If you’re wondering about the cost of catering in London the truth is, it really depends on a few key things—how many guests you’re catering for, what type of food you want, and how the service is set up.
At The Garden, we cater for everything from office lunches to lavish corporate events, so in this guide, we’ll take you through the different catering options, how much they cost per head, and what to consider when choosing the right service for your event.
Does Catering Make Sense for Your Event Size?
Generally speaking, hiring a professional catering company in London for fewer than 10 people isn’t the most cost-effective choice. The cost of delivery, setup, and equipment collection can push the price up, making it an expensive option for small gatherings. In these cases, we usually recommend ordering from a local sandwich shop or hot food company in the immediate area instead.
But as your guest list grows, external catering becomes the better-value option.
At The Garden, we offer a range of catering services in London to suit all budgets and event styles. Below, we break down the different catering options, their price ranges, and the pros and cons of each.
Catered Food Options & Prices
Finger Food
Finger food, or a finger buffet, is a simple and affordable catering option. It predominantly consists of a selection of sandwiches, wraps, ciabattas, and baguettes, with the option to add desserts.
We typically recommend bite-sized desserts like small cakes and fruit platters—they’re easy to eat and cater well to different dietary needs.
Price Range
£6.50 – £13 (plus VAT per person)
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Most affordable option | Not suitable for formal events |
| Quick and easy to serve | Limited hot food options |
| Works well for casual events | Can feel basic for high-end occasions |
Cold Buffet
A cold buffet is a step up from finger food in both cost and presentation. The higher price is due to the premium ingredients and additional equipment required, such as cutlery and dining plates.
A cold buffet typically features a variety of cold meats, salads, cheeses, Mediterranean vegetables, freshly baked bread and more. Finger food can also be added for variety.
Price Range
£15 – £22 (plus VAT per person)
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| More variety than a finger food | Requires plates and cutlery |
| Suitable for more formal occasions | Higher cost per person |
| Can include finger food elements | Not ideal for winter events |
Hot Buffet
A hot buffet is perfect if you want a more filling meal, especially in the colder months. It is generally perceived as good value due to its great taste and filling portions. However, it does come with logistical challenges, including heating equipment, crockery, and serving times (usually within a two-hour window).
💰 Price Range
£16 – £22 (plus VAT per person)
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Hearty and filling option | Requires heating equipment |
| More substantial than a cold buffet | Serving time is limited |
| Works well for winter events | Needs more setup and cleanup |
Canapés
Canapé events are becoming increasingly popular as a sophisticated way to present food, especially at networking events. They are fairly hassle-free and relatively inexpensive. Clients can choose between hot and cold canapés, with hot canapés costing slightly more due to the need for on-site food heating equipment and service staff.
Many of our clients ask, how many canapés per person should they order? We generally recommend 6-8 per guest, depending on the length of your event. Keep in mind that canapés aren’t designed to be a full meal, so if your event runs for several hours, you may want to provide something more substantial.
💰 Price Range
£20 – £30 (plus VAT per person)
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Elegant and visually appealing | Not a full meal on its own |
| Ideal for receptions and networking | Higher cost per person |
| Can be served without formal seating | Hot canapés require on-site preparation |
Fine Dining
If you’re after a high-end dining experience, Plated Fine Dining is the way to go. This style of catering includes table service, ensuring all guests are served at the same time. However, it requires more staff, a temporary kitchen setup, and full dining arrangements (tables, chairs, linens, etc.), which makes it the most expensive option.
Due to economies of scale, we don’t usually recommend this for events with fewer than 80 guests, unless much of the required infrastructure is already in place.
💰 Price Range
£45 – £80 (plus VAT per person)
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| High-end, formal dining experience | Most expensive catering option |
| Food is served hot and fresh | Requires more staff and equipment |
| Works well for weddings and gala dinners | Longer setup time needed |
FAQs: The Cost of Catering in London
How much does catering cost per person in London?
The cost of catering in London depends on the type of service you choose. Here’s a breakdown:
- Fine Dining: £45.00 – £80.00 per person
- Finger Food Buffet: £6.50 – £13.00 per person
- Cold Buffet: £15.00 – £22.00 per person
- Hot Buffet: £16.00 – £22.00 per person
- Canapés: £20.00 – £30.00 per person
What is the cheapest catering option?
The most affordable catering option is a Finger Food Buffet, starting at £6.50 per person. It’s perfect for casual gatherings and can be upgraded with additional finger foods and desserts to add variety.
Is it cheaper to cater for a large event?
Yes, the catering cost per head can decrease as your guest count rises. For small events (under 10 guests), hiring a catering company isn’t usually cost-effective, as delivery and setup costs remain the same regardless of numbers.
How many canapés per person should I order?
For canapé events, we recommend 6-8 canapés per guest, depending on the duration of your event. However, as canapés are not a substantial meal, you should provide additional food for events that last several hours.
What is the best catering option for winter events?
We recommend a hot buffet is ideal for colder months, offering hearty, warming meals. It’s great value for money, though it does require heating equipment to keep the food hot.
What is the most expensive catering option?
The most premium catering option is Plated Fine Dining, starting at £45 per person. It includes table service, temporary kitchen setup, and full dining arrangements, making it the best choice for high-end events.
Contact The Garden for a Quote
At The Garden, we offer flexible catering solutions, from finger food buffets to full-service fine dining, ensuring your guests enjoy great food whatever your budget.
Still wondering how much catering will cost for your event? Contact The Garden for a personalised quote based on your event size, menu preferences, service requirements and budget.