Reading · England
Christmas Hog Roast for Play Hatch
Treat your guests to slow-roasted pork and crackling at your Christmas party in Play Hatch. We roast on site, carve to order and serve it hot.
- Christmas fairs
- New Year parties
- Festive open evenings
Slow-roasted pork in Play Hatch
Christmas hog roast in Play Hatch, slow-roasted on site
Winter weather is part of the plan: we cook under cover, and guests eat somewhere warm. Indoors or a heated marquee is ideal. We serve roast turkey, roast potatoes and hog roast rolls, and typical bookings are for christmas lights switch-ons and winter fairs and markets.
In winter near Play Hatch, we need firm ground and light. We bring plates as standard, and china crockery is available on request, quoted separately.
Planners, venues and businesses
Booking for a club or group? A single point of contact keeps things simple, particularly when timings shift.
Organisers may ask for documents such as a risk assessment or gas safety information. Let us know what your event requires and we will tell you what we can send.
Before you choose a spot
Before the day, it helps to think about where the roaster will go. We look for:
- A level outdoor area that can be lit
- Vehicle access close by
- Hardstanding if possible in winter
If in doubt, send us a picture of the spot and we will advise before booking.
From the roaster
- Roast potatoes
- Stuffing and apple sauce
- Crackling
- Hog roast rolls
- Rotisserie chicken
- Halloumi skewers (V)
- Roast turkey
- Vegan option (Ve)
- Salads
Christmas catering near Play Hatch
Play Hatch is about 1 mile east of Caversham, in Reading. Our roaster is a regular sight at Christmas parties around Play Hatch, from gardens to fields. We bring hog roasts to all 34 towns and villages in Reading, from the larger towns to small villages.
For anyone getting the train home after the party, the closest railway station is Reading station, roughly 2.2 miles south-west of the centre. Carol services and Christmas fairs at churches such as St Andrew's Church draw people who are glad of hot food afterwards.
We bring hog roasts to Christmas parties all over RG4. That could mean a Christmas party in a garden on Dene Close, Henley Road and Foxhill Lane or the roads around them, as long as there’s somewhere outside to cook. For Christmas parties just outside Play Hatch, we cover Dunsden Green (1 mile north), Caversham Park Village (1 mile west), Littlestead Green (1 mile north-west), Emmer Green (1 mile west) and Sonning (1 mile south-east). We also serve nearby towns such as Norcot (4 miles west), West Reading (3 miles south-west), Tilehurst Within (5 miles west), Shinfield (5 miles south), Arborfield Garrison (7 miles south) and Horncastle (5 miles south-west).
Other landmarks nearby include The Oracle (2.4 miles south-west) and Royal Berkshire Hospital (2.3 miles south-west). Green spaces nearby include Alder Moors and South Lake.
- Local schools include Reading Blue Coat School (1 mile south-east) and Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre (1.8 miles west)
- Nearby, you’ll find The Shoulder of Mutton pub (within half a mile south-west)
Prices and what affects them
Your quote depends on:
- Site access
- Whether you want china
- Which meats and sides you choose
- Distance from us
UK price guides vary widely: roughly £10 a head for a simple roll, rising past £20 with more included. Every event gets its own quote, with everything listed.
What to tell us
When you get in touch, please mention:
- An estimate of numbers
- The address or postcode
- Where the roaster could go, ideally with a photo
- Your date and serving time
Busy weekends book up early, so ask early for summer Saturdays and December. Tell us your date and we’ll check it: fill in our quote form.
How the day works
We roast under cover, so a shower will not spoil the food. Your guests will still want somewhere dry to eat, such as a marquee, hall or barn. In December, it is dark in Play Hatch by about 3:55pm, so even a late-afternoon Christmas party needs lighting by the roaster and the serving table. We start in daylight and cook into the dark.
- It starts with your date, venue and rough numbers.
- We check the venue and send a price.
- On the day we arrive early and get the roast going.
- We carve and serve hot when you are ready.
- Afterwards we pack up and leave the spot tidy.
Getting ready for the day
- Name a contact for the day
- Have a covered area for eating in case of rain
- Ask about allergies and dietary needs beforehand
Get a quote
When you are weighing up caterers, check what each quote actually includes. We spell it out in ours. To get yours, use our quote form.
Planning help
Common questions in Play Hatch
How far is Play Hatch from London?
Roughly 36 miles from the centre of London, and well within our area.
Do you come out to small places like Play Hatch?
No, we come to small places too. Tell us about lanes, gates and the ground.
What do people get?
Pork, stuffing, apple sauce and crackling in a soft roll. Your quote lists any sides and extras.
Is crockery included?
Plates are included. You can upgrade to china if you prefer.
Can you do turkey for a Christmas party?
Yes: add turkey to the menu.
Is lighting needed?
It gets dark early, so we will sort lighting together.
When should we book our Christmas party?
The earlier the better. Weekdays frequently have more availability.
Where does the hog roast go?
A level, open area outdoors with room for the roaster, a gazebo and a carving table, away from buildings, marquee walls and overhanging trees. We will check it with you before booking.
Towns and villages near Play Hatch
Other occasions in Play Hatch
The menu, dish by dish
Halloumi and vegetable skewers (V)
Halloumi and vegetable skewers are the vegetarian choice: squeaky, salty cheese with colourful veg, in a roll or on a plate.
Rolls and gluten-free rolls
Everything goes into a soft roll, perfect for eating on the move. Gluten-free rolls are available on request.
Who books Christmas hog roast in Play Hatch?
Offer roast turkey as well as the hog.
Here’s what people in Play Hatch most frequently book a hog roast for:
- Between-Christmas-and-New-Year get-togethers
- Work Christmas parties
- December open days
- Christmas markets
A winter fair at a school like St Martin's Catholic Primary School gets dark early, so hot food is popular.
Comparing caterers
- A clear list of what’s included
- Whether VAT is included
- Whether plates or china are included
- Payment terms and cancellation policy
Planning for dietary needs
Allergies and dietary needs are easy to manage if we know in advance. Some ideas:
- Give us vegetarian and vegan numbers
- Plan separately for anyone who needs halal food
- Send the allergen list round before the party
- Remember stuffing normally contains gluten
We clear away, even on a cold, wet night.
China crockery is available on request.
Why choose a hog roast in Play Hatch?
At a winter fair, a hog roast stall is one of the most popular hot-food options. Distance is part of the price: we include travel in the quote. Tell us the exact address for an accurate figure.
What you get with us
- Cooked on the day, low and slow
- Staff to serve, so you do not have to
- Lamb, chicken and vegetarian options alongside
- Rolls with stuffing, apple sauce and crackling
Read our pricing and the cost guide.
- Slow-roasted on site for hours, outdoors at your event
- Carved by our chef into rolls with stuffing, apple sauce and crackling
- Lamb, chicken and vegetarian options alongside the pork
- Our team serves at your chosen time and clears up afterwards