After 40 years the time has come to “Hang up my Apron” and stop catering, and to wind down Penny Beral - Catering and Events. In that time I have met hundreds of amazing people, worked in some incredible buildings, faced loads of challenges but worked through them. Yes, I have lots of stories I can share of behind the scenes. I am indebted to my incredible team of staff who have worked tirelessly with me over the years.
It is impossible to say thank you to each and every one of you who has supported my business, however without the custom of so many of you there would not have been a business. It all started on a cold winter day when the Headmistress of North London Collegiate School rang me to congratulate me on the birth of our daughter (who was 3 weeks old) and quietly enquire if I could cater a Governors’ dinner for 12 in 3 weeks’ time. I said “yes”, and the rest is history. To coincide with my deciding to “Hang up my Apron” that 3-week-old now has her own baby, so I won’t be sitting at home doing nothing.
I will continue to volunteer at my local Foodbank where I will be cooking and creating recipes and teaching cooking. I have always wanted to create a recipe book and now I have some extra time to write it.
I'll shortly be adding a few pictures of food and venues that have been so much part of the past 40 years. Meanwhile the rest of my website is there as a fond reminder of this amazing journey.
For over 35 years I have catered for parties and events. As well as fabulous food I specialise in peace of mind. You can enjoy your special occasion knowing that all the details are looked after, certain that your guests will comment for months afterwards how wonderful the food was. You can rely on me for
Birthdays
Anniversaries
Weddings
Engagement Parties
Charity dinners
Business lunches
and for my Jewish clients:
Kiddushes
Bar/Bat Mitzvahs
Aufrufs
Help at a Shiva and after a Stonesetting
Complete peace of mind . . . . .
I have over 35 years experience in catering for parties and celebrations
My team includes more than 30 regular managers and staff, many of whom have been working with me for 15 years or more
I am "on call" from the beginning right up to the last moment to help make your day something really special.
Special Occasions
Weddings. Traditional – great. With a twist – why not? Slightly quirky – I love it! Off the wall – let’s go for it! I just hope you and your guests love fabulous food, beautifully presented, because whatever style you choose, that is what you have to look forward to. Find out more .....
Picnics and Afternoon Teas are back in fashion - whether in a vintage style, or with a modern vibe. Perfect for outdoor entertaining, great for engagement parties, birthday parties (especially for multi-generation family events) or even as a hen party before you hit town! Find out more ....
Luxury Home made hampers make ideal seasonal gifts. Carefully despatched by courier nationwide. Find out more .....
Ready Penny Cook
Ready Penny Cook is the cookery school with a difference. Small, personal groups, built around what you want to learn, not what I want to cook. Ask as many questions as you want. Small classes of up to 6 people, either in my home or in yours. For adults or children. Why not gather a small group of friends together and let me teach you in the comfort of your kitchen. Find out more ......
Charity Support
During the coronavirus pandemic I was able to support a wonderful group "You Donate ... We Deliver" by creating meals for front line workers. Here's a video of the team in action.
I'm also a regular volunteer at the Borehamwood Foodbank, running their holiday lunch schemes and preparing nutritious dishes for our clients to enjoy. You will find recipes and demo videos here.