SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT: DOGGART & SQUASH
In the first of our Supplier Spotlight series, we spoke with the super talented Doggart & Squash, the bespoke event catering brainchild of Clare Doggart and Sarah Haggie. Founded on the principles that food should be shared and enjoyed together – whilst using only the highest quality ingredients and sustainable suppliers – Clare and Sarah have created a boutique catering company that ensures every event is as personal and unique as the couple it is for.
Photographer: Lateef Okunnu Studio
Where have you come from? Sarah had a catering company called Squash Catering and Clare had an events company called Clare Doggart Events. We met through friends and after one coffee and an event, we knew it would work. We haven’t looked back! We are now based in Herne Hill and have a team of event managers and chefs.
How would you describe your food and brand aesthetic? Seasonal, delicious and locally sourced food. We love sharing styles as we think food is an amazing thing to bring people together.
What drew you to working in the wedding and events industry? We love, love! Weddings are always such a special day in someone’s life and we love being part of that process. From putting together colour schemes to creating bespoke menus, it is such a fun journey to be part of. The moment all the food is served and the band is playing we can fully look back at what we have created with the couples and it is a great feeling!
Photographer: Binky Nixon
What has been your favourite wedding of all time and why? We love all our weddings for different reasons so it’s hard to pick. No wedding is the same which is what makes it so exciting. We ran a wedding in Mallorca once. It was so fun to be in a different country and working with new suppliers.... exhausting but fun!
What has been your most unusual brief from a client? We were asked to style (with our florist) a fully taxidermy wedding. It was wild and full of beautiful peacocks and birds! It was actually the last wedding we did before Covid hit.
Photographer: Ben Wigglesworth
What is your top tip for couples when thinking about food for a wedding? It might be obvious but write a list of things you love and hate! We always think sharing works well so that people can have what they want. People all eat different things and different amounts. It is also important to think of colour on the plate so pick a variety of side salads. We have also started to offer open fire cooking at weddings which is a fun alternative to a bbq!
What advice would you give to couples who are planning their wedding for 2021? Enjoy the process! Covid has taken away most things but do not let it take away the fun of planning your wedding! For those who find themselves forced to postpone or cancel, don’t rush into making decisions; instead, speak to your suppliers before you make any revisions. And remember to check terms and conditions when booking any new event, in case plans have to change again. Also, couples should focus on why they are getting married and plan their special day with that in mind – you can still enjoy delicious, seasonal food no matter the size of your wedding. We are all having to be flexible and creative, so, don’t give up hope – keep planning for your happy day and we’ll be here to help you along the way.
How has your business adapted over the past year due to the impact of the pandemic? We had to adapt quickly and teamed up with florist Lucy Vail Floristry, providing food and flower deliveries in the first lockdown. We then cooked for the NHS King’s College Hospital for 7 weeks feeding over 250 people a day. Once things opened up again, we were able to do Covid-secure weddings for 30. We are now planning for a mad summer but also doing boxes for different occasions such as Mother’s Day, A Day at the Races and various other events.
Have you found that there has been a growing trend in Brides wanting less formal weddings since the pandemic? Do you think this trend will continue? 100%! People are caring more about where their wedding dresses are coming from and the sustainability side behind it! A lot of people love an outfit change so their second dress for the evening is definitely more informal for dancing. Gone are the days of puffy dresses! A lot of our brides also love comfy shoes or trainers too.
For further information visit https://www.doggartandsquash.com/ or email clare@doggartandsquash.com .