Almost every event we cook for now has at least one guest with a dietary need. A vegan cousin, a colleague with coeliac disease, a child with a nut allergy. It's normal, and it shouldn't be an afterthought.

Plan it in, don't bolt it on

The difference between a good menu and a disappointing one is when the dietary needs are thought about. If they're added at the end, someone gets a plain plate of whatever's left. If they're part of the plan from the start, their food is just as good. Often, everyone else wants some too.

That's how we work. When you enquire, we ask about allergies and preferences straight away and write the menu around them.

Dishes that work for everyone

The easiest way to include everyone is to choose dishes that naturally suit lots of diets:

  • slow-cooked meats served with sauces and sides on the side, so people can build their own plate
  • big, bold vegetable dishes and plant-based options that stand up on their own
  • fresh salsas, tahini yogurt and herby dressings that add flavour without relying on cream or flour
  • desserts like Persian love cake, which can be adapted where needed

When a group needed vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and nut-free food for a Vietnamese hen weekend buffet, the changes were built into the dishes themselves. Nobody was singled out at the table. For a 90th birthday buffet, the menu was planned around several guests' needs and a family budget.

Allergies need extra care

Allergies are different from preferences. A serious allergy means careful preparation and clear labelling, and making sure the guest knows what's safe. Tell us about any allergies, and how severe they are, as early as you can, and again when you confirm final numbers.

What to ask your guests

When you send invitations, a simple line does the job: "Please let us know about any allergies or dietary requirements." It saves a lot of last-minute worry, and it means we can plan properly.

Talk to us

Whatever the occasion, from birthdays to weddings, tell us who's coming and what they can and can't eat, and we'll plan a menu everyone can enjoy. Get in touch.