At Manchester Catering Company, we’re always looking for new ways to make feeding your team simpler, tastier, and more satisfying. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce our brand new Disposable Hot Food Trays — a brilliant addition to any working lunch that takes the hassle out of hot food catering.
Whether you’re feeding a small team or a room full of delegates, our hot food trays are designed to deliver exactly what busy workplaces need: proper, hearty food that arrives hot and is ready to serve the moment it lands on your table. No heating required, no mess, no fuss. Just lift the lid and go.What’s on the Menu?
We’ve launched three delicious options to kick things off, giving you the flexibility to cater for meat-eaters and vegetarians alike.
First up is our Beef Chilli or Three Bean Chilli, with Beef or Veggie Lasagna. Comfort food at its finest, this tray gives you the choice of a rich, slow-cooked beef chilli or a hearty three bean version for your veggie guests — alongside a classic lasagna option whether you prefer meat or a fully veggie version. It’s the kind of food that keeps people going through a long afternoon.
Next is our Meat Pie or Three Cheese and Onion Tray, with Peas and Pickled Beetroot. There’s something deeply satisfying about a proper pie, and this tray delivers exactly that. The meat pie is a crowd-pleaser for those who love a traditional British classic, while the three cheese and onion option is every bit as indulgent. Paired with peas and tangy pickled beetroot, this is a lunch people will actually look forward to.
Finally, for something with a little more warmth and spice, our Chicken or Chickpea, Spinach and Potato Curry with Rice is a fantastic option. The chicken curry is full of flavour and satisfying depth, while the chickpea version ensures your vegetarian and vegan guests are just as well catered for. Served with rice and delivered piping hot, it’s a real lunchtime highlight.Designed for the Working Lunch
It’s worth noting that these trays have been specifically designed as a working lunch bowl food option — they’re not the same as our standard hot food menu portions. Think generous, informal, and easy to eat at your desk or in a meeting room. They’re ideal when you want something more substantial than sandwiches but don’t need the full formality of a plated hot food service.
Trays are available in sizes to serve 6/8 or 18 people, starting from just £40 — making them excellent value for team lunches, training days, or any workplace gathering where good food matters.Order Today
Adding a Disposable Hot Food Tray to your next working lunch order couldn’t be simpler. Browse all three options in our online shop and order alongside your usual catering. As always, everything is freshly prepared and delivered by our award-winning team.
Hot lunch, zero hassle. That’s the Manchester Catering Company way.
Choosing the right caterer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your wedding. The food is remembered long after the flowers have wilted — and in Manchester, where the wedding venue and catering scene is thriving, you deserve a caterer who matches the occasion.
Manchester’s Wedding Venue Scene
Greater Manchester offers an incredible range of wedding venues, from the Victorian grandeur of the Midland Hotel to stunning countryside estates in Cheshire and the Peaks. Whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner for 30 or a celebration for 300, the right caterer needs to be able to adapt to your venue, your vision and your guests.
Fine Dining or Buffet — Which Is Right for Your Wedding?
Both options have their place. Fine dining wedding catering — with sit-down courses, silver service and a structured menu — lends a sense of occasion and elegance to your day. A buffet, by contrast, is more relaxed, encourages mingling, and often works better for larger guest lists or more informal celebrations.At Manchester Catering Company, we offer both. Our fine dining menu includes starters such as king prawns with garlic and chilli and chicken liver parfait with brioche, mains including fillet of Scottish Aberdeen Angus beef and wild salmon, and a full dessert selection. Our buffet options are equally impressive.
Handling Dietary Requirements at Your Wedding
With today’s guest lists, allergen management is non-negotiable. We work closely with couples to ensure every guest is catered for — from vegan options to gluten-free dishes and allergen-safe preparation. We recommend gathering dietary information from guests as early as possible so we can plan accordingly.
Booking Your Wedding Caterer
We recommend booking your caterer as early as possible — ideally 6 to 12 months in advance for summer weddings. We work across Greater Manchester, Cheshire, and the wider North West.To discuss your wedding catering requirements, call us on 0161 723 1990 or email enquiry@manchestercateringcompany.com.
Manchester is home to thousands of businesses, from creative agencies in the Northern Quarter to law firms in Spinningfields and logistics companies across Trafford Park. When it comes to feeding your team, impressing clients, or hosting a board meeting, the quality of your food says a great deal about your company.So what should you look for when choosing a corporate caterer in Manchester?
