Amadeus Glorious Magazine Issue 04

CELEBRATING THE FESTIVE SEASON CHRISTMAS
Andrew Gentles, Managing
Director at JD Parties shares his
thoughts with Glorious.
Christmas with Amadeus
EXTERNAL VENUES
•
Amadeus cater at a number of external venues which are ideal for
Christmas parties and make for a special celebration. Glorious speaks
to the Amadeus External Events team to find out more.
What are the priorities these days for
Christmas parties?
“The initial stage in the process of
selecting a venue is location, this is
not only determined by where the
business is based but often on where
the employees reside. The theme can
differentiate from one venue to another
but the decision is ultimately based on
perceived value of what is included
in the package: arrival drink, menu,
entertainment. The theme can also help
the guests in their choice of outfit and
assist in creating a vision of the evening,
our guests are encouraged to dress up
to the occasion.”
Are there common mistakes when
organising parties at this time of year?
“Organisers forgetting themselves when
making their booking – this happens
more than you would think. As well as
not booking early enough to secure a
preferred date. We also notice that trying
to please both the boss and colleagues
can often result in some disagreements.”
Any tips for event organisers?
Organisers sometimes forget location
and it’s important to know what event
format you would like – what the night
includes. Ensure you have budgeted for
the night adequately.
Which venues does Amadeus provide
Christmas catering for?
“We provide magical and memorable
Christmas events throughout all of the
fourteen unique venues we cater at. An
important factor that influenced our planning
process this year was appreciating the
differences between each venue. With the
mind set of ‘no one size fits all’, our chefs
created a number of festive menus – from
fine dining at the historic Stoneleigh Abbey,
to festive nibbles and fizz at The National Sea
Life Centre, we have it covered.
Is Christmas catering available for
other locations?
“Throughout the years, we have noticed an
increasing trend in organisers wanting to
hold events in unusual and obscure ‘venues’.
From carparks to offices, we have catered to
them all. This year, we want to emphasise our
enthusiasm and ability to provide Christmas
catering solutions to any event space. With
our award-winning chefs, event managers
and waiting staff in tow; Amadeus will be on
hand throughout the festive period to deliver
our delicious Christmas menu to any event.”
Do any Christmas events from the
past stand out?
“Over the years we have seen some
spectacular Christmas displays in our venues.
It’s no secret that the historic Coventry
Cathedral is the perfect set up for those
looking to impress their guests. With
towering ceilings and spectacular gothic
features, this venue goes hand in hand
with our Premium Festive Menu. With new
venues like the beautiful Compton Verney
joining our portfolio this year, 2017 has been
an exciting time to develop and experience
differing Christmas event concepts.”
How are menus tailored for each venue?
“We appreciate more than anyone that
the idea of a standard turkey dinner can
be slightly uninspiring when organising an
amazing Christmas party. A great example
of our ‘no one-size fits all’ mantra is last
year’s Christmas Grotto event, held at the
stunning Stoneleigh Abbey. With a client
brief of ‘against the norm’, our chefs created
festive bowl food concepts for a social,
yet substantial alternative to a three course
Christmas dinner.”
How can dining support overall experience?
“A phrase that we continually relate to is;
‘people will always remember the food’. It is
widely known that catering can either make
or break an event. With food at the forefront
of most people’s minds throughout the
Christmas period, it’s important to get it right.
With this in mind, our team works closely
with our chefs and venues to ensure our
festive offer is dynamic and delicious.”
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
ON ANY OF OUR VENUES
OR CHRISTMAS MENU PACKS,
PLEASE CONTACT THE AMADEUS
EXTERNAL EVENTS TEAM ON:
SALES@AMADEUSFOOD.CO.UK
OR 0121 767 3329.
AMADEUSFOOD.CO.UK 21