Exceptional Party Catering For Unforgettable Celebrations

Whether you’re marking a milestone birthday, hosting an elegant dinner party, or celebrating just because, our bespoke party catering brings gourmet flavour, style, and effortless polish to your event. At Vanilla Bean, we believe private parties should be as enjoyable to host as they are to attend—so we take care of every culinary detail, leaving you free to enjoy the moment.

We specialise in luxury event catering tailored to suit your taste, your style, and your guest list. From intimate gatherings to large-scale celebrations, our team will work closely with you to create a menu and service style that’s every bit as special as your occasion.

‘Thank you so much to the Vanilla Bean team for making my 50th birthday party so special. The night far exceeded my expectations’

A plate of food designed to look like a box of matches and a firework. Party catering

Private Parties, Expertly Catered

Over the years, we’ve provided catering for parties of every kind, from lavish birthday banquets and garden soirées to sophisticated cocktail receptions and dinner parties at home. Whatever the setting, we bring the same passion, creativity, and precision to each event.

Our expert chefs craft dishes using the finest seasonal ingredients, sourced locally wherever possible. Whether you’re after a formal plated dinner, interactive food stations, sharing platters, or elegant canapés with drinks, we’ll tailor everything to match your vision—and exceed expectations.

‘The food was fantastic, and the team were brilliant to work with throughout…’

Tailored Menus For Every Taste and Theme

No two parties are the same, and your menu should reflect that. We’ll guide you through a personalised planning process to ensure the food feels just right for your celebration—whether that means a relaxed summer BBQ, a decadent tasting menu, or a vibrant fusion feast.

We can accommodate a wide range of dietary requirements and preferences without compromising on flavour or presentation. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or allergen-free options are all available and every bit as delicious as the rest of the menu.

‘…the food was delicious and the bowls worked brilliantly. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Vanilla Bean for any future events!’

A beautifully presented plate of food, with autumnal decoration

Canapes

Bowl Food

Plated

Cocktails

Sharing

Flawless Service From Start to Finish

We know that great party catering goes beyond what’s on the plate. Our highly trained front-of-house team deliver service with warmth and professionalism, ensuring your guests are looked after from the first welcome drink to the final sweet bite.

Need help with logistics? We can coordinate catering hire, recommend trusted suppliers for everything from glassware to mobile bars, and our in-house planners and stylists will ensure your food service runs smoothly within the wider flow of your party.

Don’t just take our word for it:

‘From my initial contact with Gareth it was clear he had oodles of experience and that we were in the hands of a real professional from the outset… I honestly felt that throughout he cared as much about the success of my event as I did – which is a very special feeling when working with service partners in my experience. This is very unique and special and sets VB truly apart from the rest.’

Party Bar Services

No great party is complete without the perfect pour. Whether you’re planning a chic cocktail soirée, a relaxed garden gathering, or a full-blown celebration, our bar services are designed to elevate the experience and keep the drinks flowing in style.

From classic favourites to contemporary signature serves, we offer a range of drinks options to complement your menu and match the mood of your event. Choose from fully staffed bars with mixologists, pre-arranged drinks packages, or curated wine and champagne pairings to accompany your meal.

We can also supply bar structures, glassware, ice, and all the finishing touches—so whether you’re hosting at home, in a marquee, or at a private venue, we’ll bring everything needed to keep your guests refreshed and the party atmosphere flowing.

Prefer something a little more personal? We’re happy to work with you to create bespoke cocktails, themed drinks menus, or even serve a favourite bottle you’ve been saving for a special occasion. However you choose to celebrate, we’ll make sure it’s served with a twist of luxury

A barman serving a cocktail at a winter themed bar

Presentation and Styling

At Vanilla Bean, we believe the way food is presented is every bit as important as how it tastes. From artfully arranged canapés to statement sharing platters and elegant plated courses, we style every element of your party catering to impress.

We work with you to ensure the food styling and table presentation feels cohesive with the rest of your event. Whether you’re planning a glamorous cocktail party, an intimate dinner with candlelight, or a garden celebration with rustic charm, we’ll ensure your catering adds to the overall aesthetic.

Every detail is considered—from the colour palette of your dishes to the shape of the platters and the garnish on every bite. Our chefs and front-of-house teams work together to ensure everything looks as beautiful as it tastes.

‘A fantastic, creative caterer with a charming front of house team and imaginative presentation style that will blow you away.’

Your Party, Your Way

Every party is unique—and that’s exactly how it should be. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone birthday, hosting a dinner party for close friends, or throwing a showstopping soirée, our catering is designed around you.

We take the time to understand your vision and your guest list—then tailor every detail to suit. Prefer a relaxed sharing menu over a formal sit-down dinner? Want to swap dessert for a late-night cheese bar? Craving something playful, dramatic or a little unexpected? We’ll make it happen.

Our team is here to guide and support you at every stage, offering expert advice and flexible options to help your celebration unfold seamlessly. Whatever you’re planning, we’ll help you host a party that feels effortless—and entirely your own.

‘The food, service and whole experience was perfect. Everyone is talking about how you made the evening such a success.’

A barman serving a drink at a bar with festoon lighting and a floral background

Party Catering FAQs

Planning a party can feel like a lot to juggle—but we’re here to make things easier. Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions we’re asked about our party catering services. From menu flexibility to kitchen requirements and timings on the day, we’ve covered the essentials to help you feel confident and informed.

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, just get in touch—we’re always happy to help.

We certainly ca. At Vanilla Bean, we specialise in both event planning and catering, offering a comprehensive service to make your celebration truly exceptional. Our experienced team collaborates closely with you to design every aspect of your event, from conceptualisation to flawless execution. Whatever you’re celebrating, we handle all the details, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience.

We cater for a wide variety of private events including birthday parties, anniversaries, engagement celebrations, housewarmings, dinner parties, and more. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a large-scale event, we can adapt to suit the occasion.

We specialise in bespoke catering and can design menus to suit your party’s theme, style or dietary needs. Whether you have a clear idea or need some creative input, we’ll work with you to bring it to life.

Yes, we can provide experienced chefs, waiting staff, and bar teams to ensure seamless service throughout your party. We can also advise on numbers depending on your guest list and style of catering.

Yes. We can provide delicious options for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and other specific dietary needs. Let us know in advance and we’ll make sure everyone is well catered for.

We can arrange catering equipment such as crockery, cutlery, serving platters and more, as well as liaise with trusted hire companies if you require additional furniture or kitchen infrastructure.

We offer luxury party catering across the South East and beyond. Whether you’re hosting at home, in a marquee, or at a private venue, we’ll bring everything needed to deliver exceptional food and service.

We recommend getting in touch as early as possible, especially for dates during peak seasons like summer and Christmas. However, we’ll always do our best to accommodate last-minute enquiries where possible.

Party Catering That Delights and Delivers

We’ve had the privilege of catering for birthday parties in stately homes, cocktail receptions on rooftops, and everything in between. Each event is a new opportunity to impress, and we thrive on creating experiences that your guests will remember long after the last glass is emptied.

Our reputation has been built on a commitment to culinary excellence, attention to detail, and genuine hospitality. It’s why so many of our clients return to us for every celebration they host.

Ready to plan a party to remember? Get in touch today—we’d love to bring your vision to life.