Q: Can we taste the food before booking?

Yes! We host seasonal Tasting Open Days during spring and autumn at our home in Billesley, near Stratford-upon-Avon. Our tasting events are a relaxed, sit-down dining experience, lasting approximately three hours. You'll be served a selection of tasting courses showcasing some of our most popular dishes, giving you the opportunity to experience our food, meet the team and explore your menu options. During the meal, we'll also set aside time to chat through your plans, discuss your requirements and answer any questions. Private tastings can also be arranged by appointment. Please get in touch to discuss availability.

Q: How much space do you need?

Our standard setup requires approximately 6m × 6m . For seated Sharing Style feasts we'll also require a covered catering area or kitchen space with trestle tables for plating and clearing between courses. We'll confirm exactly what's needed during the planning process.

Question 1

How much does Wild Oven catering cost?

Accepted Answer

Every gathering is unique, so the final cost depends on your guest numbers, menu and style of service. Tell us a little about your gathering here, and we'll send you a bespoke quotation straight to your inbox.

To help you plan, we've created a transparent pricing guide with typical costs and what's included. View our pricing guide

Question 2

How far do you travel?

Accepted Answer

We're based in the North Cotswolds and regularly cater throughout the Cotswolds, Warwickshire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and the surrounding counties.

Planning something further afield? We'd love to hear about it. We frequently travel for the right gathering.

Explore the areas we cover.

Question 3

Can we taste the food before booking?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We host seasonal Tasting Open Days during spring and autumn at our home in Billesley, near Stratford-upon-Avon.

Our tasting events are a relaxed, sit-down dining experience, lasting approximately three hours. You'll be served a selection of tasting courses showcasing some of our most popular dishes, giving you the opportunity to experience our food, meet the team and explore your menu options.

During the meal, we'll also set aside time to chat through your plans, discuss your requirements and answer any questions.

Private tastings can also be arranged by appointment. Please get in touch to discuss availability.

Question 4

What's included in your service?

Accepted Answer

Every proposal includes far more than exceptional food. Depending on your chosen menu and style of service, we'll provide experienced chefs, front-of-house staff, menu planning, event coordination, and crockery and cutlery so that we can deliver your Wild Oven experience.

We'll clearly outline exactly what's included in your quotation, so you know precisely what to expect.

View our pricing guide

We'll clearly outline exactly what's included in your quotation, so you know precisely what to expect.

View our pricing guide

Question 5

Do we need a site visit?

Accepted Answer

Usually not.

In most cases, photographs and a site plan give us everything we need to understand your venue and plan the setup. If we feel a visit would be beneficial, we'll arrange one, but for most events it's not necessary.

Question 6

What access do you need?

Accepted Answer

Our Defender Kitchens require a clear access route with a minimum width of 2.2 metres and a minimum height clearance of 3.1 metres.

If you're unsure whether your venue is suitable, simply send us a few photographs and we'll happily advise.

Question 7

How much space do you need?

Accepted Answer

Our standard setup requires approximately 6m × 6m.

For seated Sharing Style feasts we'll also require a covered catering area or kitchen space with trestle tables for plating and clearing between courses. We'll confirm exactly what's needed during the planning process.

Question 8

Do you require water?

Accepted Answer

Only if we're providing hot drinks.

In that case, we'll need access to a potable water supply close to the tea and coffee station.

Question 9

Do you need hard flooring?

Accepted Answer

Not for our Defender Kitchens themselves.

However, if we're working within a catering marquee or temporary kitchen, hard flooring is required for safe and efficient service.

Question 10

How do your Wood-fired Feasts work?

Accepted Answer

Our Wood-Fired Feasts typically include two wood-fired mains, two seasonal salads and a dedicated vegetarian option for vegetarian guests.

Additional dishes, premium meats and extra salads can all be added to create your perfect feast.

Explore our menus

Question 11

Can we add extra canapé or starter choices?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

You're welcome to add additional canapé or starter board options. We'll simply include the additional cost within your proposal.

