Category: Spotlight On
Crafting a jam-packed annual company day
Planning a successful company event? Look no further than Kalm Kitchen!
Andros UK is in the business of ‘fruit transformation’, which, might we say, sounds like an absolutely brilliant business to be involved in.
In addition to their range of chilled dairy products, they’re perhaps best known for their gingham-lidded Bonne Maman brand of marmalades, spreads, conserves, curds, chutneys, compotes and more.
Their UK team is based in two locations and so they wanted to get everyone together at an annual company day to discuss plans for the year ahead and try new products. Andros UK chose Morden Hall in Wimbledon and asked Kalm Kitchen to help with their catering on the day.
The day began, as all days should, with a sampling of delicious new products, including juices, jams and yoghurts. Pastries, tea and coffee refreshments were laid on to accompany the morning’s presentations.
We provided a three-course lunch with a difference; as our client was providing the dessert from one of their new ranges. So we collaborated with Andros to pair this with the starter and main courses.
The starters included a choice of Poached duck eggs on asparagus short spears with a truffle hollandaise and Kale salad with deep-fried kale, roasted sweet potato, avocado mousse and pomegranate seeds.
The main course featured Summer squash arancini and Salt & vinegar roasted macadamia crust fillet of cod. These were all tailored to offer a choice and provide dietary and allergen options.
Tea and coffee were provided during the afternoon presentation session. After this, we wrapped up with drinks at the bar before the team’s transport arrived.
Looking to personalise your next company event?
We loved tailoring our offering with the client to make their day unique, memorable and effective as an annual get-together.
Kalm Kitchen is here to make your event a success. Get in touch with a member of our team. Email info@kalmkitchen.co.uk or call us on 01483 813360 to discuss your specific needs.
Elevate your event with Kalm Kitchen
Planning a Stress-Free Christmas Celebration?
As the festive season approaches, thoughts turn to Christmas parties and gatherings. At Kalm Kitchen, we take the stress out of planning your event, whether a corporate party, conference, or awards evening.
Experience the Kalm Kitchen Difference
Our experienced planners, chefs, event managers, and servers will collaborate with you to create a bespoke menu that reflects your vision and caters to all dietary needs. From delicious canapes to hearty bowl foods and five-course meals, we offer various options, including gluten-free and vegan selections.
Looking for Festive Menu Inspiration?
Last Christmas, we helped Zopa Bank celebrate with a festive menu of canapes and bowl foods perfect for their 450 colleagues at Village Underground.
Village Underground is an amazing venue, with hollowed-out Jubilee line train carriages atop a renovated turn-of-the-century warehouse. It hosts everything from concerts and club nights to exhibitions, theatre, live music, and private hire.
Our menu featured options like honey and thyme glazed pigs in blankets and vegan moussaka pasta crisps, along with satisfying bowl foods like vegan mozzarella and pesto arancini, and gluten-free balsamic glazed beef cheek with creamy mash.
Ready to Create a Memorable Event?
Kalm Kitchen is here to make your Christmas event a success. Get in touch with a member of our team at info@kalmkitchen.co.uk or call us on 01483 813360 to discuss your specific needs.
Credits:
Photography: Cheeseboard, canapés and flower tray, breakfast bar – Philippa Sian Photography
The Springles
Making sure your wedding memories last a lifetime is guaranteed if you have photographs you’ll cherish forever. We love working with husband and wife duo Ash and Kat, AKA The Springles. They have a completely remarkable talent for capturing the wonder in every moment. And it helps that they’re lovely people too. We sat down with them to find out a little more about their secrets for making your day a cut above, and what top tips they have for choosing your wedding photographer…
Q // How did you both start out in photography, and is it something you always wanted to do?
Ash started taking photos of bands when he was younger and then studied photography at college, working in film. Kat started taking photos as a nightclub promoter and is self-taught. Both of us have always had a love of photography and we feel humbled every day that it is our job. Neither of us thought we’d ever have ‘professional photographer’ on our CV!
Q// How would you describe your signature style?
Our work is warm, romantic and natural. You will find most of our couples are pictured in nature because we feel a strong sense of connection to our environment. We place a strong emphasis on creating space for couples to interact as they would naturally, so we direct very little and we never ‘fake’ or force anything.
Q// Who and what inspires you in your work?
Our greatest inspiration will always be the natural world. We believe human beings are truly remarkable and that love has the power to unite and to change things for the better. We also have a deep love of travel, architecture, music and design, and we like to try and channel those influences in our work.
Q// What works well collaborating as a husband and wife team?
We each bring a different creative perspective. There is no ego; once we’ve shot an event we never check whose work was whose. When you’re looking at a Springles image you’re effectively looking at our two creative brains working as one.
