years into the contract with Plumpton Racecourse the day still throws up its challenges as we look to consistently improve and develop our food and beverage offering. With some fabulous feedback on the menu and service, we look forward to the next season with fixtures starting again on the 24th September embarking on our 8th season at the course.