Question 12

Can we add extra salads?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely.

Additional salads can be added to any feast to create an even more generous spread.

Question 13

Can we provide our own desserts?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

If you'd like us to serve desserts supplied by another baker or family member, we're very happy to do so. We simply ask that they're clearly labelled, and there may be a small staffing charge if you'd like our team to plate and serve them.

Question 14

Can you cut our wedding cake?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

If you've booked both your main feast and evening food with us, cutting and serving your wedding cake is included.

Question 15

Do you only cook pizza?

Accepted Answer

Not at all.

While our wood-fired pizzas are incredibly popular for evening celebrations, our Defender Kitchens produce everything from sharing feasts and slow-roasted meats to seasonal vegetables, breads and desserts.

Question 16

Can you cater for dietary requirements?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely.

We regularly cater for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free guests, as well as those with allergies and other dietary requirements. Every guest deserves to enjoy the same generous experience, so we carefully plan alternative dishes rather than treating them as an afterthought.

Question 17

What do you provide for children?

Accepted Answer

Many children love our wood-fired food, but we're also happy to provide simpler options where needed, including our fuss-free tomato pasta with DIY cheese topping for younger guests.

Question 18

Can you cater for gluten-free guests?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely.

Many of our dishes are naturally gluten-free, and we also offer gluten-free pizza bases. We'll ask for all dietary requirements around four weeks before your event so we can prepare everything safely.

Question 19

Can we create a bespoke menu?

Accepted Answer

Our wedding, corporate and private event menus are carefully curated to ensure every dish works beautifully together over fire. You'll be able to choose from a selection of seasonal dishes to create the feast that's right for your gathering.

If you're booking one of our Intimate Dining experiences for up to 30 guests, we can also create a completely bespoke menu, tailored exclusively to you and your guests.

Question 20

How much space do you need?

Accepted Answer

Our Defender Kitchens are surprisingly compact, but every event is different.

If you're planning a seated feast, we'll also need a covered catering area or marquee with tables where our team can plate dishes and clear service equipment between courses.

We'll discuss everything during the planning process and work with your venue to make sure the layout works perfectly.

Read our logistics guide.

Question 21

Do you need electricity?

Accepted Answer

Our standard electrical requirement is a single 13-amp (3-pin) socket providing up to 3kVA. If you've booked teas and coffees, we'll require additional power for our hot water urns. We'll confirm all requirements during planning.

Read our logistics guide.

Question 22

Can you cater indoors?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

We can prepare and serve food indoors where your venue allows, while our Defender Kitchens remain outside as the heart of the experience. Guests can still enjoy the theatre of live-fire cooking while your meal is served seamlessly inside.

Discover the Defender Kitchens

Question 23

What happens if it rains?

Accepted Answer

The British weather is something we're well accustomed to.

Our Defender Kitchens are designed to operate in all conditions, and we'll work closely with your venue to ensure everything runs smoothly whatever the forecast.

Question 24

Do you need a catering marquee?

Accepted Answer

Not in the traditional sense.

Our Defender Kitchens are fully equipped mobile kitchens, meaning we don't require a traditional catering tent.

For seated feasts, however, we do need a covered catering area with tables for plating and clearing between courses. We'll discuss your venue during planning and advise exactly what's needed.

Read Our Logistics Guide

Question 25

What's the difference between Seated Sharing, Festival Style, Grazing and Intimate Dining?

Accepted Answer

Each experience offers a different way to gather around great food.

Seated Sharing Our signature feast, with generous platters served to each table for guests to share together.
Festival Style Guests collect freshly cooked food directly from our Defender Kitchens, creating a relaxed, informal atmosphere.
Grazing Beautifully styled grazing tables, stations or boxes for guests to enjoy at their own pace.
Chef-Led Intimate Dining A bespoke multi-course dining experience, cooked and served by your own private chef.

Explore our experiences

Question 26

Can you serve buffet style?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

Although it's not one of our standard service styles, we're happy to provide buffet service where it suits your event. We'll simply calculate the additional staffing required and include this within your quotation.

