:: Frequently Asked Questions
Our FAQ is new and may not yet answer all your questions but in time we aim to build it up into a comprehensive resource to help you organise your event in the least stressful manner.
About Us
- How can I be reassured of Beatons' outstanding quality?
- How many people can Beatons cater to?
- Are the images on this website actual dishes produced by Beatons?
- Do Beatons make all the food fresh for an event?
Special Requirements
- What special ingredient standards or requirements are Beatons able to provide?
- How much will it cost to provide these ingredients?
- Are Beatons able to cater to Halal or Kosher standards?
Booking
- How early do I have to book?
- How far in advance must the exact menu/service and numbers be confirmed?
- What happens if I cancel my booking?
Cost
- How much will it cost?
- When do I pay?
- Will I have to tip the waiting staff or is this included in the total cost?
- Will I have to pay for delivery?
The Event
- What is or is not included?
- Am I allowed to provide my own drinks?
- Will Beatons waiters serve own provided drinks?
- Do Beatons staff wear uniforms?
- Do I have to wash up?
- If I order one of the standard menus can I add extras and side dishes?
About Us
How can I be reassured of Beatons' outstanding quality?
Firstly, our 25 years of success in this highly competitive industry speaks for itself. Furthermore many testimonials from the last year can be found on the testimonials page and in addition to this we have built a network of past customers who have agreed to be contacted by potential customers to discuss their experiences of our services - we usually send out their contact details to you in our information pack for interested new customers. Finally, we can arrange to let you visit one of the events we are catering for so you can see us in action.
How many people can Beatons cater to?
Roughly speaking Beatons is able to cater to anything from 4 to 500 people although we have in the past catered for larger events.
Are the images on this website actual dishes produced by Beatons?
Yes, all the food you see is prepared and photographed by us. Many companies use stock royalty free images on their websites because it is a cheap and easy way of producing an attractive and professional website but we believe this can mislead customers.
Do Beatons make all the food fresh for an event?
Yes, except for the bread which we usually buy from a local baker. We make everything from scratch using only the best quality freshly sourced ingredients.
Special Requirements
What special ingredient standards or requirements are Beatons able to provide?
We can cater for your event using ingredients that are Organic, Fairtrade, locally produced or meet any other standard. We can use ingredients that match any requirements that you have, provided they can be sourced.
If we do not have experience of a particular standard we will work with you to understand your requirements and will endeavour to find the ingredients you require. This can also include using ingredients from your own garden, or local area to reduce food miles.
How much will it cost to provide these ingredients?
We will only charge you the difference in price between our normal ingredient and the special ingredient. All additional costs will be calculated and discussed with you before confirming the booking.
Are Beatons able to cater to Halal or Kosher standards?
Whilst we are able to source and use ingredients that meet any standard you require we unfortunately do not have the facilities to allow preparation and cooking to standards such as Halal and Kosher.
Booking
How early do I have to book?
Just as for holidays, we tend to be busier during the summer months therefore booking as early as possible for a summer event is advised whilst in the winter months more dates are available - occasionally we are able to fit events in with as little as 1-2 weeks notice.
How far in advance must the exact menu/service and numbers be confirmed?
We need an approximate number when the booking is placed, with final numbers and menus confirmed 1 week before your event.
What happens if I cancel my booking?
If cancelled with more than 2 weeks notice you will lose your 10% deposit and if cancelled less than 2 weeks before the event you will lose 50% of the cost (the initial 10% deposit + the 40% paid 2 weeks before the event).
Cost
How much will it cost?
The final cost to you will vary depending on the type of service and any extras required but below is an example comparison of the relative cost of doing it yourself, using Beatons or taking your party to a hotel or restaurant, at both ends of the cost spectrum:
A low price lay up and leave buffet:
Option |
What's Involved |
Cost |
Do it yourself |
Shopping, preparation, cooking and serving up. Hire of serving dishes, extra china and cutlery (extra refrigeration and cooking equipment if necessary) and do all the washing up. Lots of your time and stress. |
More than our prices and possibly your sanity! |
Beatons @ Home |
A phone call. |
|
Restaurant/Hotel |
A phone call. |
50% more + drinks at least 3x more than buying yourself |
An all-inclusive served meal:
Option |
What's Involved |
Cost |
Do it yourself |
Manage the event - hire chefs and serving staff from an agency, and equipment as above. Some of your time and stress. |
Roughly the same as our prices but with significantly more stress! |
Beatons @ Home |
A phone call. |
Marlborough £28.95 |
Restaurant/Hotel |
A phone call. |
100% more + drinks at least 3x more than buying yourself |
- 10% of total cost when confirming your booking.
- 40% 2 weeks before your event.
- 50% after the event when your are satisfied with the food and service provided.
Will I have to tip the waiting staff or is this included in the total cost?
If waiting staff have been requested a service charge will be included in the total cost and staff will not expect a gratuity.
Will I have to pay for delivery?
Local delivery is free but if significant distance must be travelled a charge may be applied. This will be made clear when discussing your requirements.
The Event
What is or is not included?
This depends on the type of menu chosen. In all our basic lay up and leave packages such as the Balmoral, Canapes and Claridge menus:
- Delivery
- Plates
- Cutlery
- Equipment to keep food hot or cold
- Buffet cloths
- Napkins
- Laying out of the buffet
- Printed menu
- Collection
- Washing up
NOT INCLUDED: Serving staff - these are added to the invoice if required.
In the service menus such as the Clarendon and Hampton menus, all of the above and:
- Tables fully laid with linen tablecloths and napkins
- Full complement of china and cutlery
- Serving staff
- Table menus
NOT INCLUDED: Drinks
In our all inclusive menus such as the Marlborough, Regency and Wellington menus, all of the above and:
- Glasses and drinks
Am I allowed to provide my own drinks?
Yes, you are welcome to provide all or part of your drinks.
Will Beatons waiters serve own provided drinks?
Yes, we will serve your drinks free of charge.
Do Beatons staff wear uniforms?
Yes, all our staff wear black and white uniforms.
Do I have to wash up?
No, we do all the washing up free of charge except for when you hire our equipment without catering, in which case we charge 5p per item for washing up.
If I order one of the standard menus can I add extras and side dishes?
Yes, we offer a completely flexible service and will simply add the cost of extras to the standard menu prices. For example, you could add rice, potatoes, bread or any of the Pick 'n Mix dishes to your order.