Outdoor catering for hire in London

We delivered next level parties for exceptional companies

We also did more than 40,000 birthday parties. Probably, including your neighbour’s recent big bash.

The Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Catering in London

There’s a certain magic to an outdoor event in London, isn't there? When the sun decides to grace us with its presence, the city’s green spaces, hidden courtyards, and sky-high terraces come alive. Whether it's the gentle clinking of glasses at a summer wedding or the buzz of a corporate away day, an outdoor setting adds a special ingredient that you just can't replicate indoors.

But let's be honest, the true heart of any great gathering is the food. Great food turns a good party into an unforgettable one. And when you're planning an event under the open sky, the catering needs to be more than just delicious; it needs to be smart, stylish, and perfectly suited to the setting.

As event professionals with years of experience in the London party scene, we’ve seen it all. We know that organising outdoor catering can feel like a daunting task. You're not just booking a menu; you're coordinating logistics in a space that probably wasn't designed to be a kitchen. But don't you worry. We're here to guide you through it, making the process not just simple, but genuinely enjoyable.

London's Great Outdoors: Finding Your Perfect Spot

First things first, where is this magnificent al fresco affair taking place? London is packed with a surprising number of brilliant outdoor venues, each with its own unique character. The right caterer will know how to make the most of your chosen location.

• Rooftop Terraces: Offering stunning skyline views, these venues are perfect for sophisticated product launches or chic milestone birthday parties. Think elegant canapés and cocktails as the sun sets over the city.
• Mews Courtyards: Tucked away from the hustle and bustle, these charming cobbled courtyards offer an intimate and quintessentially London backdrop for a private dinner or a relaxed drinks reception.
• Private Gardens: From manicured lawns in Kensington to leafy back gardens in Islington, these spaces are a blank canvas for everything from a classic summer wedding to a relaxed family BBQ.
• Park Clearings: With the right permits, a designated spot in one of London’s iconic parks can be transformed into a festival-style celebration or a large-scale corporate sports day.
• Brewery Yards: For a more urban, edgy vibe, the city's many craft brewery yards provide a fantastic, ready-made atmosphere. They’re a natural fit for street food vans and informal dining.

Choosing your venue is the first big step. Once you have an idea of the space, you can start thinking about the fun part: the food.

What's on the Menu? Outdoor Catering Ideas for Every Occasion

Forget soggy sandwiches and a flask of tea. Outdoor catering in London is a vibrant, creative scene with options to suit any taste and theme. The key is to choose a style that complements your event and is practical for an outdoor setting.

• The Urban Garden Party: This is a modern classic. Think gourmet burgers from a top-notch BBQ setup, vibrant salads, and maybe even a Pimm's station. It’s relaxed, sociable, and works beautifully for corporate summer parties and laid-back weddings.
• The Rooftop BBQ: A step up from the garden party, this is all about delivering impressive flavours with a view. Imagine grilled king prawns, smoky brisket, and beautifully charred vegetables served with flair.
• Pan-Asian Street Food Market: Why have one cuisine when you can have several? Hire a few different caterers to create a bustling market feel. Guests can wander between stalls serving bao buns, gyoza, and Pad Thai. It's interactive, exciting, and a real crowd-pleaser.
• Eco-Conscious & Low-Waste Menus: Sustainability is more than just a buzzword; it's a priority for many. Talented caterers are now specialising in menus that champion local, seasonal produce, minimise food waste, and use biodegradable or reusable tableware. It’s a brilliant way to host a feel-good event.
• Premium Canapés & Live Stations: For a more formal affair, you can’t go wrong with exquisite canapés. Elevate the experience with live stations, where a chef prepares fresh pasta, shucks oysters, or slices cured meats right in front of your guests. It’s pure theatre.

Let's Talk Numbers: What Does Outdoor Catering in London Cost?

Ah, the budget. It’s the question on everyone’s mind, and rightly so. In London, you can expect to pay anywhere from £14 to £35 per person for quality outdoor catering. So, what does that get you?

