It's written in the stars that simple quality is best

Ben, Chef and owner of the Star Inn at Sancton gastro pub, has been a champion of great local produce for decades. Having worked at the Tickton Grange Hotel and wedding venue as a sous chef for a number of years, he decided to go it alone and open his own food outlet in 1997, fuelled by his passion for wholesomeness, taste and creativity.

Since then, that passion for excellence has been rewarded with recognition in the Good Pub Guide, the Michelin Guide, The Good Food Guide – as well as being voted one of Yorkshire’s 12 favourite pubs.

In addition to running the Star itself, Ben and his wife Lindsey provide food and drink for special occasions like weddings, so he has his finger on the pulse when it comes to event catering.

He shared with us the key ingredients of great party food, with flair.

“As a chef, I was one of the few that originally championed the idea of locally sourced food because it’s better for food miles and the local economy, more ethically produced and – above all – tastes amazing. Originally, I was one of only a couple of chefs who were pushing for this locally and it’s great to see the concept taking off more and more, helped by TV celebrity chefs,” said Ben.

“For a wedding, this can work brilliantly by creating a real talking point. Guests will often swap their experiences of the local ice-cream parlour that started life in a farmer’s shed, or the smokehouse that did the same and has made the foodie big time.”

Asked what trends he’s seeing in wedding and event food currently, Ben said:

“The traditional buffet with sandwiches, sausage rolls and dim sum is very much a thing of the past.

“Couples typically want a la carte-style options for their wedding breakfast meal. I think it’s because we’re increasingly a nation of foodies and people don’t just want the traditional roast beef or chicken with two veg any more, they want the kind of thing they would choose when going out to their favourite restaurant for a special meal.

“We’re also seeing more and more demand for things like pulled pork sandwiches and light chillies and curries, when it comes to the more informal evening meal. Cheese ‘cakes’ are also increasingly popular and make a great evening buffet-style snack when coupled with quality patés and homemade chutneys.

“We’re also being asked for canapes more and more, delicious mini dishes that enable guests to enjoy samples of locally produced ingredients like smoked salmon or duck, beef and Yorkshire pudding or a calzone made with local cheese. These are small enough to be light but keep them both full and occupied throughout what is a long day.”

Ben continued: “Where drinks are concerned, gin is becoming increasingly popular. Pimms remains a perpetual favourite for when guests are arriving. By the same token, the real ales which were in vogue for a long time have taken a bit of a back seat. Other things that work really well, depending on the time of year, are mulled wine to warm guests in the winter time, and boozy hot chocolates.”

So just how do couples choose from the rich array of food options?

“I always tell people to think of the place and the food they like best, and base their wedding menu choices on that,” added Ben. “For example, one couple who are regular customers at the pub, love our steak pies best out of everything on the menu, so they chose steak pies as a lovely hearty meal for their winter wedding.”

Ben’s recipe for wedding food perfection:

1. Think about the timing of your wedding. Seasonal foods will give you the best fit and taste – such as asparagus in May and June, or heart-warming game for a Christmas wedding.
2. It might sound like a boring practicality but it’s important to check for allergies among your guests, too. Gluten intolerance is common these days, but you also need to check whether people have a reaction to things like nuts, shellfish and even the humble celery, believe it or not. The type of foods and flavours should be your first focus, so that it’s right for you, and then your caterer can tweak your chosen menu to meet any special requirements.
3. Choosing a theme is also a good move. Too many people forget that the food is a key aspect of their event’s ambiance. Having a focus is one great way to add a bit of a flourish. For example, a battle between Yorkshire and France for a couple with links to both, featuring Yorkshire puddings side-by-side with boeuf bourguignon and a selection of continental cheeses.
4. Make sure you walk through your day in your head and allow for your guests to have something to nibble on throughout. They’re likely to feel quite peckish at times, and feeding them with a mixture of canapes, main meals, pulled pork or barbecue sandwiches, cheese boards and a sit down meal can be a great way of keeping them occupied too
5. Find companies you can really trust for everything from your crockery hire to your kitchen equipment. Caterers like us will specify exactly what we need to deliver high quality food for your event, and it’s important to have the support of recommended suppliers for the things that make sure it all comes together.
6. When booking your catering, make sure you understand exactly what the plans are for serving your food, which is just as important as what you’re serving itself. For example, we can provide a high standard of waiter service, as well as taking on the role of Master of Ceremonies and compere, which can be a godsend when it comes to making sure your guests are where you want them, when you want them there.
7. Don’t forget to sort out your bar and drinks. Will you need a bar with staff to serve drinks, or simply waiter service? Don’t assume that your catering supplier will also organise and man your bar, as this is usually an add-on service you need to specify.
8. Spend your food budget on dependable good quality staples with great flavour. There are lots of fashions and gimmicks doing the rounds at the moment, as always, such as street food vans and ice cream vans serving desserts. But it’s important not to get too carried away with lots of potentially tacky distractions when it comes to food, and very often simple quality is the best way to go and speaks for itself.

Ben and Lindsey are one of a network of outstanding suppliers we work with to help you achieve your perfect day. You can read more about what they offer at https://www.thestaratsancton.co.uk .

We offer a free, no-obligation initial chat, so if you’re planning a wedding or special celebration and would like to run your plans past someone with an experienced and sympathetic ear, don’t hesitate to contact us on (01262) 468160 or email info@villagefarmmarquees.co.uk.