Essential Tips for Successful Sports Event Catering

1. www.escapade-events.com Essential Tips for Successful Sports Event Catering Catering for sports events Catering for sports events is not so very different from catering any other kind of event, but there are a few factors that you need to consider which might not always apply to other kinds of catering. As one of the North West’s leading sports catering companies we thought we should share some of our top tips for successful sports catering: Understand the event This is the first and perhaps most important rule of catering – and even more so when you care Catering for sports events. Who are you catering for? The spectators, the competitors or both? This sort of thing really makes a difference. If you are catering for spectators you will need to supply a wide range of beverages, for example. If you are catering for competitors then Cocktail bar hire can be a little further down your priority list. In all seriousness knowing who you are catering to and how many of them there will be is absolutely crucial and will affect every aspect of how you cater the event. Get the menu right If people are going to be eating while watching an event you need a menu that is easy to eat without cutlery. Bite sized canape style food might be perfect, but there might also be cultural expectations to consider within the sport you are catering – football crowds tend to expect hearty pies, for example. Get the drinks right too Variety is key here. If you are catering an outdoor event on a hot day also have an eye to ensuring that there is plenty of water readily available to ensure everyone remains properly hydrated. As well as the

2. www.escapade-events.com usual range of alcoholic (if appropriate) beverages and soft drinks you might also consider adding sports drinks to the mix. As with the menu, understanding who you are catering for and what they will want is completely crucial. Cocktail bar hire Ensure smooth, efficient service It is a hard fact for a professional caterer to accept, but when you are catering sporting events your food is not the main reason why people are there. They want to watch the sport, which means they are unlikely to have any patience for having to wait for their food and drink. Make sure you have sufficient servers, bar staff and cleanup crew members because efficient service is a vital part of delivering a positive experience for your guests. Plan your setup and presentation Efficiency demands not just proper staffing, but also an understanding of the environment in which the event will be taking place. Try to work within the limitations of the venue to ensure that guests have easy access to food and drink. Ensure that there is clear signage to indicate where different food options are where – something that is particularly important for any food items catering to dietary restrictions such as gluten free or vegetarian and vegan options. Presenting everything in an attractive way will also enhance the overall guest experience. Know your timings Timing is often crucial at sporting events. Most guests will want to get their food and drink between matches, or during breaks in play. Make sure that you are ready for those periodic rushes, that food is ready so that guests are not kept waiting and that you have enough staff on hand at the right times. By maintaining a clear focus on these aspects of your sporting event catering you should ensure that your guests have an experience that is memorable for all the right reasons. Of course, while all of this sounds simple the logistics will require expert timing and the execution of your catering plan will need to be exact. But you have no need to worry – all you really need to do to cater for any sporting event is pick up the phone and call us!