Foodies Tips & Recipes

Marquee & Tipi Catering

August 15, 2025
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5 Mins

The idea of hosting a big event outdoors, in a field, or a beautiful country garden, is pretty magical. You can choose to hold your large event in a marquee or tipi when it's a charity ball, a wedding, a party or even a corporate event. 

There's a feeling of freedom and a personal touch you can't quite replicate anywhere else. 

When you choose to celebrate in a marquee, you're not just picking a space; you're creating a temporary home for your party, a blank canvas where your imagination can run wild. 

You get to decide on every little detail, from the style of the tent to the layout of the tables. The possibilities feel endless. But with that freedom can sometimes come a feeling of being a bit overwhelmed, especially when it comes to the food. 

Catering for a large group in a location that might not have a proper kitchen or even a reliable power source needs a bit of thought and a lot of careful planning. That's where we come in. We love working in these unique settings and know exactly how to make a sensational dining experience happen, no matter how remote your chosen field is.

Bringing the Kitchen to the Field or Garden

You might wonder how we manage to create incredible, restaurant-quality food in what is, essentially, a field. It all comes down to experience and having the right equipment. Our team is used to working in all sorts of locations, from grand venues to the middle of nowhere. We bring our own professional, portable kitchens with us, meaning we're completely self-sufficient. This flexibility allows us to cook everything from scratch right on site, ensuring the food is as fresh as can be when it reaches your guests' plates.

We understand that the logistics of a marquee or tipi event can be a worry. Things like power, water, and even flat ground can feel like a challenge. We've seen it all and can help you work through these details. Our team is happy to chat with your marquee and tipi suppliers, so we can make sure we have everything we need to operate smoothly. We believe that good food shouldn't be limited to venues with permanent kitchens. Some of our best work has been in these temporary spaces, where we have the chance to be creative and adaptable.

Menus that Tell a Story

A marquee or tipi event is all about personality, and your menu should be a reflection of that. We don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Your menu should tell the story of your event, whether that's a relaxed, family-style feast or a more formal, elegant sit-down meal. We take the time to get to know you and your ideas, so we can craft a menu that feels just right.

For a relaxed, sociable atmosphere, our sharing platters are a popular choice. It’s a wonderful way to get people talking and create a real sense of community. We can do anything from huge roasted joints of meat and vibrant salads to an array of different curries with all the trimmings. The food becomes a part of the entertainment, a central focus that brings everyone together.

If you prefer a more formal approach, we can certainly provide a plated, sit-down meal. Each course is carefully prepared and beautifully presented, just as you would expect from a high-end restaurant. 

We can still add a personal touch, with bespoke dishes that are meaningful to you. We love creating something special, whether it's a starter inspired by a memorable holiday or a main course that’s a favourite family dish. Our chefs love a challenge and enjoy the chance to create something unique for you.

From Canapés to Evening Snacks

The food at a marquee or tipi event isn't just about the main meal. It's about the whole day. We can be there from the very start, greeting your guests with a selection of elegant canapés and refreshing drinks as they arrive. This is a lovely way to get the party started and set a tone of relaxed sophistication. Our canapés are always a talking point, with creative combinations and beautiful presentation.

As the evening draws in, you might want something a bit more casual to keep everyone fuelled up for dancing. We can serve a variety of evening snacks that are easy for guests to eat on the go. Think stone-baked pizzas cooked right in front of them, delicious gourmet burgers, or even a build-your-own taco station. The options are completely open and designed to suit the mood of your party. The food doesn't have to be fussy; it just needs to be good, and we make sure it’s always delicious and served with a smile.

Planning and Teamwork

We see ourselves as more than just caterers; we’re part of your team. 

Organising a marquee or tipi event means coordinating with lots of different suppliers, from the tent company to the florist. We are happy to work closely with everyone involved to make sure everything runs smoothly. Our experience with this type of event means we can anticipate potential issues and have solutions ready to go.

One of the things we're most proud of is our team. 

Our chefs and service staff are not just professionals; they are genuinely passionate about what they do. They love being a part of special events and are committed to making sure your day is perfect. Their friendly and attentive service is always mentioned in our testimonials, and they're a huge part of what makes Fork & Field special. 

You can read some of the wonderful things our past clients have said about us on our testimonials page.

If you're starting to think about your own marquee or tipi event, we would love to chat. You can download a few of our sample menus for inspiration on our downloads page, but please remember they are just a starting point. We can build a bespoke menu just for you. 

Please do not hesitate to reach out to us to chat about your ideas.

Download Our Menus