Question 1

What does Our Kitchens do?

Accepted Answer

Our Kitchens runs embedded kitchen partnerships inside some of Oxfordshire's finest estates and venues, taking full operational and culinary responsibility for the space so the venue can focus on its guests, its grounds and its reputation. Twenty-five years in, that is still the whole model: take on the kitchen so the venue can get on with everything else.

Question 2

How is this different from hiring an external caterer?

Accepted Answer

We are not a supplier you manage. We are the team running your kitchen as if it were our own. Staffing and recruitment, procurement and supplier relationships, menu development, service standards, compliance and health and safety, all carried by us rather than added to your team's list. It means a single point of accountability: one team, one standard, one relationship to manage.

Question 3

Which areas do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We provide services nationwide across England and Wales, with particularly strong coverage across Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, Buckinghamshire, Shropshire, Nottinghamshire, the wider Midlands, Birmingham and London. We do not currently provide services in Scotland.

Question 4

What types of venues do you work with?

Accepted Answer

Working farm estates, private country houses and similar premium venues, currently including Primrose Hill Farm, Caswell Kitchen, Moxhull Hall and The Little Kitchen in Farnborough. Every partnership looks a little different, because every venue does.

Question 5

How does a new kitchen partnership start?

Accepted Answer

Every partnership begins with an initial conversation to understand your venue, current operation, commercial objectives and what you are looking to achieve. From there, we will typically arrange a site visit before developing a tailored commercial and operational proposal. Once the scope and commercial terms are agreed, we move into contracting, mobilisation and onboarding. From initial conversation to an agreed partnership, the process typically takes between 2 and 6 months.

Question 6

Is there a minimum venue size or contract length?

Accepted Answer

We typically partner with venues catering for 50 covers or more, where our operational expertise and commercial model can deliver the greatest value. Our kitchen partnerships are designed to be long-term relationships, with agreements typically running for 3 to 5 years or longer. Every venue and opportunity is considered individually.

Question 7

How quickly can a new kitchen partnership be up and running?

Accepted Answer

Once the partnership, commercial terms and contract have been agreed, we can typically mobilise a new kitchen operation within one month. A detailed mobilisation plan is agreed with each partner to ensure the transition is carefully managed and the kitchen is fully operational from launch.

Question 8

Do you cater for dietary requirements and allergens?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dietary requirements and allergen management are integral to our kitchen operations. We operate a strict allergen Standard Operating Procedure, supported by robust control measures, team training and clearly defined processes.

Question 9

Can I visit one of your existing kitchens before deciding on a partnership?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. As part of the partnership process, prospective clients can visit one of our existing kitchen operations to see first-hand how we work. We can also arrange a tasting as part of the onboarding process, and references from existing partners are available on request.

Question 10

What happens to existing kitchen staff when Our Kitchens takes over?

Accepted Answer

Where a venue already has an established kitchen team, existing employees may transfer across to us under TUPE arrangements, where applicable. We work closely with the venue and its existing team throughout the transition, with the aim of retaining valuable knowledge, experience and continuity wherever possible.

Question 11

Is Our Kitchens part of a larger group?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our Kitchens is part of the Kitchen & Co Collective, alongside Indulgence's luxury event delivery and Hospitality Heroes' hospitality consultancy.