Top 10 Best Catering Services in Forest of Dean

Catering in a Spectacular Setting

The Forest of Dean is a magical place to host an event. Woodland clearings, historic castles, country hotels, village halls and riverside meadows provide unforgettable backdrops for weddings, parties, corporate gatherings and community celebrations. Great food is at the heart of every memorable event, and the Forest has a strong selection of caterers who combine local produce with creative menus and professional service.

This guide features ten of the best catering services and venues with in-house catering in and around the Forest of Dean. They were chosen for food quality, flexibility, reputation, use of local ingredients and the ability to deliver smoothly in rural and outdoor settings.

1. Infamous Catering

Infamous Catering is based in the Forest of Dean and is known for bespoke wedding and event menus. From hog roasts to seasonal sharing dishes, it tailors its food to each couple or client, making it a popular choice for celebrations that want a personal touch.

2. The Forest of Dean Hog Roast Company

The Forest of Dean Hog Roast Company offers hog roasts, mobile pizza and full wedding catering, including relaxed picnic-style menus. Its versatile approach suits everything from rustic barn weddings to garden parties and community festivals.

3. Hog Roast of Gloucestershire

Hog Roast of Gloucestershire specialises in hog and lamb roasts, barbecues and street food across the county. Its experienced team is well practised at serving large numbers efficiently, making it ideal for corporate events and big family gatherings.

4. Hog Bros

Hog Bros provides hog roast catering for weddings and events throughout Gloucestershire. It is valued for generous portions, friendly service and the theatre of a traditional spit roast cooked on site.

5. Hog Roast Cinderford

Hog Roast Cinderford offers mobile catering solutions for events across the Forest of Dean. Its local base means it understands the logistics of serving in woodland venues, village halls and outdoor spaces throughout the district.

6. C.J.G. Event Catering & Ice Creams

Based near Ross-on-Wye and serving the Forest of Dean area, C.J.G. Event Catering & Ice Creams provides mobile catering and ice cream services. It is a fun addition to summer weddings, fetes and school events, delighting guests of all ages.

7. Speech House Hotel

Set in the heart of the Forest, the historic Speech House Hotel hosts weddings, conferences and private events with in-house catering. Its woodland setting and heritage character make it one of the most atmospheric event venues in the district.

8. Tudor Farmhouse

Tudor Farmhouse in Clearwell is a boutique hotel and restaurant celebrated for its seasonal, locally sourced cooking. It offers private dining and intimate celebrations, ideal for those seeking refined food in a charming setting.

9. Clearwell Castle

Clearwell Castle is a striking Gothic-style wedding venue near Coleford. Its catering focuses on elegant wedding breakfasts and evening receptions, giving couples a fairytale experience in a stunning historic setting.

10. Wholly Gelato & Milk

Wholly Gelato & Milk produces artisan farm ice cream from its own family-farmed cows in Gloucestershire. Its gelato is a delightful dessert option for events, adding a locally produced sweet finish that guests remember.

Catering Trends in the Forest of Dean

Relaxed dining styles are increasingly popular, with sharing platters, grazing tables, street food stations and family-style service replacing formal plated meals at many weddings. Local and seasonal sourcing is a major priority, with caterers highlighting Forest venison, Gloucestershire cheeses, Herefordshire beef and regional ciders. Plant-based and allergen-friendly menus are now expected rather than optional, and sustainability, including reducing food waste and single-use plastics, is influencing how caterers operate.

Outdoor and woodland events are a Forest speciality, so caterers who can manage mobile kitchens, power supplies and changeable weather are especially valued.

How to Choose a Caterer

Start with your guest numbers, budget and preferred style of food. Ask caterers about tastings, menu flexibility and how they handle dietary requirements. Check what is included, such as staff, crockery, linen and clearing up. For outdoor events, discuss logistics carefully, including access for vehicles, cooking facilities and wet-weather plans. Reviews and recommendations from local venues can help you identify reliable caterers.

Book early, particularly for summer weekends, as the best caterers in the Forest are often reserved many months in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Event Catering

How far in advance should I book a caterer? For weddings and summer weekends, booking nine to twelve months ahead is wise. Smaller private parties can often be arranged with a few weeks' notice.

Can caterers work at woodland or outdoor venues? Yes. Mobile caterers, especially hog roast specialists, are experienced in self-contained outdoor service, though you should confirm vehicle access, power and permissions with the landowner.

How are dietary requirements handled? Reputable caterers will request dietary information in advance, prepare separate dishes for allergies and clearly label food on the day.

What is a typical per-head cost? Prices vary widely depending on menu style and service, with buffets and hog roasts generally more affordable than formal plated dining.

Conclusion

Whether you dream of a rustic hog roast beneath the trees or an elegant castle wedding breakfast, the Forest of Dean has catering services to suit every occasion. With excellent local produce and experienced teams, your event can be as memorable for its food as for its spectacular setting.