Q// You’ve worked quite extensively with Kalm Kitchen. What has been your experience of them, and what is it about them you like the most?
Kalm Kitchen has an unrivalled level of professionalism and have a real heart for people. They are a driven and creative company who pride themselves on excellence and attention to detail. We love that about them. Also we adore how everything they do comes out of relationships. They are ‘people people’ first and foremost and we believe that’s at the core of any really inspirational business.
Q// What has been the most beautiful or memorable project you’ve worked on?
We were privileged to work on a beautiful intimate wedding in Tuscany with a wonderful couple who trusted our vision for their day implicitly. They completely included us in their day along with their small party of 20 guests, and it felt wonderful to be so involved. We laughed when they laughed, cried when they cried. We believe connection with other people is the stuff of life, so for us it was just the dream day at work.
Q// What would be your dream event to photograph?
Any wedding day where the bride and groom have been completely true to their vision for the day is a dream to work on. Weddings come in all shapes and sizes and they’re all unique and wonderful in their own way. But the best weddings are the ones where the couple feel totally relaxed, at ease, and are having fun.
Q// Tell us a bit your own wedding day. And any golden rules lessons you learnt during the planning process!
We got married at the church where Kat’s parents were married, and then had our reception on a local farm. We hired in everything; catering, tables and chairs, décor, right down to forks! We had enamel jugs on each table which Kat hand-painted in a ‘Roses and Castles’ bargeware motif, vibrantly coloured wild floristry and ribbons everywhere. Our favours were horse brasses. We spent the afternoon watching morris dancers, listening to our friend playing acoustic guitar and drinking local beer sat on hay bales. In the evening we had a BBQ and a folk band. We had the best day ever and wouldn’t change a thing. Our top tip is to discuss what really matters to you right at the beginning of the planning process, and spend your budget on making those things the best they can be.
Q// What advice would you give to couples who are currently researching photographers for their big day?
In many ways photographs are the ONLY thing (apart from your memories and your marriage) that will last beyond the wedding day. Our tips for choosing your photographer are:
- Choose a professional photographer rather than a hobbyist and book them in good time before the day
- Make sure you really like them; you’ll spend loads of time with them on the day!
- Make sure you love their work and have seen enough portfolio to be confident that they consistently deliver the style you love so much
- Check what their past couples are saying about them online in reviews etc.
- Remember that photography is an art form, and the camera is just a tool. When you book a photographer you are buying their artistic perspective. It’s worth bearing that in mind as you research.
To find out more about Ash and Kat, visit their website www.thespringles.com/
All images courtesy of The Springles
The best Surrey barn wedding venues
Thinking about holding a barn wedding? Surrey is blessed with many brilliant venues, and Kalm Kitchen is lucky to have links to some of the best. We asked three of our favourites to share their top tips and latest news…
Gate Street Barn
Q// Tell us a bit about your venue
We are a Green Oak Barn that seats up to 150 guests and up to 200 in the evening. The venue is completely exclusive use with luxury onsite accommodation. The countryside setting, flexibility & small family business makes it a very personal service. We have our lovely Pedigree herd of Longhorns in the field adding to the character of the Barn.
Q// What’s the secret to hosting the perfect barn wedding?
Keep it simple and pick suppliers you can trust to do a great job. Don’t be tempted to micro-manage on the day and enjoy it to the full!
Q// What are some of the most effective styling touches you’ve seen that can add maximum impact to a barn wedding?
We love fairy lights at Gate Street Barn – you can never have enough! Dressing the chandeliers in the main Barn always looks wonderful. Rustic props always look great alongside a Kalm Kitchen Patisserie Bar.
Q// What have you got going on at Gate Street Barn at the moment?
We are getting ready for the busy Summer period with freshly painted exterior windows. The gardens are looking beautiful, and we have come into the 21st century finally with our new, high-speed ethernet internet! We have also recently introduced packages to the venue and lots of offers for remaining 2019 dates.
Find out more at www.gatestreetbarn.com/
Millbridge Court
Q// Tell us a bit about your venue
Millbridge Court is a restored 19th century house in the heart of the Surrey countryside with two purpose built stylish, modern barns available for exclusive hire. With magnificent oak beams, high ceilings and windows, which span the height of the walls, the barns are flooded with natural light and have stunning views across the quintessentially English garden. Celebrations are extended with the use of our eight boutique bedrooms, not forgetting The Hideaway which has been named one of the best UK Bridal suites by You & Your Wedding.
Q// What’s the secret to hosting the perfect barn wedding?