At the lower end of the scale, around £14–£20 per head, you can find fantastic single-option services like a gourmet pizza van, a top-tier burger stand, or a hog roast. This is perfect for casual, high-volume events where you want one thing done exceptionally well.

As you move into the £20–£35+ per head range, your options expand significantly. This can cover multi-course BBQ menus, elaborate buffets, street food market-style setups with several options, or sophisticated canapé receptions. This price point will generally include more staff, more complex logistics, and a wider variety of food.

Planning Your Perfect Outdoor Feast Without the Fuss

Booking the food is one thing, but making sure it all runs smoothly on the day is another. This is where a bit of professional insight comes in handy. Using a trusted platform to find your suppliers takes away a huge amount of the stress, connecting you with vetted professionals who know exactly what they’re doing. Here’s how we make it a walk in the park.

Find What You Need Effortlessly

You shouldn't need a degree in event management to plan a brilliant party. We believe the process should be simple and intuitive. Our platform is designed for exactly that. All you need to do is enter your event date, guest numbers, and a London postcode. Instantly, you’ll see a curated list of fantastic caterers and services that are available and perfectly suited to your needs. No more endless searching, no more dead-end enquiries.

Plan Your Party in Minutes, Not Days

Your time is precious, and waiting around for quotes is a drag. We’ve done away with that. On Poptop, you get instant, all-inclusive pricing, so you know exactly where you stand from the very beginning. You can compare options, check availability, and make decisions right away. Our suppliers and dedicated support team are known for their speedy responses, meaning your planning process is swift, smooth, and entirely hassle-free.

Discover Everything in One Convenient Place

Forget having twenty tabs open as you try to coordinate a caterer from one site and a mobile bar from another. Poptop is a one-stop shop for all your event needs. Whether you're just looking for that perfect street food van to complete your party, or you need to organise everything from the food and drink to the entertainment, you can find it all right here. It’s the smarter, more efficient way to plan.

Get an Event That is Uniquely Yours

Your event should be a reflection of you. A generic, off-the-shelf package just won't do. Our suppliers are experts at tailoring their offerings to bring your vision to life. Want to adapt a menu for dietary requirements? No problem. Need a custom cocktail named after the guest of honour? Consider it done. This incredible flexibility ensures the final experience is personal, memorable, and exactly what you hoped for.

Host a Party That Will Be Remembered

If you want to create a celebration that your guests will be talking about for years to come, you need something a little different. Poptop specialises in extraordinary services that go way beyond the standard fare. From unique food trucks to spectacular live cooking displays, we help you find those special touches that surprise your guests and create a truly memorable atmosphere.

Enjoy a Truly Friendly Attitude

We believe that great service is about more than just efficiency; it’s about people. Our suppliers are hand-picked not only for their skill but for their ability to create a warm and engaging atmosphere. You get more than just a caterer; you get a friendly face who connects with your guests, ensuring everyone feels welcome. It’s this human touch that transforms a great event into a truly happy one.

Relax and Plan Without the Anxiety

Wondering if your caterer will turn up? Stressing about the details? Not with us. We ensure you receive clear communication and regular updates at every stage. Knowing exactly what’s happening and when gives you the confidence to relax and actually look forward to your celebration. Leave the logistics to the professionals so you can focus on being the host.

Book With Confidence and Complete Security

Your peace of mind is our top priority. We thoroughly vet every single supplier on our platform, so you can trust that you're booking a reliable and high-quality professional. In the unlikely event of an issue, we guarantee to find you a suitable alternative. Paired with our money-back guarantee, you can book with total confidence, knowing your event and your investment are completely protected.

Ready to Start Planning?

London’s outdoor spaces are calling. With a little planning and the right team behind you, you can create a spectacular al fresco event that your guests will never forget. From a casual BBQ in a brewery yard to a chic canapé reception on a rooftop, the possibilities are endless.

So, take the first step towards your unforgettable outdoor event. Browse our incredible range of outdoor catering services in London on Poptop today, and get instant, no-obligation prices for your date. Your perfect al fresco feast is just a few clicks away.