01 · Planning with myCHEF
Plan the grill, the menu and the garden together
Tell us whether you have a barbecue available or need the team to bring cooking equipment. The grill type, outdoor space and venue permissions affect the setup. Share the access route and identify a cooking area with suitable clearance from guests, furniture and the dining table before the menu is confirmed.
Choose the style of barbecue you want: burgers and familiar sides, a selection of skewers, or a more extensive grilled menu. Include vegetarian dishes as part of the main plan, along with children’s portions and any allergies. Cooking order and serving quantities need to work for the complete group.
For a relaxed party, the chef can cook while guests help themselves to agreed sides; a fuller service can include waitstaff and table clearance. Confirm equipment, fuel where applicable, crockery, service hours and cleanup responsibilities in writing. A staffed buffet can complement the grill when the venue and guest count justify it.

02 · Planning with myCHEF
List the equipment before calling the plan complete
Food, kitchen equipment and table items are separate parts of a catering brief. Confirm what the venue supplies and what the catering team needs to bring. Depending on the format, that may include preparation equipment, holding equipment, serving utensils, crockery, glassware or linen.
A photograph of a styled event does not establish what is included in your own package. If you want the same type of table setup or service display, ask for those items to be identified in the proposal. This is particularly useful when the property has limited kitchen facilities or the event uses more than one dining area.
Also agree how equipment will arrive, be set up and be collected. Access restrictions and collection times can affect the plan. A clear equipment list helps the team prepare properly and gives you a practical way to check that the venue is ready before guests arrive.
03 · Planning with myCHEF
Keep the buffet easy to approach and enjoy
A buffet works best when guests can see the choices and move through the serving area comfortably. Think about where the queue may form, how plates will be collected and whether guests need access from one side or several points. The layout should suit the room rather than force everyone towards one crowded corner.
Group dishes in a logical order and make dietary information easy to find. Separate serving utensils and an agreed replenishment plan help the team keep the display organised. If guests will arrive in waves, discuss how the food will be presented throughout the service period.
The venue needs enough space for both guests and staff to move. A beautiful display is only useful if it can be maintained without interrupting the event. Confirm the equipment, station staffing and clear-down responsibilities in the proposal so the buffet remains a working service area as well as a visual centrepiece.
Your occasion, thoughtfully planned
Tell us what you have in mind.
Share your date, venue, guest count and menu preferences. We’ll discuss the service your occasion needs and confirm the details in a written proposal.
Start your catering enquiry