The secret to hosting the perfect barn wedding is to complement the character with your own style. Whether your barn is traditional dark brick or like us a light, airy space, ensure that you inject your personality to make it your own. Think about the heating too. Our ceremony space has both underfloor heating and air-conditioning, which is ideal for all weather. Nothing worse than attending a barn wedding and being chilly. The high ceilings can sometimes make the area hard to control with temperature, so do prepare for this.
Q// What are some of the most effective styling touches you’ve seen that can add maximum impact to a barn wedding?
Barns make for a gorgeous setting for a wedding due to their character. At Millbridge, we have the perfect balance, of style vs character. The barns are neutral with the clean lines, but still encapsulate that hint of traditional charm with the vaulted ceiling and beams. We have the added element of wooden shelves with pegs underneath in both barns. The ways that couples have decorated these are incredible, whether it’s layers of trailing foliage – or, very recently we had a bespoke piece designed for the couple, which was fantastic. The structure was a wooden hanging frame with flowers placed in test tubes dotted throughout in spring colours.
Q// What have you got going on at Millbridge Court at the moment?
We have two Saturdays remaining for 2019: Saturday 14th September and Saturday 21st December. So if you are looking to get married this year get in touch! Also we can finally reveal that we have been busy planning a new addition for Millbridge called The Lodge, which increases our guest bedrooms and comes complete with an upstairs den. The Den is another preparation area for the wedding party to use to get ready and relax before the big moment. This is also a great way to ensure the couple remain separate on the morning leading up to the ceremony, keeping that element of tradition if required.
Find out more at www.millbridgecourt.co.uk/
Micklefield Hall
Q// Tell us a bit about your venue
Micklefield Hall’s private elegant Georgian house, designed by Sir John Slone, stands in a fine parkland setting, only 25 miles from central London. The recently renovated Grade-II listed Great Barn is truly unique. Every wedding at Micklefield Hall is tailor-made to suit your requirements, and the venue and grounds are yours for the whole day. Quirky features include a cloistered walkway, garden room with an open log fire and a French fountain. These are what make The Great Barn at Micklefield a genuinely unique venue, and the perfect setting for your wedding.
Q// What’s the secret to hosting the perfect barn wedding?
Be prepared, and attention to detail. We ensure that all staff and suppliers care as much as the Micklefield Hall team do. That ethos dictates who we employ and who is on our approved supplier list.
Q// What are some of the most effective styling touches you’ve seen that can add maximum impact to a barn wedding?
The best thing about the barn is that you don’t have to do too much decoration, so keep it simple! The beauty is in the oak – some of which dates back to 1490. Nice table linen, china and glassware, simple flowers and candles are all you need to enhance the natural beauty of the barn for it to look stunning.
Q// What have you got going on at Micklefield Hall at the moment?
Our team is growing! We have recently employed a fantastic gardener, Jake, who has transformed the gardens. We also have a new event manager starting with us. Lauren, who has been studying Event Management at University will join the Micklefield Team in the middle of May. The addition of six bedrooms and a new breakfast room last summer has proved very popular with our brides and grooms as well this year.
Find out more at www.micklefieldhall.com/
If you’d like to talk to one of our team about planning your marquee wedding, call us on 01483 813360 or drop us a line at info@kalmkitchen.co.uk.
The Garden Museum
We’ve brought events to life in some of the country’s most celebrated spaces and venues. But there’s no doubt, it’s always fun to bring our Kalm Kitchen concepts to the Capital. One of our more recent discoveries is the refurbished Garden Museum in London. Here’s just a little on why we love it so much…
Where
Situated on the banks of the River Thames, the Garden Museum sits in the imposing shadows of Lambeth Palace and opposite the Houses of Parliament. It makes an astonishing setting for a chic, city wedding.
What
Entirely refurbished in 2017, from what was once a church, the space is now a shrine to all things garden-related. But not only that, its pop-up exhibition spaces provide the ideal backdrop for weddings, events and all kinds of special occasions.
We love
Light floods down into the Dan Pearson-designed courtyard garden, which is surrounded by wooden pillars and planted with a mix of maidenhair ferns and black mondo grasses. The cafe, bar and museum are all covered in greenery, so it feels like a total haven away from the bustling city that surrounds it.
For more information on The Garden Museum, visit their website here. You can read more about Belinda and Dominic’s wedding hosted at The Garden Museum here.
Penton Park
We’re lucky enough to work with some fabulous venues. And one we’re excited to share with you is Penton Park – a place we’ve recently forged links with. This award-winning, family-run venue located in the Test Valley offers exclusive use for all kinds of celebrations. Here’s just a little on why we love it so much (and know you will too)…
Where…
The pretty village of Penton Mewsey in Hampshire.
