Event Staffing FAQs

What everyone asks first:
What front-of-house staff will I need for my event?

We provide front of house staff for all types of events – from casual to classy. Need a simple drinks reception? Waiting staff will do the trick. Running a busy bar? You will want bartenders. Serving cocktails? Time to call in the mixologists. Winter event? Do not forget cloakroom attendants. Want a warm welcome? Hire hosts. Got a team of 4 or more? Bring in a team leader to keep things running smoothly. And if you are entertaining VVIPs, it’s butlers and elite staff only. Basically, we have got the right people for the right job, just tell us what you are planning, and we will sort the rest.

Handy Blog Posts About Event Staff

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• Can I have the contact details of the staff booked for my event?

  We are unable to share personal contact details of our staff. However, if you need assistance at any point, please do not hesitate to contact our office on 020 7183 3263, even if it is outside of business hours. We are here to help.

• What time will staff arrive?

  Our staff will arrive 5 to 10 minutes before their scheduled shift. If you need extra time for briefing and setup, please include that in the shift start time so everything runs smoothly from the start.

• How much time will staff need for setup?

  That really depends on the job specs. Once we have the details, we will be able to give you a clear estimate. But as a general guide: for small to medium events, setup usually takes around 1 hour; a full wedding venue setup may take 2–3 hours, mixologists typically need about an hour to set up their bar area, prep garnishes and make everything cocktail-ready. Once we know what is involved, we will make sure the timing is spot on.

• Will waiting staff be happy to wash the dishes and tidy up the kitchen?

  Our staff are happy to help with anything related to the event itself, including washing up, clearing plates and keeping the kitchen in good shape during and after service. That said, they are not there to deep-clean your house before guests arrive (no hoovering or scrubbing bathrooms, we are afraid!). If it’s part of the event, we’ve got you covered.

• Can waiting staff help with cooking?

  Our waiting staff are happy to lend a hand with light food prep – think chopping, arranging nibbles on platters or popping canapés in the oven so they are served warm and delicious. But if you are planning a full-blown BBQ or anything that anything that requires serious cooking, you need a chef on board. (Good news: we may be able to provide one, depending on availability).

• Do I need a Team Leader for my event?

  If your team has four or more staff, we recommend having a Team Leader. It keeps things smooth with one person liaising with the client, making on-the-spot decisions, and stopping any “too many chefs” situations, even if they are just serving simple drinks and canapés.

• What services does your Event Manager offer?

  Our Event Manager will be responsible for coordinating staff and bartenders on the day, liaising with the chef, managing dietary needs, following the table plan, and keeping everything on schedule. They will also oversee setup and breakdown. For larger and more complicated events, a site visit or call with the Event Manager can be arranged closer to the date (additional fee applies) – totally worth it to avoid any last-minute surprises!

• Do you do event planning?

  We don’t offer full event planning, but we are happy to provide general guidance to help your event run smoothly. That includes advice on how many staff you might need, recommended shift timings and suggestions on catering equipment you may require as well as equipment quantities. We do not get involved with other suppliers – we will leave florists, DJs, and fire breathers to you! 🙂

• How many mixologists will I need?

  We recommend 1 mixologist for every 50 guests to keep drinks flowing smoothly. However, the ideal number may vary depending on how many types of cocktails you plan to serve and what other drinks will be available. More cocktails on the menu = more hands behind the bar!

• Can your mixologists help me figure out what to buy for the cocktails?

  Yes, our experienced mixologists can provide a detailed list of ingredients and quantities tailored to your chosen cocktails, guest numbers and the length of your event. You will receive it well in advance, so you will have plenty of time to stock up. Tip: unusual ingredients like fruit purées or liqueurs can often be sourced online and we are happy to point you in the right direction if needed.

Security Guard FAQs

What everyone asks first:
What services do your security guards provide?

Our security guards are here to keep things safe, smooth, and drama-free. They handle bag and body searches (politely, of course), manage guest entry, speed things up when queues get long, and make sure only the invited make it past the door. They also work hand-in-hand with venue management to keep the vibe fun, safe, and totally under control.

Security mysteries solved! Find the answers to other security related questions here.

Handy Blog Posts About Security Staff

Do I Need Security Staff At My Event?

• Are your security staff licensed?

  Yes, all our security personnel are fully SIA licensed and professionally trained to handle a wide range of situations. We will send you a copy of their badge before the event, and rest assured, they will have it with them while on duty.

• How many security guards do I need for my event?

  That depends on your guest count, venue layout and type of event. We are happy to advise on the right number during booking.

• Is there a minimum booking requirement for security staff?

  We require a minimum booking of 5 hours for our security staff to ensure we provide the best service and coverage for your event.

• What kind of uniform do your security guards wear?

  Our security guards come dressed to impress in the classic ‘secret agent’ look – white or black shirt, black suit, black tie, and polished black shoes. If you’d rather they rock a different style or go undercover, just say the word. We are happy to suit your event’s vibe.

• Do your security staff have high-vis jackets?

  Yes, they do. Our security team can wear high-vis jackets to ensure they are clearly visible whenever safety and quick identification are a priority.

