Dinner Party Catering in Bristol

Unique and memorable dining experiences. They look back on memorable bookings such as a Battle of Trafalgar themed event.

What do you need to know from an organiser in order to provide a comprehensive quote?

We love to work with events organisers from the very start of their search for the right menu. The basic details we need are always the date (and time of service as lunch bookings are becoming more popular) and the reason for the event. The approximate number of guests is important to help us estimate the event costs and can be slightly modified once exact numbers are known. Generally, we would anticipate that events which require a private chef are based indoors or at least have indoor kitchen facilities but we are also able to offer Sicilian street food from a gazebo set-up. When you book with Hungry Chefs, you are not just getting an alternative to a restaurant meal but a complete dining experience that will create memories for you and your guests and allow you to shine as the host. We do recognise that the first time a client books a private chef, it can be a daunting experience. This is why we have a full-time client services contact who can hold your hands each step of the way and react to any changes or provide answers to questions in the run-up to your event. We note any allergies, food preferences, intolerances, the reason for the party and any details about the guests that help us to plan the type of menu best suited to your occasion.

What advice would you give to a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

I would always ask the supplier how much experience they have in providing private chef services. At Hungry Chefs, we have been doing this work for nearly 7 years and it is a big learning curve when you first start. The chef needs to be prepared for all types of kitchen with varying amounts of equipment and the act of cooking the meal, should not intrude upon the guests' enjoyment of their event. If you are looking for a bespoke menu and a full service, ask the supplier about the customer service offering and request reviews/testimonials from other clients. Having somebody who is not experienced at the private chef work can be stressful and disappointing.

Please tell us a little bit about how and why you started the business.

We started working with Housebites which was an internet start-up in London in 2012. They had a cool website that allowed chefs to sell gourmet takeaway online in the local area and also provide private chef services to clients. Unfortunately, the business folded but we continued to offer private chef services for existing and new clients. The name Hungry Chefs came from the group of chefs who had worked with Housebites but were hungry for other opportunities besides working in restaurant kitchens. Hungry Chefs consists primarily of Claire (client services) and Umberto (chef) although we have waiting staff and other chefs and bar staff we work with on occasion.

Please tell us about a booking you've had through Add to Event, how did it go? Would you recommend us to others?

We recently landed a job with Add To Event that was a very formal dinner to celebrate the Battle of Trafalgar. The clients lived in a stunning house overlooking the Jurassic coast and had 8 guests join them for a very traditional 4-course meal. All the guests wore black tie with the ladies in ball gowns. The kitchen was a dream with a great Aga and everything you could possibly imagine. The food was fantastic and as we drove away, the clients were setting off fireworks and firing canons to commemorate the Battle. It was a more formal dinner than we usually cater for but a great opportunity to be part of a very unique occasion.