What…
Penton Park is a country house with real character. Not only gorgeous, with a Georgian-style elegance, it also has a wonderfully warm and welcoming feel as it’s first and foremost a family home. The three generations who live here have put their hearts and souls into restoring it and these days they have chosen to open up their doors and share it as an exclusive space for all kinds of special occasions. As well as the family, who only host a maximum of 20 events in any one year, there is a dedicated events manager, who is on hand to help from the moment you book through to the day itself.
The venue has four impressive rooms indoors and is a short walk from a pretty local country church. It’s also licensed for outdoor ceremonies, offering two beautiful spaces in the grounds to say your vows. In spring, the garden is awash with a pretty burst of colourful wild flowers. Fancy a unique treat for your guests? Penton Park brews its own ales on site in its early Georgian kitchen. From Pales to Porters, beers to IPAs, they have something to suit everyone’s taste.
We love…
As grand as Penton Park is, this is your place if you want to embrace a feeling of homely spendour. You’ll immediately notice the family feel when you arrive – from family pictures to the friendly Irish wolfhound and cats that inhabit this home. Some guests have been so enamoured with doggy Duke that he’s ended up on the dance floor! No problem if not though, he’s usually found upstairs peacefully snoozing away in his own private quarters!
For more information on Penton Park, visit their website at www.pentonpark.co.uk/
Inside Outside Marquees
There are so many details involved in planning the perfect party, which the businesses who work behind the scenes know only too well. One of our favourites is Inside Outside Marquees, who create unbelievable temporary structures for all kinds of celebrations. We sat down with Gary Duarte for a chat to find out a little more about the art of a memorable marquee and how creating your very own venue for a day puts you in complete control of your event…
Q: Tell us about your business – how did you start out, and how would you describe Inside Outside today?
A: The company was started in 1980 and it was a pretty simple affair – a man, a car, a roof-rack, a marquee and a lot of enthusiasm! Since then, we’ve gone from strength to strength. From day one the company ethos has been to deliver exceptional marquees and exceptional customer service. Today we have a large team and we build premium level, luxury marquees across the south east of England.
Q: You seem to have lots of marquees to choose from. What kind of events do you cater for, and how varied can a marquee actually be?
A: It’s difficult to know where to begin. Marquees can be incredibly varied – for starters they are modular structures, so size and shape varies depending upon the clients needs, the available space, garden features to be incorporated or worked around and views to be shown off. They can also be set up in so many different ways, and we can create distinct and different areas – they don’t have to be one big rectangular structure. Sometimes a series of marquees working in conjunction offers the best solution and can create additional areas with different vibes. A popular set up for weddings and parties offers three distinct areas within a single marquee: a reception area, a dining area, and a nightclub. We can separate these areas by using a series of ‘reveal curtains’ so that the marquee metamorphosizes over the course of the evening – culminating in the reveal of the funky night club area – a real ‘wow factor’ for the guests. Floral decoration, different internal styling options, and lighting choices all play a part in really setting the scene and vibe of the event.
Q: Who and what inspires you in your work?
A: Our customers and their vision and enthusiasm for their events. There’s nothing better than looking at the blank canvas that is a back garden on a rainy winter’s day and going through the process of turning that space into something incredible. We love to see our client’s reaction to the finished product, it’s a great feeling. We also work with some fantastic event planners and caterers, such as Kalm Kitchen, whose ideas are inspirational. We love to be set a challenge and we love to be known as the company that goes the extra mile to create something extra special for our customers.
Q: You’ve worked quite extensively with Kalm Kitchen. What has been your experience of collaborating with them?
A: It’s simple: Kalm Kitchen = Happy clients. We can refer our clients to Kalm Kitchen with complete confidence because we know that they will have a great experience. The feedback on the catering is always outstanding and we love to be associated with a brand that expects and delivers the same outstanding standards that we do. Plus the Kalm Kitchen team are brilliant – really friendly and ultra professional.
Q: Who are the other suppliers you enjoy working with?
A: We work with lots of suppliers across the whole of the events industry. There are some great creatives such as florists and lighting specialists whose displays can really transform the marquee. But it isn’t necessarily the overt, visual stuff that makes the difference – if you don’t notice the toilets, the electrics, the heating etc, then it’s job done. Ultimately it comes down to professionalism. We aim to be as organised and as professional as possible and we liaise with all of the third party suppliers working alongside us. If we are collaborating with brilliant, communicative and organised companies then it makes everyone’s lives easier; it doesn’t matter how great a service you offer if you don’t work well with the other teams involved. Ultimately it’s all about the client – if you’re that good then let your products and services do the talking and leave your ego at home.
Q: What are the decorative aspects that can really make a difference to the appearance of a marquee?
