One of the most common questions we hear from office managers, executive assistants, and event planners across London is: how much does corporate catering actually cost? The answer depends on several factors – but it doesn’t need to be a mystery.
At Fresh N Funky, we’ve been providing corporate catering across London for over 15 years. This guide breaks down real pricing by format so you can budget accurately and make informed decisions.
Before we get into specific numbers, it’s worth understanding the main factors that influence pricing:
Drop-Off Corporate Catering: £12–£20 Per Head
Drop-off catering is the most popular format for London offices. Food is prepared, beautifully presented, and delivered directly to your workplace. Setup is included; the caterer arranges everything and leaves.
This format is ideal for working lunches, team meetings, training days, and informal internal gatherings. Typical options include sandwich platters, wraps, salads, individual lunch boxes, and hot buffet items.
At Fresh N Funky, our drop-off corporate catering in London starts from around £15 per head for a comprehensive lunch spread including a range of options and dietary accommodations.
Canapé receptions are a popular choice for networking events, client entertainment, product launches, and office parties. Professional waiting staff circulate with trays of elegantly presented finger food.
Pricing depends on the number of canapé pieces per person (typically 6–10 pieces for a reception) and whether hot and cold options are mixed. Adding premium ingredients – such as smoked salmon, truffle, or wagyu beef – increases the per-head cost.
Buffet catering suits medium to large events where variety is important. Options range from cold fork buffets and salad stations to hot buffets with multiple mains, sides, and accompaniments.
This format works well for corporate away days, department celebrations, and events where guests arrive at different times. Service staff are typically included to manage the buffet and ensure it stays replenished and presentable.
Formal plated dinners represent the premium end of corporate catering. Guests are served individually by professional waiting staff – typically a starter, main course, and dessert, with optional cheese courses, amuse-bouche, or inter-courses.
This format is appropriate for client dinners, leadership team events, award ceremonies, and any occasion where the dining experience is a focal point. Wine service and drinks packages are usually added separately.
Drinks packages vary widely depending on what’s included:
For corporate events, we recommend discussing your drinks requirements separately from the food quote so you have full visibility of both costs.
When comparing quotes from London caterers, look out for costs that may not be included in the headline per-head price:
At Fresh N Funky, we provide transparent, all-inclusive quotes so there are no surprises. Our proposals clearly itemise every element so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
When comparing quotes from different London caterers, make sure each quote covers the same scope. A comprehensive corporate catering quote should clearly state:
If a quote doesn’t itemise these elements, ask for clarification before committing. The cheapest headline price often becomes the most expensive final invoice once hidden extras are added.
At Fresh N Funky, every proposal breaks down costs line by line. We believe transparency builds trust – and trust is the foundation of every long-term catering relationship we have with our corporate clients across London.
It’s tempting to choose the lowest quote, but corporate catering is one area where cutting corners can backfire. Poor-quality food at a client event reflects directly on your business. Late deliveries disrupt your schedule. Inadequate portions leave guests hungry and your company looking unprepared.
The right caterer delivers reliability, quality, and professionalism – which ultimately saves you the time and stress of dealing with problems. In our experience, the real cost of a catering disaster far exceeds the small premium you pay for a proven, professional service.
Every corporate event is different, which is why we provide bespoke quotes rather than one-size-fits-all pricing. Tell us about your event – guest numbers, format, dietary requirements, venue, and any specific needs – and we’ll come back with a detailed, transparent proposal.
Call us on 03450 942 922 or request a quote online. We respond to all enquiries within 4 business hours.
