Questions to ask before hiring a venue with a kitchen

A kitchen suitable for residents preparing dinner may not support a caterer serving a large group. Explain your intended food service, number of diners and who will cook. Ask about equipment, refrigeration, preparation space and washing up. Confirm what the hire arrangement permits and whether an external caterer needs to speak directly with the venue.

Plan delivery, storage, preparation, service and clearing away. Identify where hot drinks will be available without interrupting the kitchen. Ask how waste and leftover food should be handled. If dietary requirements change the menu, discuss that with the person responsible for catering. A useful kitchen conversation is about the proposed service, not simply whether there is an oven in a photograph.

For the wider context, read our planning guide. If you are working through the next practical detail, choosing a room layout for the conversation you want follows naturally from this.

You can also explore discuss your venue enquiry. Bring the details of your group or stay to the conversation so we can discuss what fits, rather than assuming every arrangement is included.