A: There are so many factors and it varies by event but I’d say that lighting is always important. Lighting can transform a venue – get it wrong and you just won’t get the right vibe, but get it right and your event will go off. Floristry too. Sometimes it’s overdone and can actually detract, but a good florist that understands marquee spaces can work wonders. With regard to the marquee itself, window walls and clear roof panels that let in light are important and attractive. Good quality lining is crucial and can come in a variety of colours and styles. Features such as drapes and roof sails can add interest and really set a marquee space off beautifully. Star cloth ceilings look incredible and funky dance floors and bars create exciting feature areas.
Q: What are some of the most impressive or memorable projects you’ve worked on?
A: One that really stands out is a three marquee set up that we built across a lake. It was a feat of engineering and required us to have the lake drained before installing a scaffold system, which the marquee was built on, and then having the lake refilled. We connected a completely clear bar marquee to the main marquee with a small bridge and managed to incorporate the fountain from the lake into the marquee too. It was beautiful and featured clear glass window panels and doors as well as clear gable ends so that the guests could enjoy the wonderful views. I also recall, not long after joining the company, walking into a wood-paneled marquee that featured stags horn chairs and chandeliers, a carved ice bar, spectacular food stations and a huge stage, all built over a swimming pool using boarded, carpeted flooring – I had to keep reminding myself that I was in a marquee!
Q: What would be your dream event to work on?
A: It probably sounds like a cliché but we really don’t have a dream event. We work on so many fantastic and varied builds every year and there’s really not much we haven’t seen or done. We like a challenge though, so something that involves a bit of lateral thinking and clever planning is always good.
Q: What advice would you give to couples who are currently contemplating a marquee for their big day?
A: A marquee is a beautiful and bespoke space for a wedding reception. You can create something unique and personal to you and pretty much guarantee that no other couple has had the same set up in the same location. It isn’t necessarily a cheap option and there are lots of marquee suppliers out there all working to different standards and with a different quality of product. When gathering marquee quotes make sure you are being quoted like for like. Some companies, such as Inside Outside, offer an all inclusive price at quote stage – so they may appear more expensive initially, but they won’t be up-selling or adding essential items to your bill after you’ve signed on the dotted line. It’s vital to remember that you will get what you’ve paid for. Think of marquee hire in the same way as you would when shopping for a new car or a dress. You understand brands and the qualities associated with them, you wouldn’t just say you were trying to buy a car – you’d know if you were after a BMW or a Lada.
Q: What are the biggest challenges and the biggest benefits of choosing a marquee for an event?
A: A marquee is your very own venue, it’s unique and you can design and style it yourself. You’ll be in complete control of your event too, you can choose your own caterers, bar suppliers, music and styling – and no one can tell you when the party has to end. The downsides? You’ll love it but it’s temporary and you’ll be sad to wave goodbye! A good marquee takes a couple of days to install and a day to take out, so there’ll be a little bit of disruption either side of the event but it will be worth it.
You can find out more about marquee hire by downloading a free copy of Inside Outside’s Marquee Hire Guide here, or visit their website www.inside-outside.co.uk
Hannah Berry Flowers
We’re lucky enough to work with some of the most creative and talented people in the wedding and events industry, and it’s often these collaborations which takes things to a whole new level when we’re coming up with our own ideas. One of our favourites to work with is award-winning bespoke floral designer and stylist Hannah from Hannah Berry Flowers. Her imagination and endless talent is simply inspiring. We sat down with her for a chat to find out a little more about her and how she’s mastered the art of turning simple flowers into magical fairytales…
Q: How did you start out in floristry, and is it something you always wanted to do?
A: Ever since I can remember I’ve always had a passion for flowers, and even now my philosophy is that a home is never complete without a flower in a room. I’ve always loved growing them, picking them and making things with them, whether it was creating pressed flower cards (when I was young) daisy chains in the garden, or drawing or painting them. While working as a waitress at a local wedding venue through my uni years, I used to get excited to see the flower scheme arrive for that weekend’s wedding, so I guess maybe this is where it all began.
Q: How would you describe your signature style?
I would describe my signature style as natural, earthy and organic for sure. Always lots of detail and texture, and as anyone familiar with my work will know, I often love to add the odd Pheasant feather in!
Q: Who and what inspires you in your work?
A: I guess most of my inspiration comes from living on a working farm and the natural surroundings. I have a very enthusiastic Working Cocker Spaniel called Dug, who requires long walks daily. Dug and I spend lots of time in the woods and countryside, often foraging for cones, bark, twigs and feathers etc. My coat pockets are always overflowing with these items, but I can’t help it, as I just love collecting things! You never know when these may come in handy for a future flower scheme. I have a passion for detail and I regularly use natural foraged items amongst my displays to add texture. I particularly love moss – always have, and always will! I also have a cutting garden where I grow lots of flowers. I often spend warm summer evenings tending to the flowers and enjoying the gifts the summer season offers us (as well as a glass of wine!) I love the fact that each flower is individual and has grown organically and so naturally.
