We always say it’s the wonderful people behind the scenes at Kalm Kitchen that gives us the personal touch. No doubt about it, Event Manager Pete Holder’s attentive manner and amazing customer service is a special gift, and he’s a master at guiding couples through their exciting journey of getting married. We thought you might like to get to know him a little better, so we sat down for a chat with him to find out about his secret past as an aspiring singer and why he’s mad about Middle Eastern food…

Q: Pete, when did you join Kalm Kitchen and what has been your journey since you started?

A: I first met Jen in April 2017. I was running a coffee shop in London beforehand and I’d already come across Kalm Kitchen Café in Guildford and loved their philosophy. When I found out they were recruiting for the events team I knew I had to be a part of this amazingly creative business. So, I had an interview and then got to run an event at Millbridge Court alongside Jen’s guiding hand. I fell in love with the team, the brand and the whole world of events, and I’ve never looked back. I hit the ground running and I’m now overseeing the most amazing events and growing so much as an event manager, it’s like a dream come true!

Q: Tell us a little about your role at Kalm Kitchen, and what’s a typical day for you?

A: It’s been said before but there really is no ‘typical’ day. I could be in the office responding to queries at my desk, at a venue coordinating details and coming up with creative innovations for hosting the next fabulous wedding, or – my total favourite – rummaging in the warehouse and piecing together styling items for the next big visual idea.

Q: What are the things you most enjoy about your role?

A: I’m a people person, and I’m so lucky to work with the best couples on their big day – they all become friends by the end of the process. But I’m also a total Pinterest junkie and I just love pushing boundaries with new and imaginative concepts which keep things fresh and make the events we work on so special.

Q: What’s the best ever event you’ve ever had the pleasure to work on? What made it so special.

A: We recently worked on the most incredible wedding at Blenheim Palace for Camilla and George Blandford. There were 300 guests, and every aspect was so challenging – in a great way! It felt like all I’d learnt since starting at Kalm Kitchen really came together, and I was so proud of the results. It was unbelievably exciting to get such fantasic feedback afterwards, I can’t describe the feelings I had – it was something I’ll never forget.

Q: What are the particular skills you think you have that make you good at your job?

A: I think I listen well and take time to understand what couples want. I’ve got a high level of care, which I hope comes across in my approach. I get that it can be daunting for couples embarking on this process and wanting to get every aspect right. I’d like to think I’m a friendly, guiding hand who can help them enjoy the planning experience, and ultimately of course enjoy the day.

Q: What’s the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you while planning or hosting an event?

A: One couple was struggling to know what song to have for their first dance. I suggested ringing the changes with something a bit different – Romeo by Basement Jaxx. They totally went with it and it was just such a classic moment; funny and original and just brilliant.

Q: If you could choose a dream party to plan, what would it be?

A: I’m the proudest Uncle to my 11-month-old nephew, so I would love to plan a party for him. Maybe when he’s a little older, but I would gather all my family and friends and celebrate with a fun theme, amazing food and a unique experience he could remember forever.

Q: What are your best tips for hosting the most successful party?

A: Naturally as you host you want to ensure your guests are being well fed, watered and entertained. My suggestion is to hand these tasks over to suppliers you that you trust and who share the same vision. You main goal is to enjoy the day as a guest yourself – if you’ve loved it then it’s been a success!

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself… What do you get up to in your spare time?

A: I run, I love food, I socialise lots with friend and family who are dotted all around the place. I try to spend as much time as I can with my nephew. I’m a vegetarian, so my passion is cooking wholesome food and coming up with new dishes, washed down with some red wine!

Q: What’s your favourite dish to cook?

A: I’m a big fan of giving food a Middle Eastern twist, and my favourite recent creation was a Nigella recipe from her book At My Table. The original is a Beef and Aubergine Fatteh – crispy pittas loaded with a garlic tahini sauce, pomegranate seeds and fresh mint. It’s so delicious – like a kind of Middle Eastern Nachos. I make a vegetarian version, which meat eaters love too and it’s great to share. I also take inspiration from @rebelrecipes on Instagram, they provide endless inspiration for vegetarian meals and their dishes are so easy to make.

Q: What’s your favourite dish on the Kalm Kitchen menu?

A: I definitely have a sweet tooth, so it would be a beautifully summery, yummy Eton Mess. The DIY one we have created at various events where guests pile in and help themselves would be what I’d choose for my wedding (one day!)

Q: What did you want to be when you were growing up?

A: I wanted to be a singer, and I was always singing when I was younger (still do, around the office mainly!) I made music, wrote songs, and went to music college. But then I also discovered graphic design, I started doing calligraphy and sign writing for pubs, bars and coffee shops. I actually think both those skills are aligned with what I do now – I’ll often meet musicians I used to study or work with at our events, and the calligraphy is a very useful skill to have in  this career.

Q: What’s your favourite book?

A I’m a keen reader of short stories as they’re so easy to pick up in bursts. My favourite book that I have revisited time and time again since 2010 would be Awkward Situations for Men by Danny Wallace. He challenges male social situations and explain what it means to be a man in the 21st Century. It is so funny and relatable to everyone!

Q: Favourite film?

A: I love a black and white classic film and as a treat when I was younger my mum would play Follow a Star by Norman Wisdom. I thought the story was so funny and charming, and I loved his singing. I would say this is definitely close to my heart and one of my favourite films.

Q: And song?

A: I listen to a lot of music so this is probably the hardest question to answer. I wouldn’t say I have a favourite song but one I associate with a great memory is Tennessee Whiskey by Chris Stapleton. His vocals are insane and his country rasp is incomparable. This song reminds me of road trips with my best friends from school.

Photography: Eddie Judd {eddiejuddphotography.com}

Follow Pete on @pepespoint on Instagram