How to host a perfect business lunch according to Dine

Dan Gill, founder of bespoke hospitality and event management company Dine gives us his top tips on how to host the perfect business lunch.

With the days of extended business lunches long gone and time away from the office being precious, it has never been more important to host an effective business event.

1. Planning
Once you have identified the right people to engage, remember that they won’t want to be away from the office for too long. It is important to share timings with your guests and then ensure that everything runs smoothly and to schedule.

Dine’s event managers work closely with our corporate clients to map out every detail of the event, from serving the first arrival drink to making sure the event finishes on time in order for guests to depart on schedule.

2. Do something different

With networking and corporate events taking place on a daily basis, you need to do something different and memorable to attract the right guests and bolster client relations. At Dine, we’ve put on everything from themed parties to a Michelin star quality lunch in a secret location.

Businesses are looking for value-for-money, which we deliver in the form of innovative food and creative ideas that make a lasting impression.

It is easy for guests to get tired of the same old set up. Keeping your guests entertained by offering something different can bolster your company’s reputation, setting it apart from competitors. This could be through a celebrity speaker or an innovative way of serving your menu. These small touches can go a long way to impressing guests and ensuring your event is memorable.

3. Create opportunities for networking

Food is a great way to start conversations in a networking environment. Think about serving drinks and canapés on arrival – the networking opportunities are usually the main reason that people attend such events.

Dine works in partnership with clients to help them achieve their goals through carefully crafted menus. The consistent, key ingredient to a successful event, whatever its size and complexity, is exceptional food and service to ensure the event has the right impact and delivers its objectives.

4. Keep the food innovative

From high energy menus to playful interpretations of traditional classics, we work with companies to develop a menu aligned with their objectives.

At a recent corporate event the ‘wow’ factor was a savoury afternoon tea. Mini venison burgers, ‘smoked’ fish pie, beef shin brownie and beetroot macaroons with truffle cream were presented on a traditional two-tier cake stand. To finish the meal, guests were invited to choose a bauble hanging from the table centrepieces which included the finishing touches to their dessert.