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How to create the perfect hog roast party or BBQ event

How to create the perfect hog roast party or BBQ event

June 15, 2023

Planning a hog roast or barbecue event can be an exciting time, creating memories with loved ones, staff and other event attendees. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, hosting a corporate gathering, or simply enjoying time with friends and family, a hog roast or BBQ is a fantastic way to bring people together.

Here are some of our essential tips for creating a hog roast event to remember.

Can you serve hog roasts at all events?

Once you’ve picked your location, choosing the right food for your event is key. Luckily, hog roasts and barbecue catering are versatile, suitable for all events. Whether you’re hosting an outdoor garden party or indoor feast, caterers can adapt their menus, presentations and serving styles, including chef-run stations in the open air and large BBQ platters delivered to inside tables.

What’s the best meat for a spit roast?

Whole meats, such as pork, lamb and chicken are perfect spit roasting, rotating over heat for perfectly even results. The process can take up to 6 to 7 hours with large meats, such as a hog roast, creating delicious, succulent and tender results with crispy crackling like no other. Few catering solutions offer such fresh and tasty food. Some BBQ event organisers even decide to offer a selection of options, such as hog roast rolls and chicken rotisserie stations.

How many people does a hog roast feed?

Hog roasts are ideal for all guest numbers, so whether you’re feeding a small gathering of 30 to 50 guests or you need food for hundreds of attendees, packages are tailored to requirements. You could also consider a lamb spit roast and other BBQ options to cater for your guest numbers.

What sides go with a hog roast?

The perfect sides for your hog roast will depend on your menu. Traditional pig roasts often serve the pork in fresh rolls and apple sauce with crispy crackling. However, you can raise your game with additions such as roast potatoes cooked in the meat juices (seasoned with rosemary, garlic and sea salt), Mediterranean salad dishes, homemade coleslaw, potato salad, cold pasta, pigs in blankets and beans. If going for something a little different, such as a Mexican hog roast, you could even serve hog roast wraps with salsa, guacamole, chilli and sour cream.

What should you serve at a BBQ party?

If planning a special BBQ event, you don’t have to stick to the same old fare you see each summer. Professional barbecue catering offers more options, having sourced high-quality ingredients from trusted butchers and farms for the most flavoursome results. Seasonal produce is your friend when it comes to BBQ food, from mixed vegetable and halloumi skewers to deliciously marinaded salmon fillets and chimichurri steaks. Speak to your BBQ caterers to find out more about popular options this season.

Hire us now for hog roast and BBQ catering

Looking for a trusted hog roast catering service? Choose The Gourmet Hog Roast Company. We work throughout the UK, covering locations such as Woking, Guildford, Cobham, Epsom, Reigate, Oxted, Egham, Weybridge and Farnham.

To discuss your options, call now on 0800 048 5160 or email info@gourmet-hog-roast.co.uk.

Reasons to Choose a Hog Roast for Your London Wedding

January 26, 2023

Regardless of your wedding theme, the time of year or your personal tastes, hog roast catering is an exceptional choice that brings versatility in bucketloads. Couples want to get their food right, so selecting a menu that reflects such a momentous occasion is the key to treating your loved ones to something special.

We know spit roasts have been used for social events for hundreds of years, steeped in tradition and history, but how can they elevate your London wedding to the next level?

Here are three great reasons to choose a hog roast for your wedding food.

Provide an incredible culinary experience to wow your guests

The extraordinary sights, smells and tastes created by hog roasting are an experience to behold, perfect for special occasions like your wedding day.

If you decide on an open-air wedding, you may even choose to have a visible chef’s tent. Here, the team are hard at work, slow-cooking the hog for hours before it’s rested and carved, with the meat so tender it slides off the bone and melts in the mouth. Sheer pleasure for anyone who loves a high-quality culinary experience!

The flexibility of hog roasting menus creates an opportunity to bring your friends and family together, not only in support of your big day but over a love of delicious food. A good catering team will use fresh, seasonal ingredients when creating recipes for your wedding.

Create the atmosphere you want with versatile wedding menus

Some couples worry a hog roast isn’t suitable for their wedding theme, but they’re actually one of the most versatile options on the table. You can easily design the perfect menu to elevate your theme, whatever atmosphere you want to create.

For example, for relaxed evening celebrations, you may choose gourmet snacks to give your guests an energy boost for the late-night dancefloor. Or why not put a twist on a summer wedding with a Mexican hog roast? In the colder months of the year, you may even opt for large sharing platters served at candlelit tables for a romantic winter banquet.

