The minute the skies brighten up and people can sit outside without clutching a blanket, our phones start ringing off the hook. Garden parties, marina lunches, birthdays, laid-back family get-togethers – you name it, Hog Roast Brixham has probably loaded a van for it recently.
One of our favourite bookings this month took us to Premier Noss on Dart Marina, where we were asked to cater a late lunch for 40 guests – and, honestly, we can’t think of a better place to enjoy an alfresco feast. With the River Dart sparkling away in the background, boats drifting past, rolling countryside in every direction… this spot had that relaxed holiday feeling to it, even for those of us working.
The clients had chosen our Alfresco Menu, which always works brilliantly for outdoor events because it encourages people to slow down a bit. No rushing through courses or formal seating plans – just good food appearing steadily while everyone chats, grazes and enjoys themselves.
We started things off with grazing tables piled high with Italian meats, cheeses, artisan breads, olives, fresh fruit and dipping oils. There’s something about a table like that which instantly changes the mood of an event. People gather round “just for a nibble” and end up staying there talking for half an hour.
Then came the hog roast.
By that point the smell had already been drifting across the marina for hours, so guests were more than ready to dig in. We served soft rolls packed with juicy pulled pork, crispy crackling, stuffing and applesauce, alongside fresh salads, coleslaw and warm potatoes that disappeared faster than we could top them up.
And because we know outdoor dining should work for everybody, Hog Roast Brixham also made sure the vegetarian and vegan guests had their own proper main options too – not an afterthought, but dishes people were genuinely excited to tuck into. Dessert wrapped everything up nicely. Light enough for a sunny afternoon, but indulgent enough to feel like a treat.
By the end, people were lingering over the last of their drinks, and polishing off the last crumbs. It was exactly the kind of afternoon you wish lasted a bit longer – and Hog Roast Brixham was thrilled to be a part of it.