When booking catering for a London event, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to go with drop-off catering or full-service catering. Both have their place, and the right choice depends on your event format, budget, guest numbers, and how formal the occasion is.
This guide breaks down exactly what each option includes, what they cost, and when to choose one over the other.
Drop-off catering is exactly what it sounds like: a professional caterer prepares high-quality food, delivers it to your venue, sets it up, and leaves. Your team or guests serve themselves.
What’s included:
What’s not included:
Full-service catering is a complete, managed experience. The caterer handles everything from setup through service to clean-up. Professional staff are on-site throughout your event.
What’s included:
Here’s how pricing typically compares for a 50-person corporate event in London:
The cost difference is primarily driven by staffing. Full-service events require waiting staff, often at £18–£25 per hour per staff member. A 50-person dinner might need 5–8 waiting staff for 4–6 hours.
Absolutely. Many of our clients use drop-off for routine office catering and upgrade to full-service for client events and celebrations. Some events combine both – for example, a drop-off lunch followed by a full-service canapé and drinks reception in the evening.
The decision comes down to three questions:
At Fresh N Funky, we offer both drop-off and full-service corporate catering across London. We’ll advise honestly on which option suits your event best.
To make the decision more concrete, here are five common London corporate scenarios and the format we’d recommend:
Scenario 1: Weekly team lunch for 25 people.
Recommendation: Drop-off. Budget £375–£500. Regular orders suit drop-off perfectly – consistent quality, minimal disruption, and no need for service staff. Set up a standing order with your caterer for maximum convenience.
Scenario 2: Client pitch dinner for 12.
Recommendation: Full-service. Budget £600–£960. When you’re trying to win business, professional service makes a tangible impression. Plated service with waiting staff shows your clients they’re valued.
Scenario 3: Company all-hands meeting for 150 people.
Recommendation: Drop-off buffet with 2 service staff for setup and management. Budget £2,250–£3,000. This hybrid approach keeps costs manageable while ensuring the buffet stays presentable throughout the lunch window.
Scenario 4: Product launch evening for 80 guests.
Recommendation: Full-service canapé reception with bar. Budget £2,800–£4,000. Circulating canapés and professional bar service create the right atmosphere for a launch event. Your team should be networking, not managing food.
Scenario 5: End-of-year team celebration for 40.
Recommendation: Full-service buffet or bowl food with drinks. Budget £1,600–£2,400. Your team deserves to relax – having professional staff manage the food and drinks means everyone can enjoy the party equally.
Many of our most satisfied London clients use a hybrid approach – and it’s often the smartest strategy for businesses with varied catering needs throughout the year.
The typical pattern looks like this: drop-off for all internal, routine catering (weekly team lunches, training days, internal meetings) and full-service for anything client-facing or celebratory (client dinners, product launches, Christmas party, summer event).
Working with a single caterer for both means you benefit from consistency, a relationship where the caterer truly understands your preferences and standards, and often better pricing as a regular client. At Fresh N Funky, many of our longest-standing corporate accounts follow exactly this model – and it’s a partnership that works brilliantly for both sides.
Need help deciding? Call 03450 942 922 or tell us about your event and we’ll recommend the right format.