1. Reliability and Lead Times
Business life moves fast. A good corporate caterer should be able to accommodate short-notice orders — ideally with as little as 24 hours’ notice — without compromising on quality. At Manchester Catering Company, we accept orders by phone, text, email or online, and confirm every order before the event.
2. Menu Flexibility
Your team will have a mix of dietary requirements. From vegan colleagues to gluten-free clients, your caterer needs to offer proper alternatives — not an afterthought. Our business lunch menus are fully customisable, with options for every dietary need.
3. Locally Sourced, Freshly Prepared Food
There’s a significant difference between reheated bought-in food and freshly prepared catering. We prepare all our dishes on the premises using locally sourced produce, which means better flavour, better quality, and better feedback from your guests.
4. Proven Track Record
Look for a caterer with references, reviews and a track record of catering for businesses similar to yours. As a National and Regional Caterer of the Year with over 35 years of experience, Manchester Catering Company has served some of the North West’s most prominent organisations.
5. Delivery Coverage
Make sure your caterer delivers to your area. We cover Manchester city centre, Salford, Trafford Park, Bury, Bolton and the wider Greater Manchester region.If you’re looking for reliable, freshly prepared corporate catering in Manchester, get in touch with our team on 0161 723 1990 or browse our business lunch menus online.
The catering world is evolving fast, and 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years yet. From the way food is presented to the values behind every menu, clients across Manchester are expecting more from their catering providers — and we’re here to deliver. Here’s a look at the key trends defining the industry this year.
Interactive Food Stations Are Taking Over
Gone are the days of static buffets and predictable plated dinners. In 2026, events are embracing chef-driven, interactive food stations where guests watch their meals being prepared in real time. Think live sushi rolling bars, made-to-order pasta stations, build-your-own taco bars, and ramen bowl stations. This transforms dining from a passive experience into something guests actually talk about long after the evening ends. For weddings, corporate events, and private parties alike, the food becomes as much of an attraction as any other part of the occasion.
Sustainability Is No Longer Optional
Sustainability now appears in more client briefs, venue requirements, and event checklists than ever before. Clients want to know where ingredients come from, how waste is managed, and whether packaging is eco-friendly. Local sourcing, compostable packaging, and waste-reduction practices are quickly becoming standard expectations rather than optional extras. At Manchester Catering Company, we are committed to responsible sourcing and minimising food waste at every event we deliver — because doing things the right way matters.
Plant-Based Menus Go Mainstream
The plant-based movement has shifted from a niche consideration to a mainstream requirement. Today’s caterers are reimagining their menus to include sophisticated, flavour-forward plant-based dishes that appeal to every guest at the table, not just those following a specific diet. Whether it’s a vegan wedding banquet or a corporate lunch catering to diverse dietary needs, plant-forward menus are no longer an afterthought — they’re a centrepiece of modern event catering.
Hyper-Personalisation Is the New Standard
One-size-fits-all catering is a thing of the past. In 2026, clients expect menus that feel crafted specifically for them and their guests. From dietary requirements and cultural preferences to themed culinary journeys and bespoke beverage pairings, personalisation runs through every detail. The most memorable events are those where guests feel the menu was designed with them in mind — and that’s exactly the experience we aim to create for every client we work with.
Global Flavours Are on Every Wish List
International and fusion cuisines are dominating catering requests across the UK in 2026. Caribbean jerk chicken, Mediterranean mezze, Asian dumplings, Korean BBQ, and Latin street food are moving well beyond niche appeal into the mainstream of event dining. Manchester’s wonderfully diverse food culture makes this trend a natural fit for our city. We love curating menus that take guests on a genuine flavour journey without ever leaving the room.
Family-Style and Communal Dining Is Back
Individual plated dinners are giving way to generous, shareable spreads placed at the centre of the table. Mediterranean platters, Asian-inspired boards, and abundant family-style feasts are proving hugely popular at weddings and celebrations across the North West. There’s something wonderfully warm about passing dishes around a table — it encourages conversation, accommodates different tastes effortlessly, and creates a relaxed atmosphere that formal dining often can’t match.
Ready to Plan Your 2026 Event?
Whether you’re organising a corporate lunch, a wedding reception, or a private celebration, Manchester Catering Company is ready to bring the very best of these trends to your table. Get in touch with our team today to start building your bespoke menu and make your next event truly unforgettable.