Choose hog roast catering for your special day and night

Hog roast catering is perfect for your entire day if you want this option. Experienced caterers will offer the ideal wedding hog roast package to meet your needs, from canapes and mains to sides, desserts and evening food.

You can choose a hog roast package for any number of guests, so work closely with your chosen caterer to create the perfect menu for your wedding size. You’ll probably find hog roasts are a highly economical way to feed the masses, keeping your budget happy while serving exceptional food that gives your wedding the extra magic touch.

Hire a renowned hog roast team now

Are you planning a wedding in 2023? Contact The Gourmet Hog Roast Company for all UK and London wedding catering requests.

You can reach us now by calling 0800 048 5160, sending a message to info@gourmet-hog-roast.co.uk or completing our online contact form.

Getting Married in 2023? Book Your Wedding Caterer NOW

February 2, 2021

Are you getting married in 2022 or 2023? Firstly Congratulations!!! Now that the ‘put a ring on it’ part is done, many will be looking forward to planning the details, including delicious wedding catering options on offer. A lot of wedding have been postponed over the last few years and 2023 is looking like a big year for weddings already. I’m sure you want to get ahead of the pack with your wedding planning and booking in your suppliers… At The Gourmet Hog Roast Company, we’re looking ahead to the upcoming 12 months, and already have bookings in 2024. Enjoy our wedding hog roast packages if you’re looking for a standout menu that your guests are going to love. (more…)

Come to our next Open Day.

January 10, 2021

To get a feel for the types of Surrey wedding catering you can choose, attend open days to meet caterers and suppliers in person. At The Gourmet Hog Roast Company, we love meeting couples and their families, giving us the chance to showcase the types of food, menus and experience you’ll receive when working with us. (more…)

Using the Tradition of Hog Roasts to Enhance Your Event

September 17, 2019

Hog roasts are one of the most exciting catering ideas when it comes to events. The visual elements, sounds and aromas created by expert hog roast companies can get a crowd talking before they’ve even tasted a bite. As a versatile option, hog roasts are chosen for many different types of celebrations. This includes traditional gatherings which need a menu to befit such an occasion. Here’s how the tradition of hog roasts can enhance your event. (more…)

Best Venues for a Wedding Banquet

August 16, 2019

BBQ feasts are something everybody loves, but have you thought about banquet-style food for your wedding? This style of catering is great for creating a buzzy and informal atmosphere, while guests tuck into the delicious food they want rather than being stuck with a plate put before them. If you’re opting for a wedding banquet, it’s important to find the right space within your venue to make things as easy as possible for you and your guests. Here are a few things to consider. (more…)

Corporate Event Catering Ideas in Hampshire

July 20, 2019

If you’re looking for corporate event catering in Hampshire, planning your food menu ideas is going to help make or break your event. Whether you’ve got a small number of guests to entertain or you’re planning a function for a lot of people, it’s important that your guests feel the event hits the right spot. If you’re weighing up your corporate food options, here are some other ideas to consider. (more…)

Outdoor Summer Party Ideas in Hampshire

June 11, 2019

If you’re planning a Hampshire event such as a summer party, there are some great ideas to make it a success. Using the outdoors is a great way to make the best of the season and take advantage of some of the spots you wouldn’t be able to enjoy at other times of the year. Here are just a few ideas to help you plan a party in Hampshire to remember. (more…)

Out of This World Sides Dishes for Your BBQ

March 19, 2019

Have you ever been to a BBQ that felt pretty bland and then had another that you were talking about for weeks after? It’s the small details which can make the difference to guest satisfaction, from the presentation of the food to how it tastes. Whether for a wedding, private party or corporate function, another way you can propel a BBQ or hog roast to the talk of the day is to ensure you have the best sides to complement your mains. Here are some inspirational ideas about what to consider when putting together your event menu. (more…)

Wedding Catering in Surrey – Case Study

Wedding Catering in Surrey – Case Study

March 19, 2019

As one of the biggest days in any couple’s life, it’s important to choose a wedding food menu which fits in with the tone you want to set for the day, whether that’s relaxed and informal, or adding a bit of theatre and excitement. For this event, we provided both food and staff to help the couple add a unique and special feel to their wedding reception. (more…)

Amazing Grazing Station Ideas for Every Season

February 18, 2019

Grazing stations have become one of the hottest trends in the catering world, loved by modern couples who want a cool alternative to the traditional wedding breakfast, those organising a special party or even at corporate events where you want to impress attendees. It’s a great idea to create grazing stations which reflect the time of year, so here’s some inspiration to help with your plans. (more…)

Best Ways to Add a Gourmet Twist to a Traditional Hog Roast

January 18, 2019

There’s nothing to get the mouth watering more than the thought of a delicious hog roast, from the slow-cooked meat placed in a crusty roll to the delicious crackling and sides. While a traditional hog roast is something we love, if you’re looking for something a little different, there are some additional gourmet twists you can add to your menu.

