When planning an event, most people start by choosing the venue—but what if we told you that your catering needs should influence your venue selection just as much?
At The London Kitchen, we’ve seen firsthand how a venue can make or break the catering experience. From kitchen facilities to seating layouts, every detail matters. Here’s what you should consider when pairing your menu with your event space.
1️⃣ Kitchen Facilities: Does the Venue Support Your Menu?
Not all venues come with full kitchen access—some may have limited prep areas, while others might require caterers to bring everything on-site.
What to check:
✅ Does the venue have a fully equipped kitchen for your menu style?
✅ If not, is there enough space for an on-site catering setup (e.g., mobile kitchens, food stations)?
✅ Are there restrictions on cooking methods (e.g., no open flames, induction only)?
Pro Tip: Partnering with a professional caterer like The London Kitchen can ensure that whatever your catering requirements, these are delivered efficiently and professionally throughout your event.
2️⃣ Catering Style & Service Flow: Does the Space Work for Your Event Type?
The layout and capacity of your venue directly impact the flow of food and service. A sit-down gala dinner requires a completely different setup than a cocktail-style reception.
Key considerations:
Formal dining: Are there large tables for group seating? Is there enough space for service staff to move between tables?
Standing receptions: Does the venue offer enough open space for mingling and easy food service?
Live food stations: Can food stations be strategically placed without disrupting event flow?
Pro Tip: A venue with tight spaces may not work for plated meals but could be perfect for grazing tables or canapés.
3️⃣ Accessibility & Logistics: How Easy Is It to Deliver and Set Up?
Even the best menus can struggle if the venue’s logistics don’t align with catering requirements.
Questions to ask:
Can suppliers easily deliver food and equipment to the venue?
Are there power sources for catering stations, warming equipment, and bars?
Are there loading bays, lifts, or stairs that could impact setup time?
Example: A rooftop venue with no lift may sound glamorous but could be a nightmare for caterers transporting equipment.
4️⃣ Venue Restrictions: What’s Allowed and What’s Not?
Some venues have strict catering policies, including restrictions on external caterers, alcohol licenses, and food preparation rules.
What to check:
✅ Does the venue allow external caterers like The London Kitchen, or are you required to use in-house catering?
✅ Are there alcohol restrictions (e.g., corkage fees, no outside drinks)?
✅ Does the venue have a late-night license for extended dinner service?
Pro Tip: Some historic venues have no open-flame policies, which could affect grill stations, flambé dishes, or BBQ catering.
5️⃣ The Perfect Pairing: Finding the Right Venue for Your Catering Style
To create a seamless event experience, your venue and catering must work hand in hand.
How to get it right:
✔ Decide on your catering style first – formal, casual, interactive, etc.
✔ Check the venue’s kitchen and setup options early in the process.
✔ Ask about catering policies and logistics before committing.
✔ Work with a caterer like The London Kitchen who understands how to adapt menus to different spaces.
At The London Kitchen, we help you find the right venue to match your catering vision—so your event runs smoothly from kitchen to table. Remember, The London Kitchen offers a free venue finding service as well as exquisite catering for events!
Need expert catering advice? Let’s create the perfect food + venue experience for your next event!