Summer 2025 is set to be a season of unforgettable weddings, and as Manchester’s leading catering company, we’re thrilled to share the hottest culinary trends that will make your special day truly stand out. Forget predictable plates – this year, it’s all about personalisation, experience, and a touch of sustainable flair.
Here’s what discerning couples are asking for to make their summer celebrations deliciously memorable:
1. Interactive Food Stations: A Feast for the S Senses
Gone are the days of static buffets. In 2025, couples are embracing interactive food stations that turn dining into a dynamic, engaging experience. Think about it:
Build-Your-Own Bars: From gourmet taco and burrito stations with an array of fillings (including delicious plant-based options!) to sophisticated slider bars featuring artisanal cheeses and toppings. Guests love customising their plates.
Live Cooking Demonstrations: Imagine a chef preparing fresh pasta dishes to order, or a sizzling stir-fry station with vibrant vegetables and sauces. This adds theatre and ensures the freshest possible food.
Artisan Pizza Ovens: A wood-fired pizza oven can be a fantastic focal point, offering fresh, hot pizzas with a variety of gourmet toppings. Perfect for a more relaxed, festival-style wedding.
These stations not only provide a variety of choices but also encourage mingling and conversation among your guests, making the meal a memorable part of the celebration.
2. Sustainability & Local Sourcing: Conscious Cuisine
Couples are increasingly eco-conscious, and their wedding food choices reflect this. For summer 2025, there’s a strong emphasis on:
Seasonal & Local Produce: Utilising fresh, in-season ingredients sourced from local farms and suppliers not only tastes better but also reduces your carbon footprint. Think vibrant summer berries, crisp salads, and tender, locally-reared meats.
Plant-Based Powerhouses: Vegan and vegetarian dishes are no longer just an afterthought. Expect elevated, creative plant-based options that are front and centre, designed to impress even the most discerning carnivores.
Reduced Food Waste: Caterers like us are employing “root-to-stem” cooking and careful portion planning to minimise waste, and exploring partnerships with local charities to donate any surplus food.
3. Global Fusion & Personalised Palates: Your Love Story on a Plate
Your wedding food should tell your story! Summer 2025 sees a rise in menus that blend cultural heritage and personal favourites:
Fusion Flavours: Don’t be afraid to mix cuisines! Imagine combining delicate Japanese-inspired canapés with hearty Mediterranean main courses, or a vibrant Indian street food station alongside classic British desserts.
Nostalgic Comfort Foods, Elevated: Think mini gourmet mac and cheese pots, elevated grilled cheese sandwiches, or sophisticated fish and chips served in charming cones. These familiar favourites, given a refined twist, evoke warmth and comfort.
Signature Dishes: Couples are choosing dishes that hold sentimental value – perhaps the meal from your first date, or a dish inspired by a memorable holiday. This personal touch makes the catering truly unique.
4. Decadent Desserts & Late-Night Bites: Sweet Endings & Sustained Celebrations
While the traditional wedding cake remains a classic, the dessert landscape is evolving:
Interactive Dessert Bars: Move beyond the cake with doughnut walls, cupcake decorating stations, build-your-own sundae bars, or even a liquid nitrogen ice cream experience for a touch of theatre.
Passed Mini Desserts: Offer a delightful array of bite-sized treats served throughout the evening, allowing guests to sample various sweet sensations without feeling overwhelmed.
Elevated Late-Night Snacks: As the party continues into the night, guests will appreciate delicious late-night fuel. Think gourmet sliders, loaded fries, mini pizzas, or even a sophisticated cheese tower. These practical and fun additions keep the energy high.
Let Manchester Catering Company Create Your Dream Summer Wedding Menu!
At Manchester Catering Company, we are passionate about staying ahead of the culinary curve and transforming your wedding vision into a delicious reality. Our experienced team works closely with you to design a bespoke menu that not only embraces these exciting 2025 trends but also perfectly reflects your individual tastes and style.
Ready to plan your unforgettable summer 2025 wedding feast? Contact us today for a personalised consultation and a complimentary quote!
Our mouth-watering menus are freshly prepared on the
premises and we offer a bespoke service to cater for any
individual requirements; making sure all your favourites
are on the menu, no matter the scale of the event, the
number of guests or the dining preferences.
National & Regional Caterer Of The Year