Question 27

For seated service will all of our guests be served at the same time?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

One of the advantages of our Seated Service is that everyone is served together. Because we serve generous platters to each table rather than individual plates, service is incredibly efficient. As a guide, we can comfortably serve around 100 guests in approximately 10 minutes.

Question 28

How are canapés served?

Accepted Answer

Our canapés are always served by our front-of-house team, allowing guests to continue chatting while they enjoy them.

If you've chosen one of our grazing experiences, we can also create an ambient canapé station for guests to help themselves.

Question 29

When do you arrive?

Accepted Answer

Arrival depends on your chosen service style.

As a guide:

Festival Style: around 3 hours before service
Festival Style with burgers or pizzas: around 2 hours
Sharing Style: around 4 hours

We'll confirm exact timings during the planning process so everything runs smoothly.

Question 30

Can you arrive earlier or extend service?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely.

We're happy to tailor arrival and service times around your day. Longer service periods can usually be arranged for an additional cost.

Question 31

How many team members will you bring?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your chosen service style and guest numbers.

For seated sharing feasts we typically provide around one team member for every 25 guests, ensuring smooth, relaxed service throughout your event.

Question 32

Can you lay our tables?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

We're happy to lay tables on the day of your event for an additional charge to cover the extra staffing required.

Question 33

For seated service will all of our guests be served at the same time?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

One of the advantages of our Seated Service is that everyone is served together. Because we serve generous platters to each table rather than individual plates, service is incredibly efficient. As a guide, we can comfortably serve around 100 guests in approximately 10 minutes.

Question 34

Can you provide drinks service?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

If you'd like us to serve reception drinks, wine during the meal or evening drinks, we'll simply include the additional front-of-house team within your proposal.

Question 35

How do we secure our date?

Accepted Answer

Once you've chosen your menu style (choices come later!) and you're happy with your proposal, a 50% deposit secures your booking.

From there, we'll guide you through every stage of planning, from menu choices and timings to guest numbers and final logistics.

See how it works.

Question 36

Can I reserve my date?

Accepted Answer

Your booking is confirmed once we receive your 50% deposit.

If you're finalising menus or arranging payment, let us know. We'll always try to hold your preferred date for a short period and will contact you if another enquiry is received.

Question 37

When do we confirm final numbers?

Accepted Answer

We'll let you know exactly when we need them, usually around four weeks before your event.

This gives us plenty of time to finalise staffing, ingredients and dietary requirements while still allowing flexibility as your plans come together.

Question 38

Do you provide crockery, cutlery and staff?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

We can provide experienced chefs, front-of-house staff, crockery, cutlery and glassware to suit your chosen style of service. We'll include everything in your proposal, so you'll know exactly what's covered.

Question 39

Do you work with wedding planners and venues?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely.

We're experienced in working alongside wedding planners, venue teams and other suppliers. We'll liaise directly with them throughout the planning process so everyone is working from the same plan, allowing you to relax and enjoy the celebration.

See some of the venues we love.

Question 40

Do you have a booking form?

Accepted Answer

No.

Once you've confirmed you'd like to go ahead, we'll send you a deposit invoice. As soon as the deposit has been received, we'll confirm your booking and send you the planning forms we'll need throughout the process.

Question 41

Is crockery included?

Accepted Answer

For our standard Seated Sharing feasts, yes. Standard crockery and cutlery are included.

For Festival Style events and grazing stations we provide high-quality disposable serving ware as standard, with the option to upgrade to hired crockery if preferred.

Question 42

Can we hire china, glassware or linens through you?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

We can arrange crockery, cutlery and glassware, although we usually recommend hiring table linen directly through one of our trusted hire partners.

Frequently Asked Questions

BEFORE YOU book

Venue & Logistics

Menus

Dietaries and Children

PLANNING

Service Styles

TIMINGS

Team

BOOKING

HIRE ITEMS

Still have a question?

Let's Plan Your Feast

Get In Touch

Additional Resources

Where We Cater