Connections Luxury UK & Ireland Closing Gala Dinner
It was a pleasure for the Fork & Field team to return to the magnificent Manchester Cathedral to provide catering for the Closing Dinner of the Connections Luxury UK & Ireland event on the 23rd September 2025. The evening brought together around 250 guests from across the hospitality and travel industries, marking the end of an inspiring few days of networking and collaboration.
Working closely with Connections Luxury UK & Ireland, the Fork & Field team delivered a refined three-course dining experience that reflected the sophistication of both the setting and the occasion, perfectly capturing the event’s tone of celebration and connection.
Creating a Dining Experience to Match the Setting
The stunning gothic architecture of Manchester Cathedral provided a breathtaking backdrop for this elegant evening. Our goal was to complement this historic venue with food and service that combined artistry, precision and warmth. From the moment guests arrived, our team was focused on ensuring that every element of the event ran seamlessly, allowing the organisers to relax and enjoy the success of their event.
A Three-Course Menu Designed for Elegance and Balance
For this exclusive event, our chefs curated a bespoke menu that celebrated seasonal ingredients, balanced flavours and thoughtful presentation. Guests began with a beautifully presented burrata and heirloom tomato dish, delicately dressed with basil oil, aged balsamic and toasted pine nuts. This was a light and elegant start that showcased the best of fresh, simple ingredients.
For our plant-based guests, the heirloom tomato and leaf salad offered the same vibrancy, complemented by candied pecans, basil oil and aged balsamic for a harmonious balance of texture and flavour.
The main course continued the theme of refined dining with a tender ballotine of chicken filled with mushroom and spinach stuffing, accompanied by pureed carrot, sautéed asparagus, charred shallots and garlic rosemary potatoes. Finished with a glossy garlic jus and a touch of red amaranth, this dish was both hearty and sophisticated. For our vegan and vegetarian guests, the truffle risotto provided a rich and aromatic alternative, infused with shaved black truffle for a truly indulgent experience.
To conclude the meal with a touch of something sweet, guests enjoyed a classic lemon posset served with lemon cream, shortbread, petit fours and fresh berries – the perfect light and zesty finale to a memorable meal. The vegan and gluten-free alternative, a lemon cheesecake with berry compote and fresh berries, was equally well received and offered a refreshing, modern twist to finish the night.
Service with Precision and Warmth
Delivering fine dining within a historic venue such as Manchester Cathedral requires meticulous planning and precision, and our team delivered. From kitchen setup to the careful coordination of service, our operations and front-of-house teams worked together to ensure everything flowed smoothly from the first course to the last. Each plate was served with impeccable timing, and our team’s warm, attentive approach created an atmosphere of calm professionalism throughout the evening.
The feedback from both the organisers and attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Guests praised the quality of the food, the elegance of presentation and the seamless service. Seeing the Connections Luxury community come together to celebrate in such a remarkable setting was incredibly rewarding for our team and a wonderful way to close a prestigious event.
Expert Event Catering in Manchester and Cheshire
The Connections Luxury UK & Ireland Closing Dinner was a true celebration of collaboration, creativity and excellence – values that we at Fork & Field hold at the heart of everything we do.
If you are planning a corporate gala, awards dinner or conference event in Manchester, Cheshire or the surrounding areas, our experienced team at Fork & Field would be delighted to help. We specialise in bespoke catering that enhances your event from concept to completion.
Contact us today to discuss your plans or download our menus to discover how we can help make your next occasion one to remember.