Here are some of our favourite ideas. (more…)

Open Day Sunday 11th November 2018

October 10, 2018

It’s that time of year again for our Bi-annual Open Day being held on Sunday 11thNovember at one of our wedding venues, London Fields Brewery in Hackney.

 

This is a ticketed event at £20 per person and gives our clients an opportunity to taste our full menu in a relaxed & informal environment, while enjoying a complimentary glass of bubbles and craft beer.

 

We will be cooking a full selection of our canapes, hog roast, lamb roast, BBQ, sides & salads, desserts, wood fire pizzas & paella – so bring an appetite.

 

Space is limited so if you would like to attend please get in contact at info@gourmet-hog-roast.co.uk

 

Info

When: Sunday 11th November 2018 1pm – 3pm

Where: London Fields Brewery 369-370 Helmsley Pl, London E8 3SB

What: Complimentary drink, along with full selection of Gourmet Hog Roast food

How: £20 per person and get in contact at info@gourmet-hog-roast.co.uk

 

Open Day 9th December 2017

October 20, 2017

With 2017 wedding season coming to be close, all eyes are now set on 2018, which is shaping up to be our busiest year to date.

To support this, and due to popular demand we are adding another Open Day this year. This additional Open Day will be held on the 9th December at the Pig & Whistle pub in SW18 London and is an opportunity for our clients to try our delicious food in an informal environment while discussing their big day.

The Gourmet Hog Roast Company specialise in providing hog roast & BBQ wedding catering in London, Surrey, Kent and Home Counties. Brides & Grooms choose to work with us as they want something different from the usual ‘chicken in sauce’ catering. We offer tasty, wholesome food executed with exceptional service.

Book Your Tickets Now

Come along and taste the delicious food prepared by the Gourmet Hog Roast, while relaxing in the aptly named Pig & Whistle pub.

  • What – A delicious buffet lunch prepared by the Gourmet Hog Roast to sample.
  • When – Saturday 9th December 2017, starting at 12pm.
  • Where – 481 Merton Road, Wandsworth, London SW18 5LD
  • Cost – £20 per ticket which must be booked in advance.

Pig&Whistle

Open Day April 23rd 2017

March 8, 2017

We are proud to announce the date and location of our bi-annual Hog Roast Open Day, which will be held at the Hotel Rafayel on the Left Bank on Sunday 23rd April.

The Rafayel is one of the most iconic buildings south of the river, and the terrace offers unrivalled views over the river and city skyline. We are proud to be working with the hotel to showcase this stunning venue while experiencing the Gourmet Hog Roasts’ fantastic food.

Book Your Tickets Now

Come along and taste the delicious food prepared by the Gourmet Hog Roast, while taking in the views of the Thames from the stunning venue of the Hotel Rafayel on the Left Bank.

  • What – A delicious buffet lunch prepared by the Gourmet Hog Roast to sample.
  • When – Sunday 23rd April 2017, starting at 12pm.
  • Where – Rafayel on the Left Bank, 34 Lombard Road, London, SW11 3RF
  • Cost – £20 per ticket which must be booked in advance.

Open Day 2016

April 13, 2016

We’d like to thank everyone who attended our Annual Open Day on the 2nd April and we hope everyone enjoyed the food. We certainly had the weather on our side. For those who have not attended one before, our Open Days are an opportunity for clients, and prospective clients to taste our food before making final decisions on their food options. This year we had just under 60 people attend and it was great to have the opportunity to meet people and discuss their event in an informal environment.

openday2

Wimbledon Food Bank

April 13, 2015

The Gourmet Hog Roast are proud to announce that in 2015, with the aid and generosity of our clients are donating all the food that is not used at our events to our local Food Bank in London.  As a hog roast catering company in South West London and Surrey we have received great support from our local community and want to do our bit to help. The Food Bank is a great charity which helps supply people who really need our help with meals and other basic amenities.  As well as donating food you can also donate via their website by following this link. http://wimbledon.foodbank.org.uk/donate

Hampton Court 1/2 Marathon hog roast surrey

April 7, 2015

We’ve always been firm believers that Pork makes you run faster, jump higher and generally be a better person. This point was proven when we did a hog roast surrey at Hampton Court Palace half marathon on Sunday 29th March.

