Frequently Asked Questions

Your Common Hog Roast Catering Queries — Answered

Welcome to our FAQ page, here you will find many of the Frequently Asked Questions that we receive from interested parties about the services we offer, potential limitations and so on.

We often receive phone calls and Emails asking questions about our service that are already answered on the website, but not everybody has the time to read through all the text on our website so this is a small page where we look at and answer many of the common questions we receive.

If your questions are not answered in our FAQ, please do not hesitate to send an Email our way. We always aim to respond to Emails within a day.

General Hog Roast Catering Questions

What is included in a hog roast package?

Every hog roast package includes everything you need for a successful event — the hog itself, our professional roasting equipment, serving tables, disposable plates and cutlery, and experienced chefs to cook and carve on-site. We also provide setup, service, and clear-down, so you can relax and enjoy your day.

How many guests does a standard hog roast usually serve?

A standard full hog typically serves around 100–120 guests, depending on portion size. Smaller hogs are available for more intimate gatherings, while larger roasts can easily cater for several hundred people.

Do you only do hog roasts or other catering options too?

Not at all — while we’re best known for our hog roasts, we also offer lamb, beef, and chicken roasts, BBQ catering, vegetarian and vegan menus, salads, and a wide range of sides and desserts.

Is the meat locally sourced?

Yes, we source all our ingredients locally from trusted suppliers to ensure the freshest, highest-quality produce in every dish.

Cooking & Preparation

How long does it take to cook a hog roast?

A full hog takes around 8–10 hours to cook slowly and evenly, giving it that perfect, tender texture and golden crackling.

Do you cook the hog on-site or beforehand?

We carry out part of the preparation off-site, then complete the roasting fresh at your event so guests can enjoy the sights and aromas of the final cooking process.

Are your machines gas, electric, or charcoal-powered?

All our machines are gas-powered, offering a clean, consistent heat for safe and perfectly even roasting.

Can you cater indoors as well as outdoors?

Yes, we can! Our roasting machines are compact and smoke-controlled, making them suitable for indoor or outdoor setups, depending on the venue’s layout and ventilation.

Do you bring your own equipment and gazebos?

Yes, we provide everything needed — gazebos to cover the serving area, serving tables, and all the catering equipment required for setup and service.

Menus, Side Dishes & Dietary Options

Do you provide side dishes, desserts, and/or cutlery?

We offer a delicious selection of side dishes, including fresh salads, potato and pasta options, and desserts.

All catering packages include eco-friendly bamboo crockery and cutlery, or china tableware if preferred.

Can you provide vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options?

Absolutely. Our chefs prepare a range of meat-free and gluten-free dishes, including roasted vegetables, stuffed peppers, and hearty salads, ensuring everyone can enjoy the feast.

What sauces or condiments are included?

Classic pairings like apple sauce, sage & onion stuffing, and a selection of mustards and relishes are included as standard. We can also provide bespoke sauces on request.

Do you offer desserts or additional courses?

Yes — many of our catering packages include dessert options such as cheesecakes, chocolate brownies, or fruit platters. We can also create a full three-course menu for weddings or formal events.

Can you cater for children’s portions?

Yes, we can provide smaller portions and milder seasoning for younger guests so everyone can enjoy the food.

Event & Booking Queries

Are there any travel or setup charges?

No hidden extras — travel, setup, and staffing costs are included in your quoted price.

How much space do you need at the venue?

We usually need a roughly 3×3 metre area for our machine and serving setup.

How much notice do you need for setup?

We typically require around 2 hours to set up before guests arrive.

Do you need vehicle access to the cooking area?

Vehicle access is helpful but not essential. We simply need onsite or nearby parking for unloading equipment.

Is there a minimum or maximum number of guests?

We can cater for any number of guests — from private dinners for 2 to large-scale events for 5,000+ attendees.

Do you offer tastings before booking?

We do not offer tastings at this time, but we’re happy to discuss menu options in detail before confirming your booking.

What time do you arrive on the day?

We typically arrive around 2 hours before serving time to prepare and set up.

How long do you stay on-site?

Our team usually remains 4–5 hours from arrival to departure, covering setup, cooking, service, and clean-down.

Pricing & Packages

Do you offer side dishes and salads with the hog roast?

Yes, every menu includes a choice of freshly prepared sides such as seasonal salads, roasted potatoes, apple sauce, stuffing, and freshly baked rolls. These can be customised to suit your guests’ preferences.

Is there a minimum or maximum number of guests?

We can cater for any size event from small private gatherings to corporate functions with several hundred guests. Just let us know your expected numbers when enquiring.

Are there travel costs or extra charges?

We offer transparent pricing. Any travel or additional setup fees (if applicable) will be clearly detailed in your quote before booking.

What’s included in your price?

Our quoted prices include the hog, chef, roasting machine, serving staff, table setup, and cleanup — everything needed to provide a professional hog roast experience.

Do you offer tastings before booking?

We occasionally host tasting sessions for large wedding or corporate clients. Availability varies, so please contact us to discuss options.

Staff & Service

Do you provide staff to serve the food?

Yes — our experienced catering staff handle all cooking, carving, and serving, ensuring a smooth service from start to finish.

Can you do self-service or buffet-style catering?

Yes, we can offer either served portions or buffet-style setups, depending on your event type and guest numbers.

Will your team handle setup and cleanup?

Absolutely. Our team arrives early to set up the cooking and serving area, and we always leave the space clean and tidy once service is complete.

What time do you arrive on the day?

We typically arrive 5–7 hours before serving time to set up and begin cooking, ensuring the hog is perfectly roasted when guests are ready to eat.

How long do you stay on-site?

We usually remain for the full duration of cooking and service, then handle all cleanup and equipment removal before departure.

Logistics & Requirements

How much notice do you need for setup?

Ideally, we require at least 1–2 hours on-site before guests arrive to set up equipment safely and begin roasting.

Do you require access to water or electricity at the venue?

Access to water and electricity is helpful but not essential. We can operate self-sufficiently if needed.

Can you cater at venues without a kitchen?

Yes — our hog roast machines are fully self-contained, meaning we can cater anywhere, from fields and gardens to marquees and car parks.

What happens if it rains or the weather is bad?

No problem! We provide our own gazebos and canopies, allowing us to cook and serve comfortably in any weather.

Do you need vehicle access to the cooking area?

Ideally, yes. Vehicle access close to the setup area helps with unloading heavy equipment, but we can make alternative arrangements if required.

Health, Safety & Certification

Are you fully insured and certified?

Yes, we’re fully insured, holding both public liability and employer’s liability cover for your peace of mind.

Do you hold food hygiene certificates?

Yes, all our chefs and catering staff are qualified to Level 2 or Level 3 in Food Hygiene and Safety, certified by recognised UK training providers.

How do you ensure food safety at events?

We follow strict hygiene standards throughout preparation, cooking, and service, including temperature control, safe storage, and full allergen labelling.

What measures do you take for allergen control?

All allergens are clearly identified in our menus, and our team is trained to prevent cross-contamination. Please let us know of any dietary requirements when booking.

Still have a question we haven’t covered?

Contact our friendly team and we’ll be happy to help plan your perfect hog roast event.

Frequently Asked Questions

The UK’s Favourite Hog Roast Catering Experts