The Clay Oven: Outdoor Catering at Its Finest

The Clay Oven has been raising the bar on Indian fine dining in London and beyond since 1983. Our award-winning chefs create authentic menus that flawlessly complement any special occasion, and use the finest, freshest ingredients to prepare delicious and exquisitely-presented spreads. This dedication to quality in flavour and presentation has allowed us to enjoy the distinction of offering the best Indian outdoor catering in London.

The Clay Oven catering specialists have expertise in traditional and modern dishes from across the globe. Our outdoor catering services in London are renowned for the variety and quality of our Indian, Asian and European menu choices, and the Clay Oven restaurant in Ealing has a dish for any preference or dietary requirement.

Unbeatable Indian outdoor catering

We enjoy taking diners on a culinary journey exploring fine Indian cuisine. In addition to serving people in our fully licensed restaurant in Ealing, we welcome the opportunity to cater your outdoor event. At the Clay Oven we take genuine pride in offering a first-class variety of food and beverage choices for whatever occasion you desire.

We specialise in events off all types, including:

v  Weddings

v  Corporate luncheons

v  Private parties

From simple yet elegant executive coffee breaks to luxurious receptions and weddings, you are guaranteed the highest quality of catering services.  All menus are customised to match your requirements. Several vegetarian and non-vegetarian menu choices are available to create the perfect culinary experience for your guests.

For events taking place outside London, the Clay Oven can cater at external venues across the UK. If you need anything else to make the celebration complete, from customised menus to specially selected décor, lighting, and music, please do not hesitate to ask.

Outdoor catering in London

As experienced event professionals, we cater to all cultures and religious celebrations with impeccable service, which includes the promise that only the best will be served at your table. When you contact us to cater your outdoor event, rest assured that we will listen to your needs, interpret them to your complete satisfaction, and create a menu that is both varied and perfectly presented.

Our banquet suite facility in Wembley is equipped with luxurious suites that are the perfect setting for all celebrations, from intimate private gatherings to large weddings and conferences. Exotically-appointed yet modernised banquet suites can provide you with the optimum event setting.

Whether you are a big corporation needing outdoor catering in London to celebrate company milestones or a happy couple wanting to make your wedding day extra-special, the Clay Oven team has the experience, talent, and creativity to make your event an occasion you will remember with pride.

Indian fine dining in Ealing        

For clients who prefer to celebrate indoors, the Clay Oven is an ideal venue. You can be confident of impeccable service and cheerful, helpful staff. If you’re looking for an authentic, enjoyable, and affordable taste experience, you’ll love our restaurant and its menu, even if you’re unfamiliar with Indian and Asian cuisine. Call us today!

Wedding Catering Ideas

A wedding is a very special event in one’s life. The reception that follows is where the celebration continues, and where many memorable moments take place. Though it’s not a requirement to spend a huge amount of money on your reception, it is important is that you get the kind of reception you want and ensure a comfortable, memorable experience for you and your guests. Here are some wedding catering ideas 

Tented wedding reception 

Wedding receptions, especially outdoor receptions, are held in the garden or lawn of a sprawling private property that can accommodate anywhere between 50-250 guests. If you have a small party, your caterer can set up in the kitchen of the venue. For larger receptions, one option you might want to look into is a caterer’s tent. Usually, it is set up right next to the wedding marquee. A generator may be required the meet the demands of professional catering. The caterer may also provide the furniture, table linens, cutlery, and crockery. The selection of items used would depend on the host’s budget and preference. 

Spring wedding catering 

Spring represents rebirth, beginnings, and everything green and thriving. It’s a romantic season that opens up many possibilities for infusing creativity into your wedding reception planning. Build a menu based on the mood of the season and highlight fresh seasonal produce. A mix salad would be perfect as an appetizer. Traditionally, asparagus is used in spring weddings. You can use it in many ways—as a side dish, as an ingredient in soup, or cooked and prepared as an appetizer. 

Summer wedding catering 

Summer weddings are widely popular. The pleasant weather and the availability of a variety of food may just be some of the reasons why a lot of people love to have summer weddings. When it comes to menu, the possibilities are endless—you can go for barbecues, surf and turf, classic summer fare, or even exotic dishes if you want. Grilled meats and vegetables are a hit as well as refreshing salads. Ice cream and other frozen desserts would win your guests over as well as a never-ending supply of cool drinks. 

