Matching Drinks to Your Bespoke Menu

At the heart of many wonderful gatherings, of course, is the food, and at Fork & Field, we pride ourselves on crafting bespoke menus that reflect the unique tastes and preferences of our clients. But an exceptional meal isn't just about the dishes themselves; it's also about what you drink alongside them. The right tipple can elevate flavours, complement textures, and round off a culinary experience beautifully.

The Perfect Sip

From the effervescence of a perfectly chilled sparkling wine to the comforting warmth of a spiced mulled cider, drinks are an integral part of the hospitality puzzle. Our approach at Fork & Field is always to look at the whole picture, ensuring that the drinks offering is just as thoughtfully curated as the delicious food we prepare.

More Than Just Red or White

The idea of 'pairing' can sometimes sound a little daunting, conjuring up images of sommeliers with years of training. While there is indeed a skill to it, the basic principles are quite intuitive and stem from a desire to create balance and harmony. 

Think about contrasting flavours, a rich, creamy dish often benefits from something crisp and acidic to cut through the richness. Or consider complementary notes – a fruity dessert might sing even louder with a sweet wine that shares similar berry or stone fruit characteristics. It's about finding that delightful interplay.

Our team has a wealth of experience in understanding how different flavours interact. We don't just recommend a red wine with red meat because it's traditional; we consider the specific cut, the cooking method, the sauces, and the accompanying vegetables. 

A lean cut of lamb served with a light jus will call for a different wine than a slow-braised beef cheek in a rich gravy. This nuanced approach is what sets a good catering experience apart, showing a true understanding of the gastronomic journey you're offering your guests.

For those who enjoy a glass of wine, the options are incredibly diverse. We can source a wide array of varieties from around the globe, ensuring that we find the perfect match for every course. 

Perhaps a crisp Sauvignon Blanc to start with some delicate canapés, followed by a robust Chianti with a pasta course, and finishing with a delightful dessert wine alongside a sweet treat. The beauty of working with a bespoke menu is that we have the freedom to explore these possibilities and tailor every aspect to your event's specific needs and your guests' preferences.

Exploring Other Drink Options

While wine often takes centre stage, the world of drinks is, of course, much broader. We understand that not everyone enjoys wine, or perhaps you're looking for something a little different to surprise and delight your guests. This is where our extensive knowledge of other beverages truly comes into its own. We can help you explore everything from craft beers and ciders from local breweries to an exciting array of non-alcoholic options that go far beyond simple soft drinks.

For events with a more relaxed atmosphere, a carefully selected range of beers and ciders can be a fantastic choice. We can advise on pairing different styles – a light lager for a summer barbecue, a robust ale for a hearty autumnal feast, or a crisp cider to complement a cheese board. Supporting local producers is something we're passionate about, and the North West boasts some fantastic breweries and cider makers whose products can add a lovely regional touch to your event.

And for those who prefer not to drink alcohol, or for designated drivers, we believe the options should be just as exciting and well-considered. Gone are the days of limited choices; today's market offers an abundance of sophisticated non-alcoholic spirits, artisanal soft drinks, and wonderfully complex mocktails. 

We can create bespoke non-alcoholic beverages that echo the flavours of your food menu, ensuring that every guest feels truly catered for and that their drink experience is just as delightful as everyone else's. Imagine a vibrant berry fizz paired with a light summer salad, or a warming spiced apple concoction served alongside a rich winter dessert.

The Full Bar Service

For many events, especially evening celebrations or more formal gatherings, a full bar service can be a wonderful addition. This opens up a whole new realm of possibilities, allowing guests to enjoy their favourite spirits and perhaps discover new cocktails. At Fork & Field, we can provide comprehensive bar solutions, complete with professional mixologists who can craft classic cocktails or even design signature drinks unique to your event.

Having a dedicated bar service means that guests have a wider choice and can truly customise their drink experience. Our team can advise on the types of spirits that would best suit your event, perhaps a selection of premium gins for a gin and tonic bar, or a range of whiskies for a more sophisticated evening. We can also help you design a bespoke cocktail menu that ties in with your event's theme or colour scheme. A "His & Hers" cocktail, for example, can be a fun and personal touch for a wedding.

The beauty of a well-stocked and well-run bar is not just about the drinks themselves, but also the atmosphere it creates. It becomes a hub of activity, a place for guests to mingle and enjoy themselves. 

Our experienced bar staff are not only skilled at making drinks but also at interacting with guests, adding to the overall welcoming and professional feel of your event. From the initial planning stages to the last drink served, we ensure the bar runs seamlessly, leaving you free to enjoy the celebration. You can find out more about our drinks catering options on our website.

Planning Your Perfect Drinks Menu

Crafting the perfect drinks menu for your event is a collaborative process, and we love working closely with our clients to bring their vision to life. We start by understanding the style of your event, the time of year, your personal preferences, and of course, the fantastic food menu we'll be creating together. This holistic approach ensures that every element complements the next, resulting in a truly harmonious and unforgettable experience for you and your guests.

Our initial conversations will explore your ideas and any specific requirements you might have. Do you have a favourite wine? Are there particular spirits you'd like to feature? Are you keen to incorporate local beverages? No idea is too big or too small. We'll then draw upon our extensive knowledge and network of suppliers to put together a comprehensive proposal that not only meets your desires but also fits within your budget.

We understand that planning an event can be a busy time, and our aim is always to make the catering and drinks aspect as stress-free as possible. From sourcing the finest ingredients and beverages to managing logistics and serving with a smile, we handle every detail with precision and care. Our commitment to excellence means you can relax, knowing that your guests will be treated to a truly exceptional culinary and drinks experience from start to finish. 

Take a look at some of our past corporate events for examples of our work.

We believe that every sip should be as enjoyable and considered as every bite. The right drinks can truly complete a dining experience, turning a wonderful meal into an extraordinary one. We look forward to helping you craft a drinks menu that perfectly complements your bespoke Fork & Field catering and leaves a lasting impression on all your guests.

If you're considering us for your event, perhaps for wedding catering, we'd be delighted to discuss how our bespoke service can make your celebration truly special. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with us to start planning.