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Behind the events: thoughts on food, sourcing, culture, and the hospitality industry.

by Lucy Woodward 26 August 2026
We believe that exceptional food starts long before it reaches the plate. The quality, seasonality and provenance of the ingredients we work with all play a huge part in how we design our menus, which is why our relationships with trusted suppliers are so important. One of those suppliers is Rushtons, London's renowned "Chefs' Greengrocer". Based at New Covent Garden Market, Rushtons has been supplying some of the capital's finest kitchens for more than 20 years, working closely with growers to source exceptional seasonal produce. We recently spent some time with the Rushtons team, exploring their warehouse and seeing first-hand the incredible British produce currently in season. It was a great reminder of just how much inspiration can come from simply being surrounded by beautiful ingredients. We spoke to Hannah at Rushtons to find out more about their approach to seasonality, what makes exceptional produce, the importance of supplier relationships and the ingredients they're most excited about right now.
6 August 2026
The problem isn't networking... it's how we've been doing it. Let's be honest. Most people don't actually dislike networking. What they dislike is standing in a crowded room, balancing a warm glass of wine, wearing a name badge and trying to make small talk with strangers for two hours. Yet for years, this has been the default format for professional events. As workplaces evolve and expectations shift, attendees are looking for something more meaningful than simply collecting business cards or LinkedIn connections. The best events today create genuine opportunities for connection, conversation and shared experiences. Why traditional networking events often fall flat Many networking events follow the same formula: Arrival drinks Generic introductions Open networking Departure The challenge is that very little actually helps people connect. Guests often leave having had a handful of surface-level conversations without building any meaningful relationships. In a world where people can connect online instantly, simply putting people in a room together is no longer enough. What Attendees Actually Want Today's attendees are looking for: Shared experiences Interesting conversations Learning opportunities Smaller group interactions Authenticity The most successful events create environments where conversations happen naturally rather than being forced. Food Is Becoming a Strategic Tool One of the biggest shifts in event design is the growing role of food in facilitating interaction. Long communal tables, sharing platters, interactive food stations and hosted dining experiences create natural opportunities for conversation. People are far more likely to connect while sharing a meal than while standing awkwardly in a crowded reception. Food creates a common ground that helps break down barriers. 
Wedding set up at The Horniman
1 July 2026
Discover how multi-day wedding catering is evolving, from welcome dinners to farewell brunches, creating unforgettable wedding weekend experiences for couples.
by Lucy Woodward 14 April 2026
Spring wedding trends we’re loving, from artistic canapés to abundant sharing tables. Fresh ideas to inspire your wedding menu and catering style.
Caiger & Co beef carpaccio starter
17 March 2026
The top questions to ask your wedding caterer. From bespoke menus and staffing to sustainability, ensure your catering is seamless, personal, and memorable.
Wedding catering set up
26 February 2026
Discover the ultimate London wedding catering cost guide for 2026. Compare prices, explore menus, and plan your dream wedding feast within budget.
Wedding table set up
3 February 2026
A complete guide to choosing the best London wedding caterer, covering menus, service, tastings, sustainability and real wedding experience.
wedding menu and table set up
by Lucy Woodward 6 January 2026
Newly engaged? Discover how to plan your wedding menu with style, seasonal ingredients and bespoke catering ideas. Make your big day unforgettable with Caiger & Co.
Black polenta base with kale, parmesan & truffle Caesar salad
by Lucy Woodward 3 December 2025
Celebrate the festive season thoughtfully. Discover how Caiger & Co creates joyful, sustainable feasts using seasonal British produce and low-waste principles.
2026  wedding trends
by Lucy Woodward 11 November 2025
Discover the top 2026 wedding trends in food, drinks, and styling. From bespoke tablescapes to interactive dining, create a celebration that’s uniquely yours.
by Lucy Woodward 16 October 2025
The festive season always seems to arrive sooner than expected and before you know it, the calendar is full, the diary is packed, and finding time to plan your event feels impossible. That’s where we come in. Whether you’re hosting colleagues, clients, friends, or family this year, our team at Caiger & Co. creates memorable festive celebrations that are completely stress-free. From beautifully crafted food to seamless service and styling, here’s why we’re the team to trust with your event. 1. Peace of Mind When you partner with Caiger, every detail is handled with precision and care. From the first conversation to the final clear-down, we manage everything; menu creation, service, styling, and logistics, so that you can relax and truly enjoy the occasion. Our experienced team ensures every moment runs effortlessly, leaving you free to focus on what matters most: your guests. 2. Exceptional Menus Each year, our chefs design a festive collection that celebrates the best of the season. This year’s menu features the finest ingredients from our trusted suppliers. Think Black Truffle Beignets , Vietnamese Prawn Skewers , and Slow-Roast Shin of Beef served alongside decadent desserts like Basque Cheesecake and Salted Dark Chocolate Tartlets . Every dish is crafted to bring a touch of luxury to your festive table.
Pillars dinner table
by Lucy Woodward 10 September 2025
Pillars Returns with Bold Conversations to Shape the Future of Hospitality Pillars, the event series created to spark meaningful conversations in hospitality, is returning on Friday, 26 September 2025 at 34 Bloomsbury, London . Designed for those who want to do more than just keep pace, Pillars brings together industry leaders, innovators, and rising talent for a morning of candid discussion, fresh perspectives, and actionable insights on what’s shaping hospitality right now. The upcoming panel lead by Alix Caiger featuring Harrison Hide, Nash Gierak, Lorraine Copes and Holly Arnold, will dive into some of the sector’s most pressing issues, from the rise of guest expectations and sustainability’s shift from checkbox to business-critical, to workplace culture and the future of food and menus. “Hospitality is an industry built on people and connection — and that’s exactly what Pillars exists to champion,” said Alix Caiger, Founder of Caiger and Co. “This isn’t about trends for the sake of it. It’s about the bold moves and brave thinking that are helping businesses thrive long-term.” Previous Pillars events have featured leading voices including Joseph De Klee, Holly Congdon, Ope Odutayo, and Mike Kershaw, each offering unfiltered insights on the opportunities and challenges shaping the industry today.
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