Whilst we don’t kick off our wedding season until April, it’s been a busy start to the year at Birtsmorton Court. Not only have we started to meet you, our lovely couples, to hear about your wedding plans, there’s been some exciting changes happening too.
It is with great pleasure that we introduce you to our three new catering partners, Ross & Ross Events, McBaile Exclusive and Orchard Catering. These professional and talented event catering companies come armed with awards and accolades, and having tried their grub, we can absolutely see why.
With the three caterers, you will find a different approach to both the food and the menus that they offer. Each company are also happy to discuss any specific ideas that you may have. You will be able to try their food before your wedding and make your own decisions about what is right for you and your guests, however we’ve included a summary below.
- Based in Tewkesbury, family-run Orchard Catering will not leave you to go hungry. Expect big portions of hearty food and tasty menus. You are bound to find something to appeal to even the fussiest of your guests on the Orchard Catering menus. They also encourage a choice menu, so you can pick options to include on your invitations in advance of the day.
- McBaile Exclusive put quality and professionalism at the heart of their business and this is reflected throughout their menus and the excellent standard of food that they serve. McBaile Exclusive have a range of delicious options at an affordable price. We especially love their ‘Experience Hour’ where you will be hosted for your own private tasting in their Shepherd’s Hut located alongside the picturesque Cotswold Water park in Gloucestershire.
- Ross & Ross Events are a serious operator for the foodies amongst you. Their ethos for seasonal food and delicious flavours along with their uncomplicated approach to wedding catering makes them an excellent choice if you are looking to splurge a little on your wedding food. Their mouth-watering menus are executed to perfection and makes them an outstanding option for couples looking for top-notch catering at Birtsmorton Court. Based in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, multiple award winning Ross and Ross Events are full of ideas and enthusiasm which will leave you brimming with excitement for the big day.
To download our caterer’s menus, check our the Wedding Breakfast page for more details.
As self-confessed foodies, the Birtsmorton Court Events Office has been abuzz with talk of our favourite dishes and meals that have captured our imagination. We couldn’t think of a better way to kick off 2019 than by sharing with you some of our favourite, show stopping wedding dishes, some brand new ideas and a few helpful bits of advice that we have picked up along the way.
Wedding trends can change as quickly as the weather and food is no exception. Mouth-watering pictures of rustic canapes and sugar-coated desert stations fill our Pinterest boards. These days the food served at your wedding is limited only by your imagination.
One of the first things that really caught our attention last year was a number of summer weddings who opted for a BBQ as an alternative for their wedding breakfast. Set up in the charming courtyard beside our marquee and surrounded by garden games and deck chairs, the garden-party vibe created by a BBQ is a hit with everyone. What could be better than biting into a juicy cheese burger, king prawn skewer or sticky baby back ribs and washing it down with a chilled glass of Prosecco. For vegetarians, dishes like grilled halloumi and pesto or BBQ spiced cauliflower served with tzatziki is just the very tip of the iceberg. Served with the sides of your choice there’s sure to be something to please everyone. If you like the idea of having a BBQ but were hoping for something a little more formal, why not opt to have have platters of BBQ meats and sides brought to your tables so your guests can dive in without even having to leave their seats? It’s a win-win! Be sure to check our Ross & Ross’ delectable BBQ menus for more ideas.
Sharing platters have also made a bold entrance in the past couple of years, with anything from antipasti boards to seafood platters filling out the spaces between canapes and evening food. We think they’re the perfect way to create a relaxed atmosphere for an enjoyable wedding breakfast. For mains, consider table carved porchetta stuffed with apricots, roast leg of lamb or dry rubbed and roasted West Country chicken served on chunky wooden boards with all the trimmings for your guests to devour. This relaxed style of service is a great conversation starter for your guests and also a fully enjoyable way to eat. Sending a leisurely couple of hours over your wedding food is never time wasted. For more sharing board ideas take a look at McBaile’s mouth-watering menus.
If you’re looking for something a little lighter for your wedding breakfast but still want to keep things classy, then you might want to consider afternoon tea. The very definition of sophistication, afternoon tea was introduced to the world during the reign of Queen Victoria as the perfect treat designed to fill the void between lunch and an evening meal. Have your guest’s jaws drop as beautifully presented towers of delicate sandwiches, individual quiches and flavour filled cakes are laid in front of them. The beauty of afternoon tea is that anything goes, as long as it can be eaten in just a few bites of course! Orchard Catering have a great selection of afternoon tea idea to whet your appetite.
Moving on to evening food, where should we start? Our first tip would be to consider just how much evening food you really need. Let’s remember that your day guests will already be well fed and even taking the post beer munchies into account, not everyone is going to be up to another heavy load. Here at Birtsmorton Court we recommend catering for approximately 75-80% of your total guest number. That said, you know your friends and family much better than we do, so make a decision that is right for your wedding party. There’s nothing worse than your guests going hungry, or half of your evening food going to waste.
The next question is what to pick? Whilst classics like cheese and crackers, bacon baguettes and a pig roast with crackling and apple sauce are all still very much popular favourites, it seems that new ideas are popping up every day! Woodfired pizzas were a big hit last year and we don’t think they show any sign of slowing down because after all, who doesn’t love pizza? If woodfired pizzas are your thing, you’ll love Mario the Pizza Car, Orchard Catering’s very own pizza oven served from the back of a vintage Mini. Burger sliders, mini fish and chip cones, pulled meats, paninis and sausage rolls have all made an appearances over the past couple of years and we won’t be at all sorry to see them again.
Looking for a few more ideas? Why not consider one of the following options:
Paella – freshly made in giant pans in front of you and your guests, this scintillating dish will be a hit with everyone. The aromatic smells and bright colours of a classic paella really are a showstopper and will have guests lining up to take their share.
Cheese toasties – don’t be fooled by the humble nature of a cheese toastie. They’re a golden oldie for a reason! Oozing with cheese, this warming and delicious option will refuel your guests perfectly, ready for round two on the dancefloor.
Mac’n’Cheese station – yes, you heard right! A dollop of delicious mac’n’cheese finished with your favourite toppings. Choose from options such as crispy bacon, guacamole, spring onions and shredded duck. The perfect way to stave off the next day’s hangover.
Burrito bar – they’re fun, colourful, versatile, packed full of flavour and can will suit the requirements of all of your guests. You can even design your own menus and make up names for your favourite combinations. Just be sure to put out plenty of paper napkins as things could get a little messy!
Perhaps the toughest question that everyone faces when choosing your wedding food is, how can we please everyone? The truth is, you probably can’t. With so many guests to keep happy, finding something to suit all can be an absolute nightmare. Our best advice would be to remember that this is your wedding. Your guests aren’t there to judge your culinary tastes, they are there to rejoice and support the two of you on one of the happiest days of your lives. Choose the menu that is right for you, food that you enjoy and will look back on fondly. Everything from the venue you choose to the flowers, music and drinks should be a celebration of the two of you and the food should be no different. So don’t be afraid to throw the rule book out the window and have a bit of fun. That is after all, what weddings are all about.
To find out more about wedding catering at Birtsmorton Court please give us a call in the Events Office on 01684 833888.
