One Amazing Experience Philip Atkins

As summer events and celebrations come alive I am delighted to be joined by Rick Perry , Managing Director of By Word of Mouth. By Word of Mouth are one of the most long established and decorated caterers in the London market, established in 1981, and listed at over 50 venues and with a reputation for delivering exceptional events from Harry Potter film premieres to Vogue parties.

Rick has been with By Word of Mouth for 22 years, joining the team initially as party planner until, as he put it, he found a proper career. Thankfully for the industry Rick realised his calling and he worked his way up through the ranks to his current lead role.

Rick’s celebratory event takes place at Hampton Court Palace for 150 friends and colleagues. English sparkling wine and canapes, including scallops wrapped in pancetta. Rick goes for a vegan starter followed by Halibut and a Taster Pudding Bar.

The London Essentials provide roaming music from classical music to Britney Spears and other entertainment is provided by Stevie Wonder with Marilyn Monroe and Roger Federer also as invited guests.

Rick talks about the importance of focusing on the food and staying always aligned to your company culture and the ethos of “no compromise” – doing the very best in what they do. Equally how they have driven success by always thinking ahead and pre-emptively avoiding issues: it is always better to have an item and not need it than to not have it and need it.

Rick also touches on changing trends in menu choice with veganism and fish becoming ever more popular and also the ever increasing desire, both from within his team and clients, to ensure a sustainable and social aware way of doing business.

Like all other caterers By Word of Mouth had to pivot during the Pandemic and they took the time to develop their own frozen dine at home range: Friese to expand their business and provide greater robustness to their business model.

From discussing  the challenges of dealing with working around Nelson Mandela’s speech time to serve a cheese souffle to 300 guests, to how they work with City Harvest to provide meals to those less fortunate in society Rick is truly inspiring to hear from.

I am delighted to be joined by Richard Meyer, Director for Flourish & Blue Strawberry Group for this episode of One Amazing Experience. Blue Strawberry, previous winners of FSM Event Caterers of the Year, have been operating for over 30 years, are listed at some of London’s most prestigious venues and have provided catering and event management services from high level corporate events to Royal weddings. Flourish is their new venture providing in-house catering solutions to the corporate environment.

Richard has over 20 years’ experience in events and hospitality management. His career started working as a Lodge Manager on a game reserve in South Africa and, since moving to the UK, has seen him continue to  work at some of the most awe inspiring venues in the UK. He has worked for both independent operators and large market leading conglomerates capturing great learnings from both.

While his career has developed, and his role gained ever more responsibility, Richard has never lost his love of providing an exceptional hospitality experience for guests and, most importantly, his sense of fun.

And his own event would most definitely be fun: set in the stunning surroundings of Hampton Court Palace Richard treats his guests to a beautiful dinner in the  regal 16th century Great Hall. Richard will be serving guest Smoked Mackerel Paté , Roast Venison and a wonderful selection of cheeses. Michael McIntyre will be on hand to entertain guests and then, by special request from Richard, the cheesiest disco possible will be had in the Undercroft.

Richard talks through the important lessons he has learnt over the years from taking time to evaluate a situation, to understanding the different needs of the business you are in and the clients you are servicing, and enjoying the challenges in front of you.  He discusses the importance of keeping control and how, when working for independent caterers, there is the ability to give that extra personal service.

He discusses the many influences on his success from Molly Roland, Sarah Hammond, Bill Toner and Stuart Jenkins all adding to his business management skills and client understanding.

Richard is a true ambassador for the Events & Hospitality industry, the diverse experiences and career growth it gives and most importantly the fun can be had (especially when, like him, embarrassment is not an issue).

On World Environment Day I am delighted to be joined by Nick Mead, Managing Director of Eden Caterers for a One Amazing Experience special. Eden have been certified as one of the most sustainable caterers in the UK and have been awarded a 3 Star Food Made Good Rating from the Sustainable Restaurant Association.

From having the Environment Trust as their first landlord to being invited to be part of the team to write the Sustainability policy for the London Olympics, which came to be ISO 2012, they have remained at the forefront of sustainable practises.

Nick talks us through his beautiful sunset party on a beach in Belize. From guests arriving by boat being met by steelpan drummers and mojitos and mango bellinis to then being served a sumptuous barbeque with lobster, prawns and lamb. The meal is finished with Sicilian Orange Gelato with Will Ferrell keeping the humour flowing and Bruno Mars doing a set to get the party really going.

Guests depart as sun rises by boat again with scuba gear at the ready after having given each other the gift of a big hug goodbye.

While going through it we touch on how sustainability practises are maintained through the company. This starts from all team members receiving sustainability training, having a clear annual sustainable development plan that is reviewed on annual basis, to having set principles on no single use plastic, zero to landfill, having their own beehives, doing a bike tour of the coastline of the UK and even going so far as to have a corn starch based alternative to clingfilm created for them.

Eden also focus on supporting their local community be this launching the Waterloo Foodbank Supporters scheme in 2013 to lending their vehicles to the Felix Project who have provided over 11 million meals to Londoners in need in 2021 alone.

It is an inspiring conversation showing how sustainability and care for the environment can remain at the core of a business and be supportive of a quality and commercial successful operation. Eden, in line with World Environment Day, really do reimagine, recreate and restore faith in how a business can and should operate.

I am delighted to be joined by Bronwen Stephens-Harding, Founder of Rogue Opera. Rogue Opera’s premise is to bring Opera to the masses. Bronwen declared her ambition to be an opera singer at the age of 5. While her career has taken her from teaching English in Japan, to working in the hospitality industry, and in marketing, her passion to make a career out of Opera has never diminished.