• Can your security guards bring clickers for guest count?

  Yes, just be sure to request clickers when confirming your booking, as they don’t bring them by default. That way, we will have everything ready to keep your guest count spot on.

Equipment Hire FAQs

What everyone asks first:
What kind of catering equipment can you supply?

If you somehow missed our catering equipment hire page (don’t worry, it happens to the best of us), you can find it right here. But if you are still scratching your head, keep reading – we’ve got plenty more answers coming your way!

Handy Blog Posts About Catering Equipment:

Stress-Free Catering Equipment Rental Do’s and Don’ts

• Can I view the equipment before booking?

  Definitely! We are happy to send you a digital brochure featuring photos of our most popular equipment. If you don’t see the item you are after, just ask and we will send you pictures of any specific equipment separately.

• What if I need to add more items after booking? When is the latest I can confirm my final order?

  No worries! As long as the items you need are in stock, we can add them to your existing order. Just give us at least 2 working days’ notice so we have enough time to prepare and deliver everything you require.

• Can catering equipment be delivered by front-of-house staff?

  As charming and capable as our front-of-house staff are, they won’t be showing up with crates of glasses and stacks of plates. Catering equipment is delivered (and collected) by our trusted couriers.

• Can catering equipment be delivered at a specific time?

  Our standard delivery and collection slots are 5-hour windows between 8am and 5pm. They are the most cost-effective option and help keep everything running smoothly. If you require a shorter window or a specific delivery or collection time, we are happy to accommodate where possible. Please note that it will come at a higher cost and will be quoted on a case by case basis.

• What should I do if some equipment is missing?

  We recommend checking all the equipment as soon as it arrives. If you notice anything missing, please let us know immediately so we can sort it out quickly. It also helps to take a quick photo of the entire delivery and email it to us as sometimes it can be tricky to tell what’s what.

• Can equipment be returned dirty?

  Absolutely! No need to wash a single glass or scrub a single plate. All equipment can be returned dirty and we will handle the cleaning, but please pack everything back into the crates and boxes it came in.

• When will my breakage deposit be returned?

  Once all the equipment is back at our warehouse, it may take a couple of days for our team to inspect everything and check for any breakages or missing bits (no judgement – events get lively). As soon as we have done the count, we will process your refund, minus any items that didn’t make it back in one piece.

• When is ice delivered and how do I keep it from melting?

  Our ice deliveries come with a 2 to 4-hour delivery window. To keep it frozen until your event, we strongly recommend adding an igloo (insulated ice box) to your order. It will keep your ice frozen for up to 24 hours. No puddles, no panic!

• I have asked for 65 champagne glasses but got a quote with 80. Why is that?

  Glassware is delivered in crates, and we usually round up or down to the nearest full crate to keep things safe and organised during transport. So since a champagne glass crate holds 40 glasses, you will be quoted for 80, even if you only need 65. Same goes for items like cutlery, which is packed in sets of 10

• I have 100 people attending the event and I will be offering wine, beer and fizz. How many glasses of each kind will will I need?

  We always recommend having extra glasses. We have seen entire events slow to a crawl when glassware runs low and staff have to keep washing mid-party! For 100 guests, aim for about 120 champagne glasses (crates of 40), 132 white wine glasses (crates of 33), and 80 hi-ball glasses for water and soft drinks (crates of 40). No need for pint glasses since most folks will be drinking bottled beer straight from the bottle.

Catering FAQs

What everyone asks first:
What types of events do you cater for?

We cater for all kinds of events – from intimate dinners where everyone actually remembers your name, to cocktail parties where the food flows as freely as the conversation, all the way up to large corporate functions where we help keep things elegant and tasty. Basically, if you are throwing a party (big, small, fancy, or casual), we have got the food, the style and the flair to match.

Got more catering questions? We’ve got more answers.

Handy Blog Posts About Our Catering Service

The Ultimate Guide to a Bowl Food Event
The Ultimate Guide To a Canapé Party

• Who is your Head Chef and what kind of experience do they bring to the table?

  Our Head Chef is of Greek origin and brings a wealth of experience from Michelin-starred kitchens across Europe. His impressive culinary journey includes time at Easo in San Sebastián, Acquarello in Munich, La Tasse in Lyon, and Pollen Street Social in London. He’s also led the kitchens at prestigious venues like Claridge’s and The Petersham Hotel. In short, your event is in very capable (and seriously skilled) hands.

• Is the food delivered in chilled packaging?

  Yes, all food is delivered in chilled packaging to keep it fresh and safe. If you have fridge space, we recommend popping it in until service. If not, just keep the box closed, it’s doing its job keeping things cool inside until it is time to serve.

• Can you supply halal and kosher food?

  We can provide halal food upon request. However, we are not currently able to offer kosher catering. If you have specific dietary requirements, let us know in advance and we will do our best to accommodate.

• Can I provide my own meat and vegetables for BBQ?

  Yes, our chef will be happy to cook the food you provide, just the way you like it. Alternatively, if you would prefer a hassle-free option, we are more than happy to create a custom menu and supply all the produce for you.