A Summer Party with Three Food Stations, a Doughnut Bar and Late-Night Kebabs

Set in the grounds of a private home in Sussex, this summer party brought together family and friends for an afternoon and evening of food, music and celebration.

With nearly 100 guests, including more than 40 children, the brief was to create something relaxed and interactive rather than a traditional sit-down meal. The answer was three food stations, each offering something completely different.

Guests could choose between Indian, Thai and vegan-inspired menus, moving between stations throughout the afternoon. The Indian station featured Keralan fried chicken, masala lamb chops cooked over the Ofyr grill, freshly made bhajis and a selection of curries, while the Thai station served fish cakes, chicken satay, summer rolls and sweet potato massaman curry.

The vegan station proved just as popular, with vegan Big Macs, beetroot salad, charred peach with pea and mint mousse, and wild rice salad all making an appearance.

As the afternoon turned into evening and the DJs took over, attention shifted to the dessert station. Guests were invited to build their own doughnuts, choosing from a selection of fillings, toppings and sauces ranging from berries and lemon curd to chocolate sauce, Chantilly cream and sprinkles.

Later in the evening, proper kebabs were circulated around the marquee, with lamb shawarma and halloumi served alongside homemade pickles, hummus, baba ghanoush and soft flatbreads.

With live cooking, multiple food stations and guests grazing throughout the day, it was exactly the sort of party our chefs were made for.