Having come from her Australia, via Japan & Thailand, Bronwen has made London her home since 2001. While working in marketing she gained her licence to busk on the London Underground and from the hardened commuter’s positive reaction to her singing it encouraged her to make a business from her love of Opera and to carry on taking opera to a new audience.

While discussing her career and business development Bronwen talks us through her Fantastical Summer Party in the Walled Garden of Wormsley Estate. The party provides a wonderful twist on a traditional English Garden Party adding an immersive experience with theatrical aspects of Narnia and the Hobbit.

Guests are treated to Fizz and Gin Cocktails and dinner is a Fig & Goats Cheese salad, followed Salmon escalope with ginger beans, and dessert being assorted chocolates served by actors and singers around the garden.

Guests would be treated to roaming promenade of entertainers: acrobats & magicians and musicians.

The first dance track is You’ve got the love sung by Candy Station and Sir David Attenborough will be attending to

Eco-friendly fireworks will mark the end of a wonderful evening and guests will be given wildflower seeds as a parting gift.

Rogue Opera provides shows to both the public and corporate market and Bronwen talks about one of her highlights: getting 700 corporate delegates, with no singing experience, to perform the humming chorus from Madame Butterfly.

Bronwen discusses the importance of checklists and having a clear & defined focus and forward plan for your business.

She also chats through the importance of pivoting to an on-line performance subscription model during the pandemic to stay relevant and engaged in the market and provide her freelancers income opportunities.

With future growth planned into Singapore and the Middle East and her absolute passion to take Opera to new horizons it is a truly inspiring conversation for listeners.

I am delighted to be joined by Jay Burgesson-Carter, Managing Director of Food Show. Food Show are a high end London caterer that have been operating for 34 years and are now have the in-house contract for events at Chiswick House.

Jay takes us through his fabulous party for 100 friends and family at the Tower of London.  Set in the White Tower the party has a beautiful opulent feel with velvet furniture and lush floral arrangements. The event will be black tie and as glamorous as possible reflecting the celebratory feel to the occasion

The guests are greeted with Billecart Salmon Brut Rose Champagne and, amongst others, The Food Show’s very special Steak and Frites canape. Dinner is a real sumptuous affair including Food Show’s Head to Toe chicken and sticky toffee pudding with coconut sorbet.

Jay’s family originates from West Africa and he has Nelson Mandela along to make a speech and most definitely wow his guests. To give a balancing lightness, and a bit of fun, Jay has a great drag act, Le Gateaux Chocolat,.

Prince and Tina Turner tracks lead the guests to the dance floor and, as guests depart, fireworks light up the Tower of London. Jay’s parting gift is a book of conversations reflecting his passion and skill at making people feel at ease and part of the occasion.

He talks us through the importance of always treating the client as King and equally the budget as Queen. He discusses the importance of never taking anything for granted and ensuring there is enough diversity in your offering to provide consistent revenue and growth opportunities.

Jay talks us through his career development from event co-ordinator up to Managing Director via three different caterers in London. he gives a great insight on how to build a career in the events industry treating every challenge as an opportunity and being willing to learn and master every aspect of running a catering business.

It was an absolute pleasure to  interview Jay and he gives listeners wonderful party ideas and an insight into the successful running of a catering business during the good and bad times.

I am delighted to be joined today by Daniel Gill, Founder of the Dine Group. Dine Group incorporates Dine, Dine Delivered and Rise Hall and has been operating for 23 years. Dine were winners of The Cateys in 2018, and CHS awards in 2019 reflecting their commitment to Making Every Event Special.

Daniel talks us through the amazing development of the group including the foresight to start Dine Delivered two years before the pandemic and the purchase of the 97 room stately home, Rise Hall.

While discussing the trials, learnings and successes of his career Dan talks us through the amazing party he would put on for 60 close friends and family. The party will be held in the Mirror Gallery at Versailles Palace, France.

The party will be in keeping to its surroundings with a Crystal and Candleabra theme and regency touches.

The dinner reflects Daniel’s love of fine food and drink with canapes including Pan Fried Scallops, Foie Gras and Shaved Radish with a julienne of vegetables. A Starter of Salt Cod Balls, a main course of Fillet of Beef served on a shin of beef and dessert a Grand Marnier Souffle. All much better explained by Daniel himself.

Dan was brought up in hospitality with his parents running a Michelin starred restaurant in Leeds, Yorkshire. His parents have continued to be an inspiration to him with their exceptional work ethic and passion for food & service.

Dan’s schooling in events included working under Pru Leith at Leith’s Events & Parties and then with Glynn Woodin at Mustard Catering in London.

He started his own business back in Yorkshire driving around Leeds delivering sandwiches and built his business up brick by brick: He admits to being a control freak when it comes to the development of his business.

Daniel talks us through the importance of being  clear about your product, doing your homework, and believing you will get your break. He talks through this attention to detail including doing dress rehearsals for Dine Delivered so they are happy that clients will be able to successfully serve up a visual treat.

He also touches on the importance of learning from your clients, be these private or corporate, and reminisces on meeting Nelson Mandela and how his ability to make the service team feel part of the occasion had such an impact.

Having bought Rise Hall with his wife in 2019 from TV Celebrity Property Developer, Sarah Beaney, he talks through the importance of being able to look at venue through the eyes of a client, and the trials and tribulations of managing a historic building as an events venue.

Daniel also covers business through the pandemic and how keep your team intact as much as you can and being honest about what you know and simply can’t know are key to bouncing forward.

Daniel’s party finishes with violinists standing on the dining tables playing modern covers, Deacon Blue playing live and Pete Tong djing ensuring a fun experience for all. Guests then depart through the lawns at the rear of the Palace, onto boats across the lake and into limousines home.

Overall Daniel gives a wonderful insight into his business success while talking us through one truly amazing experience.