Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What services does Mel’s Meals offer?
We provide catering for weddings, corporate events, private parties, private dining, production shoots, delivery services for smaller gatherings or office lunches and other special occasions. We are a full service catering company.
Where are you based, and which areas do you serve?
We are based in the London and primarily serve locations within the M25, but we can cater to events across the country depending on the size and requirements. Additional travel costs may apply for locations outside our standard service area. There may also be additional logistical considerations such as staffing costs and rentals. Please free to get in touch and our friendly team we can talk you through the different options.
Are you an accredited caterer for specific venues?
Yes, we are proud to listed as accredited caterers for a number of amazing venues and we are continually expanding our venue partnerships and growing the list of venues we work with, so please do contact us to check if we can cater at your venue even if you cannot see your chosen venue on our website.
Do you cater for events outside of the UK?
Yes, this is a possibility, however, please note that there will be additional fees associated with travel and accommodation and we'll need to factor in a set-up day and breakdown day for out-of-UK weddings. A site visit will also be required to work out the logistics of catering outside of the UK.
Menu and Dietary Requirements
Can you customise menus for my event?
Absolutely! We specialise in Afro-Caribbean cuisine but are happy to tailor menus to fit your preferences, event theme, or dietary requirements.
Do you accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies?
Yes, we accommodate dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free options. Please inform us in advance of any specific allergies or requirements.
Can I request a tasting?
Yes, we offer tastings for larger events like weddings and corporate events. Tasting sessions can be arranged for a fee, which reduced from your total booking cost if you choose to proceed.
Booking and Payments
How do I book your services?
To book, complete the inquiry form on our website or email us at info@melsmeals.co.uk. We’ll respond with to your enquiry within 48 hours. We will gather more information about your event and provide you with a proposal or book a consultation to discuss your requirements. Once you are happy with the proposal, a deposit is required to secure your date.
What is your deposit policy?
We require a 20% deposit upon booking, with the balance due 4-6 weeks before the event.
Can I make changes to my booking after confirming?
Yes, minor changes (e.g., guest count or menu adjustments) can be made up to 4-6 weeks before your event, subject to availability and circumstances.
What is your cancellation policy?
All deposits are be non-refundable. Please refer to our Terms & Conditions for full details and more details on our cancellation policy.
Event Day Questions
What does your service include on the event day?
Our service typically includes food preparation, setup, serving staff, kitchen cleanup. Additional services like bar setup, rentals, venue clean up or breakdown can be arranged for an extra fee.
Do you provide serving staff, tableware, or equipment?
Yes, we can provide professional serving staff, tableware, and equipment. For certain bookings, this may be included in the per head costs or it may be at an additional cost. Please let us know your requirements when booking.
What time will your team arrive on the event day?
This will depend on the schedule for the day. We confirm timings during the planning process.
What is your cancellation policy?
All deposits are be non-refundable. Please refer to our Terms & Conditions for full details and more details on our cancellation policy.
Delivery and Pickup Services
How does your delivery service work?
For smaller orders, we deliver to your location with all items packaged for easy setup. Deliveries are available within 2 hours of our base.
Do you offer pickup for leftovers or equipment?
Yes, if equipment or serving items are provided, we’ll arrange a time for pickup post-event. This is usually on the same day of the event depending on the venue.
Other Questions
Can you cater last-minute events?
We try to accommodate last-minute requests when possible, but availability will depend on our current schedule. Contact us directly on the telephone number provided for urgent inquiries.
How can I contact Mel’s Meals?
You can reach us via email at info@melsmeals.co.uk or by phone at 020 3343 4018 or through our inquiry forms.