Matt and the team at Run Through asked us to be the sole caterers at the Palace as we are preferred suppliers there. The weather was terrible with near gale force winds, but that didn’t stop nearly 3,000 runners turn up to run through the beautiful grounds.

To help those elite athletes, the Gourmet Hog Roast team were giving out our own free protein shots (otherwise known as bits of sausage) which went down a storm to calm those pre-race nerves.

All in all it was great morning and it was a pleasure to be part of.

The team doing a hog roast in Hampton Court in Surrey

The team doing a hog roast in Hampton Court in Surrey

Open Day 28th March 2015

April 1, 2015

The 28th March marked another successful Open Day hosted by the Gourmet Hog Roast Company. This years venue was the Pig & Whistle pub in Earlsfield and it was was an opportunity for customers and prospects to come taste our menu, and have an informal chat about their event.

We had over 30 guests turn up throughout the afternoon and it was great to finally put a face to some names. The weather wasn’t great but spirits were high, in part because of the Prosecco on offer, along with the copious amounts of food.

We will look to host another Open Day later in the season, where we’ll cook more food and once dates are confirmed we will publish them. If you’re interested in attending one of these events then get in contact now to taste the best hog roast in London

Wedding Trends

February 18, 2015

So I thought I would share with you some of the trends we’ve noticed over the last couple of years with regards to weddings. I’d like to caveat that we’ve not completed an exhaustive quantitative study, counting for every type of variable in terms of age, demographic etc – this is purely our observations when we’ve been taking enquiries to cater for couples weddings.

1. Informality

We’ve noticed a trend the last few years whereby people are moving away from the traditional, military precision-esq wedding with ceremony at 12pm, photos from 1.30-3pm, speeches, hog roast etc etc etc. Instead the enquiries we have received have had the term ‘relaxed’ as a central pillar of the theme. Obviously there is a ceremony, and food, and photos and speeches but it is done with a more laid back approach.

2. Kiss Goodbye to ‘Class’ of Guest

The idea of inviting day and evening guests is also something we’re seeing less of. Couples are no longer differentiating between Auntie Mavis, and Dave the old office colleague who you don’t see anymore but he invited you to his wedding so you feel obliged to do the same. This may be tied with the fact people are not necessarily spending hundreds of pounds per head on food, and can afford to invite everyone.

3. Starting Later

A lot of functions we’ve been involved in recently have also started a lot later than normal. We are seeing more and more people have an event kick off at 3-4pm instead of midday. With a relaxed atmosphere being more prevalent this later start time may be linked to couples wanting their guests to be attending a ‘party’ instead of ‘wedding’. Lots of food, drink and dancing are also high on the agenda here.

4. Table Settings

More of the hog roasts we’re catering for at weddings are also looking at more relaxed seating arrangements for the food. Couples are telling us they don’t necessarily want table service, and are happy for food to be presented buffet style- adding to the informal and relaxed nature of the day. Key requirements are good quality food, and lots of it! They need something to soak up all the alcohol being drunk.

At the Gourmet Hog Roast Company we understand that no wedding is the same, and we work with clients to tailor the food & drink to match their exacting requirements.

New Staff…..

January 21, 2015

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We’d like to say a huge congratulations to one of our chefs Scott & his wife Lauren on the birth of their beautiful son Travis. Scott is one of our top chefs, receiving great feedback from clients who said they appreciated him going the extra mile to make their hog roast special

Author: Nick Warlow – Follow us on Google+

BBQ menu coming Feb 2015

January 16, 2015

How great would it be to have your own BBQ table in London to go with our own new BBQ menu.

http://www.likecool.com/Jag_Grill_BBQ_Table–Outdoor–Home.html”

Genius!!!

New Website Coming Soon………

January 6, 2015

2014 has been a great year for the Gourmet Hog Roast Company. We’ve been fortunate enough to meet some amazing people, cater for some fantastic families and had great fun along the way. BUT we don’t like to stop there…..

2015 promises to be even bigger and better for London’s Premier hog roast hire company as we’ve expanded our BBQ menu, increased our focus on servicing the wedding market and brought on board some great staff. Underpinning all of this is the soon to be launched, revamped, super-duper new website we’re working on. The current one has served us well considering Marco and I designed it ourselves as our grand dreams for hog roast domination

Author: Nick Warlow – Follow us on Google+