Q: You’ve worked quite extensively with Kalm Kitchen. What has been your experience of collaborating with them, and what is it about them you like the most?
A: It’s always such a pleasure to collaborate with the Kalm Kitchen team, and when this happens ofter my creative juices go into overdrive! They are always so on trend and they really do inspire me. Although food is a huge part of their business, presentation and their creative flair really sets their brand aside from other catering companies and our crazy styling ideas always just seem to work – I think Jen and I are just on the same wavelength!
Q: What has been the most beautiful or memorable project you’ve worked on?
A: That’s such a tough question as every flower scheme is completely unique and different. I spend months working with each couple to create their bespoke flower scheme and to make it as personal as possible. There have been so many schemes over the years, but my guilty pleasure is the autumn season because of its natural beauty, array of earthy colours and the organic props. So, therefore a very recent wedding we had the pleasure of creating at Millbridge Court, alongside Kalm Kitchen where the team and I constructed the most gorgeous autumn organic arch, using mostly British and locally grown foliage and flowers, along with hundreds of leaves and pumpkins stands out.
Q: What would be your dream event to work on?
A: I don’t have a dream event as such, but just for fun … (if I had an endless budget) I would love to style a room from top to bottom with an organic and magical forest of trees and a carpet of natural flowers growing up from the ground with a mossy covering just to sit in with my friends and drink Prosecco.
Q: What is trending right now in wedding floral design, and is there anything in particular that’s emerging as a new trend?
A: I can see grasses (all different heights and varieties) are going to be very popular next season! Great for me as I love a grass.
Q: What advice would you give to brides who are currently making the flower choices for their big day?
A: It is always a good idea to choose seasonal flowers when planning your wedding flowers as this helps with the cost and it also means we are more likely to be able to purchase it from a local flower farm, meaning less air miles and pollution for the environment.
Q: What are your favourite things and places to decorate at an event or celebration?
A: Arches and Mantelpieces are great bases for designs. They are so versatile and you can go all out with the styling, plus they create great focal points in a room. I also love creating floral hanging installations.
Q: And finally, what would be your ultimate bouquet to create? And your all-time favourite flowers?
A: It’s so difficult for me to name my favourite flower (I think this is one of the reasons why I haven’t got married!) I have far too many to choose from. Seasons are so important to me, so I guess my favourite flower falls into the season at the time. Every Spring I fall in love with the petite, but romantic blowsy Ranunculus. During the Summer I am slightly partial to an Apricot Fox Glove Delphinium – I just love the size and form of these typical cottage garden flower and it’s so versatile in arrangements. During Autumn, the Cafe au Lait Dahlia and the change of the colours in the tree foliage; and Winter, well a Hellebore wins hands down!
For enquiries, or to find out more about Hannah, check out www.hannahberryflowers.co.uk | Hannah Berry Flowers, Unit 1, Lower Old Park Farm, Doras Green Lane, Farnham, Surrey GU10 5DX | 07871 037536
Credits… All images courtesy of Hannah Berry
Kalm Kitchen Café
With crisp, autumnal days well on their way, we decided to take a trip down to our Guildford hangout, Kalm Kitchen Café to meet manager Martyna Cawdron and see what the new season has in store….
// Martyna, describe Kalm Kitchen Café to anyone who hasn’t been here before
We’re a small, creative café serving up favourites from breakfast though to barista coffee, lunch, cakes and loads of freshly baked treats. Because we’re independent we’re completely individual and we offer a great range of wholesome, healthy food, including vegan and gluten-free options. All our food is freshly made every day at Kalm Kitchen HQ, or provided by carefully chosen suppliers. We’re also spoilt when it comes to location too – right next to the new Tunsgate Centre and literally in the shadows of the castle.
// You’re known for heavenly cakes! Tell us a few highlights we can expect to find on the counter
Our cakes and bakes are always a real hit with our customers. The selection is plentiful and changes regularly, but you’ll always find a Banana Loaf, Gluten-Free Brownies, hand-rolled KK Energy Balls and – our bestseller – Cookie Dough Brownies. They are something else!
// And what can we look forward to on the breakfast and lunch menus?
Breakfast is a big event at Kalm Kitchen Café! We open our doors at 8am with a fab selection of healthy starts such as freshly pressed smoothies, House Granola and Porridge. Then there are classics such as Eggs on Toast, and a full Kalm Kitchen Café breakfast, plus a vegetarian option. We like to think our Avocado on Toast is a cut above too – freshly made Guacamole with a subtle, spicy kick served up on sourdough. Lunch is a visual treat; we do things differently by laying out all our mains and salads on the counter. Customers love to browse and choose what they fancy. Today, we have for example, Roasted Aubergine, Harissa Roasted Chicken and – my favourite – Falafel with Lemon & Tahini dressing in the mix. And every day there’s a choice of tasty salads too.
