Catering confidence.

Catering confidence starts long before food reaches the table.

For corporate event organisers, allergens and dietary requirements are not small details. They are part of making sure every guest feels safe, included and properly looked after.

Clear communication between the organiser, venue and caterer is essential. From collecting dietary requirements in advance to labelling buffet dishes and briefing service teams, every stage matters.

At 15Hatfields, we work closely with clients and catering partners to make allergen information clear, accessible and carefully managed throughout the event.

Here are five areas to consider when planning catering for a corporate event.

1. On the menu: make allergen information clear

Allergen information should be visually accessible to everyone, not only available to those who ask for it. Listing allergens on menus helps guests understand the options available and make informed choices.

For buffet-style event catering, our partners at Eden Caterers can provide options to suit a range of dietary requirements, from gluten-free sandwiches and salad boxes to vegan and gluten-free hot dishes.

Speak to our team to discuss event catering options that can be tailored to your requirements.

2. In the kitchen: reduce the risk of cross-contamination

Behind the scenes, careful kitchen processes help reduce the risk of cross-contamination. This includes regular cleaning, handwashing between dishes and the use of separate utensils where required.

3. At the door: check supplier and delivery information

Allergen management also depends on clear communication with suppliers. Deliveries should be checked carefully, and if a recipe or ingredient changes, allergen information needs to be updated and communicated quickly.

4. On the plate: record dietary requirements early

Organisers should share dietary requirements as early as possible, particularly for seated meals, conferences, training days and events with multiple catering points. This gives the venue and caterer time to plan suitable options, brief staff and make sure service runs smoothly on the day.

5. At the buffet: help guests choose with confidence

For canapés, buffets and breakout snacks, clear signs help guests identify suitable food without needing to ask every time.

At 15Hatfields, allergens are clearly signposted in buffet dishes and breakout snacks, helping guests make informed choices with more confidence.

Plan catering with confidence

Allergens and dietary requirements are easier to manage when they are discussed early and communicated clearly.

For organisers, that means sharing accurate information with the venue before the event, confirming any changes as soon as possible and choosing a team that understands how important these details are to the guest experience.

As the official venue of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, 15Hatfields takes food safety and hygiene seriously. Relevant staff at the venue have completed Level 2 Food Safety in Catering and Level 2 Food Allergen Awareness training through CIEH, helping support safe and confident event delivery.

Catering also plays an important role in planning more sustainable events. You can read more about how 15Hatfields approaches sustainable food and beverages and reducing food waste at corporate events.

If you are planning a corporate event and want catering that supports your guests’ needs, speak to our team about your brief.