Winter wedding catering 

Summer weddings may be popular, but there is ample opportunity to make a winter wedding as romantic and magical. You can apply this to the choice of venue and scenery, décor, as well as the menu. The chilly weather is perfect for hot, hearty soups to warm your guests, and bright, zesty salads that remind one of summer. Winter is also perfect for classic pairings and hearty roast meats like pork, beef, or turkey paired with side dishes like creamy mashed potatoes and roasted seasonal vegetables. You may continue the classic pairing with desserts like bread pudding.  

Asian wedding catering 

If you’re having an Asian-themed wedding, it’s a given that your menu would also be Asian-inspired. Asian weddings have become popular in recent years, as well as Asian cuisine in the catering industry. In the UK in particular, Asian catering London is trending, and Asian wedding caterers London are aplenty. Asian caterers London specialise in providing a wide range of dishes and cuisines representing different regions in Asia. Popular choices are traditional and modern dishes from India, China, Japan, and Southeast Asian nations. Your guests would appreciate the diversity and availability of food that’s different from what they usually have.  

The great indoor vs. outdoor wedding reception debate

When choosing the venue for your wedding reception, a major decision hinges either an indoor or an outdoor venue. Both are great choices, but both also come with their set of advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, there is no right or wrong choice. It’s up to you to decide which one you prefer more. And so, the great indoor versus outdoor wedding reception debate ensues.

INDOOR WEDDING RECEPTION

Pros

Controlled environment - Having your wedding reception indoors ensures that you’re in a controlled environment, ensuring you and your guests’ overall comfort and security.

Since you are in a controlled environment, the temperature is more or less stable or cool enough to maintain the quality, freshness, and look of the food. If you want a variety of food that can withstand a few hours, you can opt for Asian catering London, which is trending right now in the UK.

Also, photographers can exert control over lighting in indoor spaces as opposed to outdoor spaces. This factor can lead to better, more professional-looking wedding reception photos you’ll be proud enough to show off in your wedding album. 

Safety from the elements - It’s not going to rain on your parade literally, because you are protected from the elements. This means that rain or shine, the party goes on and you won’t be drastically affected by abrupt changes in weather.

Added values – Some venues have the capability to double as both the wedding ceremony and reception venue, like our restaurant in Ealing. This saves you money especially if you choose a venue that can also handle the catering.  If this is the case, you are in an advantageous position to negotiate for a lower package price and/or helpful add-ons such as a free wedding cake or free valet parking.

Cons

Rules and limitations – Indoor venues mean you need to follow the rules and/or limitations on space and décor. This might mean that your visualised wedding plans need to be edited or altered as per what the space and the venue offers and has available at your disposal. You might also need to compromise on some details.

Higher demand – Indoor venues become more in demand especially during the colder or rainy months. You might find it hard to find a decent indoor venue at the last minute. If you’re already decided on an indoor venue, it’s recommended to book it early, about 6-9 months in advance, just to be safe and avoid the hassle of frantically searching for a reception venue as the wedding date draws near. Also, if you don’t book your reservation earlier, you might pay at a premium rate.    

OUTDOOR WEDDING RECEPTION

Pros

Minimal décor – Many breathtaking outdoor venues do not require a lot of flourish to make it look spectacular. The natural landscape does more to charm everyone and create a wedding reception ambiance that’s unique and memorable for everyone. If you go for an outdoor wedding reception, you can save money by opting for minimal décor as compared to an indoor setting. Also, outdoor venues are perfect with natural or natural-looking décor like flowers, plants, candles, or white linen. 

Wide, open spaces – Outdoor venues can be more family friendly especially if there are young kids who love to run around and move a lot. The outdoors can accommodate fun activities like blowing bubbles, or releasing birds, butterflies, balloons, or paper lanterns. You and your guests can also appreciate the fresh air.

Cons

Need for a contingency plan –No one can control the weather on their wedding day. If you choose an outdoor venue for your wedding reception, you should also have a “Plan B” in case the weather doesn’t cooperate on D-day. Rain and snow can put a damper on the celebrations, while sweltering heat and intense humidity can make you and your guests extremely uncomfortable. You might need to provide for a massive tent and additional ventilation like fans and heaters. Or, you can look for a venue with an adjoining indoor space used in case of situations like this.

Also, you’ll need to consider that hot food can easily get cold outside especially during the colder months, while frozen desserts like ice cream melt easily during the summer. You can discuss menu options to suit the weather and season with our outdoor catering London. 

Lighting concerns – Natural light may be great for some photos depending on the time of day. However, there are elements you cannot control like shadows and bright glaring light, which makes for crappy photos.