Where to hold it
A workplace car park or grounds, a club, a pub garden or a home all work. A hog roast suits any of them with an outdoor cooking spot.
Why a hog roast works
It feeds a crowd at once, it feels generous, and it gets people out of the office and talking. Rolls are easy to eat standing up during speeches.
Numbers and diets
Collect numbers and dietary needs when you send the invite. Add chicken, lamb and vegetarian options for people who don’t eat pork.
Timing the speeches
Plan speeches before or after food, not during carving. Tell the caterer when to serve.
Making it personal
Ask colleagues for stories, photos or a card. A short speech after food, while people are relaxed, gives the person leaving a proper send-off.
Inviting former colleagues and family
Retirement parties often include former colleagues and family. Include them in your numbers and ask about dietary needs when you invite them.
At a club or pub
If the party is at a club or pub, check whether outside caterers are allowed and where a roaster could go outdoors. Some venues welcome a hog roast in the garden or car park; others have their own kitchens and rules.
Timing for work parties
Daytime parties on site mean working around shifts and breaks. Evening parties after work need lighting in winter. Tell the caterer when people will be free to eat.
Gifts and presentations
If there’s a presentation, plan it for after food, when everyone has gathered. A microphone helps at outdoor events, where voices don’t carry.
Numbers and RSVPs
Retirement parties can be bigger than expected, because people who worked with the retiree years ago want to come. Ask for replies by a set date and give your caterer the final number, with dietary needs, a week or two before.
A send-off they’ll remember
The food is part of the send-off. A hog roast, carved in front of everyone, gives the event a sense of occasion and gets people talking, which is exactly what you want when colleagues are saying goodbye.
Keeping it fair
If staff are contributing to the cost, keep the menu simple so it stays affordable, and make sure there are good options for colleagues who don’t eat pork.
Before you book
Send us the date, venue, numbers, when you’d like to eat and any site rules if it’s at work. Mention any guests who don’t eat pork so we can plan alternatives.
Surprise parties
Planning a surprise? Tell us, so we can arrive and set up without giving the game away, and agree a time to start carving once the guest of honour has arrived.
Quick answers
Can you cater a leaving do in our car park?
Usually, if the site allows gas cooking and there’s a level spot.
How far ahead should we book?
As early as you can, especially in summer and December.
Planning an event? Tell us about it and we’ll check the date and send a quote.