// What can we expect to see new on the menu this autumn?
One really exciting addition is our new range of Hotpots. Each week we’ll have two different dishes to choose from, one meat and one vegetarian. We’re kicking off with a really hearty and wholesome Nashville Smoked Pork and Tomato Ragu alongside Apricot & Chickpea Smoked Tomato Stew. But, look out for Malay Chicken Curry, Roasted Root Vegetable & Squash Stew, and Curried Cauliflower, amongst others, in the coming weeks. They’ll all be served up with a choice of two salads on the side. The perfect, filling lunch for the colder weather!
// Anything else special coming up this season?
At Kalm Kitchen Café we have lovely outside spaces at the front and back, so to encourage people to use them all year round we’re providing blankets and hot water bottles to keep customers warm if they choose to eat or enjoy a coffee al fresco. We’re dog friendly – inside and out – but it’s nice if people want to choose to sit outside and watch the world go by, whatever the weather. What could be more cosy on a cold day than drinking a hot chocolate outside wrapped in a blanket? We’ll even ‘pimp’ your hot chocolate with some sweet and tasty additions (and Bailey’s if you’re feeling a bit naughty).
// What are some of the more unusual items on the menu?
Our Lattes are definitely talked about. There’s Charcoal Latte – with activated charcoal powder and date syrup. It’s said to boost your gut health. Or try a Turmeric Latte – also known as Golden Milk, this is a good one for kick-starting your immune system and is believed to be anti-inflammatory. Then there’s Matcha Latte – vibrant green in colour, like a super strong green tea and stacked with antioxidants.
// Any plans to open Kalm Kitchen Café in the evening?
Look out for a weekly Supper Club, coming soon. We’re also available for private hire, so our two levels are a great place to celebrate a special anniversary or host a quirky, intimate function. We’ve had everything from birthdays to baby showers, and school social evenings at Kalm Kitchen Café.
// It’s clearly a busy place to work Martyna. What’s your secret to keeping things ticking along?
My drink is Americano with oat milk, which I try to limit to two a day. And the occasional Cookie Dough Brownie!
Kalm Kitchen Cafe, 6 Tunsgate Guildford GU1 3QT | 01483 813360
Opening hours: 8am – 5pm Monday – Friday | 8am – 5.30pm Saturday | 9.30am – 5pm Sunday
Follow us on Instagram | Facebook
For corporate or private hire enquiries contact café@kalmkitchen.co.uk
Kent House Knightsbridge
We’re lucky enough to work with some fabulous venues, but when we got a call from Kent House Knightsbridge about partnering up as one of their preferred caterers we jumped at the chance. Situated just a stone’s throw from the shopper’s paradise of Harvey Nics and Harrods, it’s also an amazing venue that has hosted some truly magical celebrations. We asked Anna at Evolve events to tell us a little more about this classy London location, and what goes on behind the scenes there today…
// Tell us a little bit about Kent House… What’s its history?
Kent House Knightsbridge is a beautiful townhouse with a rich, royal history. The first house was built in 1790 and was rented by Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, and son of George III who enlarged it and (modestly!) named it after his own title. Prince Edward installed his mistress in the house and had a tunnel built underneath the road linking the house to Kensington Palace and enabling secret rendezvous. Unfortunately, he was constantly in debt and his beloved mistress did not stay long in Kent House. Prince Edward later married and went on to have a daughter, the future Queen Victoria. In 1870 the house was rebuilt and turned into a remarkable salon by Lady Noble, the granddaughter of pioneer railroader Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Lady Nobel invited leading musicians of the day and the famous Les Ballet Russes to perform and celebrated actors and actresses of the day were entertained there. Lady Noble left Kent House in 1940 when, like so many other London landmarks, the needs of war transcended the need for luxury living and the building was taken over as wartime offices. The house was acquired by Westminster Synagogue in 1960 and a third renaissance of the building began as the glories of the house were restored and it now hosts exclusive events for private individuals and leading brands.
// What makes it stand out as a venue?
It’s the largest surviving townhouse of its kind. When you hire the venue you get the complete house with all of its rooms which can be used to provide a different pace across the course of the event, as guests move through the building enjoying different rooms. Guests are often welcomed downstairs and we host conferences and dinner dances upstairs in what was the original ballroom, with guests able to step out onto our terrace, where we also hold BBQs in the summer. The history of the building means it has beautiful features such as our atrium ceiling, the beautiful cornicing of the walls and our black and white tiled floor in the Marble Hall, yet it is also neutrally decorated, giving great scope for branding and our clients often project logos and images onto the walls and even the outside of the venue.
