Tips for reducing costs and getting the best value for your catering requirements
There are several different service options and menus available for hospitality and event catering, something to suit every occasion and budget. To get the best value and avoid unnecessary expense when making arrangements for your guests, please consider the following tips or contact our Hospitality Co-ordinator Angelique Charalambous (x 3732) for advice
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Carefully consider the type of event you are organising, the level of hospitality you would like to provide and the budget you have to spend. Then do a 'what if' to see if catering of a lower level could still meet expectations e.g. you would ideally like to offer a sit down formal lunch but in fact a fork buffet or indeed a finger food lunch would meet your guests expectations.
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Always advise your guests what to expect e.g. specify 'light lunch' if you will be providing sandwiches or 'formal lunch' if you will be providing a sit down waited affair
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Send out invitations in plenty of time and ask guests to RSVP – this is essential so that you can order the corresponding level of catering
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If you organise regular large events and cannot get RSVP's, keep a record of the numbers that normally attend such events so that you can tailor catering accordingly – bear in mind that numbers for catering need to be confirmed in advance
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Consider the timing of your events – events held late in the evening and at weekends may incur a surcharge and are generally more expensive.
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Set a limit for the amount of drinks you want to provide – this helps the event reach a natural conclusion as well as avoiding any unexpected added cost
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Have a time schedule and try to keep to it – food will be prepared and staff arrangements will have been made for the times that you advise so delay will effect quality and cost
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Review the numbers attending your event – ask invited guests to let you know whether they will definitely be attending. This may save you over or under estimating the amount of people attending and could help save on costs.
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Consider the location for evening events e.g. the economy Early Bird evening receptions can be held in any licensed room in the Old Building, evening receptions in the NAB incur a surcharge.
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For a lighter or cheaper option to a formal three course lunch or dinner, consider having just one or two courses.
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As an alternative to either a formal lunch or dinner consider one of our fork buffet lunch or supper options.
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A private dining buffet style service is also available in the 4th Floor restaurant between 4.30pm and 7.00pm during term time.
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As an alternative to a fork buffet or finger food consider having lunch in the Staff Dining Room with a reserved table and vouchers for your guests
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For real economy and great value we can provide vouchers for lunch in the Garrick or the 4th Floor restaurant
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Reception Packages – we offer very reasonably priced all inclusive reception packages starting from under £5 p/h.
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As an alternative to receptions for small numbers or an informal occasion we can provide a credit bar facility and snacks in either the George 1V pub or the 4th Floor Café Bar
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Collect refreshments to save on cost - restrictions may apply (LSE staff and students only)