// Is there a particular part of Kent House that has the most wow factor?
For me it would have to be the staircase. It’s grand, has a red carpet along with beautiful iron work and our guests love it. It’s a beautiful feature and we’ve had everyone from bridal wedding parties, to the Household Cavalry and models posing on it. We’ve also decorated it over the years in many styles, often with flowers and once with a real grass runner, which filled the whole house with the scent of summer.
// You’re situated in super-exclusive Knightsbridge, what are the best bits of this location?
Well there are the obvious retail delights of Harrods and Harvey Nics! The window displays at Christmas are worth a trip in their own right. If you do decide to buy something at Harrods, make sure you leave the store with its signature green bag! We’re blessed to be opposite Hyde Park so we often go for a walk around the Serpentine at lunchtime, and of course some of London’s finest museums are on our doorstep. We love to get lost in the rooms of the V&A or attend their free late night openings which are always great fun.
// What kind of events are you most known for hosting at Kent House? What are some of the most memorable you’ve hosted?
The house offers a light and neutral space within a grand setting and is popular for a range of events from weddings, receptions, private dinners, conferences, product launches, corporate events to Christmas parties. Each Christmas we style the venue differently building our own bar and installing different furniture and styling and have seen it full of glitz and glamour for a Hollywood theme to chic and elegant for this year’s Scandi theme. The venue is often used as a dry hire and completely styled to suit the event. We’ve had a Wonderland party with playing cards projected on the outside and a White Rabbit greeting guests, for Lancôme we changed our red carpet to pink to match their branding and for a private party we created a White Peacock installation at the top of the staircase with a floral tail that flowed all around our staircase. And of course we will always try and incorporate any special requirements, even installing an enormous palm tree for a Caribbean wedding party.
// Who are the team involved at Kent House, and how do they all play a role in the day-to-day running?
We work with Evolve Events, an award-winning events management agency who take pride in getting the detail right, and providing all the elements needed to style your event. It’s often the details of an occasion that everyone remembers, so we spend a lot of time getting them right and our team is known for its seamless service and attention to detail. We also recognise that every event is unique; one day we might be styling the venue to suit a modern wedding and then the next day, creating a 1920s themed conference. One of the most lovely features of the venue is its flexibility and to maximise this, we work with a range of partners to help us create a different look and feel but also to reflect the different budgets allocated to different events.
// How did your collaboration with Kalm Kitchen come about, and what is it about them that made them stand out as one of your approved caterers?
We’d followed Kalm Kitchen on Instagram and drooled over the beautiful food and we knew we just had to try it for ourselves. The presentation is second to none and we love the importance that is placed on how the food appears. After a tasting we were delighted to discover the food tastes just as sublime as it looks, with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal produce. We got together to discuss menus and ideas for Kent House as we knew our clients would love Kalm Kitchen’s approach to food. One of our favourite dishes is the shared plates, which always get guests chatting and interacting with each other.
// What would you say are the ingredients for success when someone is planning a menu for their wedding day or special celebration?
Don’t be afraid to ask. Work with your planner to explore different ideas of what you want. Their experience should guide you to what you can and can’t make work for your venue and budget. There’s so much to plan and think about in an event and it’s often the little details that guests remember. So, take it one step at a time and leave the paperwork, planning (and stress!) to your event manager.
// Can you reveal any of the secrets that would make an event at Kent House completely memorable? How do you go the extra mile to ensure every event is a success?
Event planning is so varied and the levels of detail in each one is incredible. We have tried and tested structures in place to make sure everything goes well on the day. Making an event memorable is often about surprising guests and trying to do something different. One of our favourite recent examples was an edible invitation, made of gingerbread, which got guests excited before they even arrived. People often think working in events is glamorous and of course there is an element of that – I particularly love working with our amazing florists! – but it’s also about not being afraid to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in, especially at the last minute if extra guests arrive or have different dietary requirements. Flexibility and an ability not to panic is the key!
// What exciting things have you got coming up at Kent House over the next few months?
September is always about Christmas planning and we’re doing lots of food tastings at the moment. We’re also putting the final touches to our summer packages for next year. We’re really excited about our new second outdoor terrace which is really pretty and we think guests will love it for receptions and photo opportunities.
// If someone was interested in hosting an event at Kent House, how should they get in touch?
You’ll find us on the usual social media platforms @kenthouseSW7 and you can email us at kenthouseknightsbridge.org or call us on 0207 591 3838. Gary and Kim both love to chat about events so will be delighted to arrange a show around and chat about your event ideas over a glass of fizz.
Credits… Images courtesy of Kent House Knightsbridge