A CONSULTANCY FOR TODAY’S WORLD, GROUNDED IN 30-YEARS OF LUXURY HOSPITALITY AND CREATIVE EVENTS
A CONSULTANCY FOR TODAY’S WORLD, GROUNDED IN 30-YEARS OF LUXURY HOSPITALITY AND CREATIVE EVENTS
A LITTLE ABOUT ME…
I was the youngest of seven children, so meal times were pretty organised if not delicious. An English boarding school tortured my taste buds further and from this early age I sought to be a part of the food chain!
As a teenager I loved working in a busy local restaurant during school breaks, and after travelling the world working in hotels and restaurants, studied hospitality management at London’s South Bank University. During this time I discovered the thrill and expertise of event catering which allowed me to work for the industries best and most innovative companies including The Admirable Crichton, Rhubarb, and Mosimanns.
In this time I was responsible for delivering amazing events on a daily basis, in an unfazed and calm manner. From Hollywood stars to Royalty, I have yet to do a party that was a rehearsal or had a second chance.
I founded and still own the The London Kitchen brand which is now delivered as a franchise in the UK and in Kuwait / Qatar employing a team in excess of 80 in purpose built kitchens.
You can read more on my CV.
A LITTLE ABOUT ME…
I was the youngest of seven children, so meal times were pretty organised if not delicious. An English boarding school tortured my taste buds further and from this early age I sought to be a part of the food chain!
As a teenager I loved working in a busy local restaurant during school breaks, and after travelling the world working in hotels and restaurants, studied hospitality management at London’s South Bank University. During this time I discovered the thrill and expertise of event catering which allowed me to work for the industries best and most innovative companies including The Admirable Crichton, Rhubarb, and Mosimanns.
In this time I was responsible for delivering amazing events on a daily basis, in an unfazed and calm manner. From Hollywood stars to Royalty, I have yet to do a party that was a rehearsal or had a second chance.
I founded and still own the The London Kitchen brand which is now delivered as a franchise in the UK and in Kuwait / Qatar employing a team in excess of 80 in purpose built kitchens.
“Damian and the team were a pleasure to work with on the Music Week Awards at the Roundhouse. Their attention to detail and ‘no request is an issue’ attitude makes life a lot easier when you have another million things to deal with. I would highly recommend working with Damian who remains as your contact throughout the planning and even on the day/night. Food and service are also to the highest standards”.
“Damian is the ultimate event professional.”
WHAT I LOVE DOING
In 15 years of my own company I have always enjoyed client projects which include many venues, private clients and leading operators in hospitality including Michelin starred restaurants and large catering companies who need strong event expertise.
Projects range from venue planning and licensing, venue design options in listed buildings and choice of operator. In the last 12 months this has included a leading restaurant operator launching an events business collaboration and a listed venue review of proposed operations and evaluation of business plan.
My experience has included mentoring Teams on The Apprentice several times, Appearances on Fox News, BBC News and others including the Sunday Times and Style Magazine. I invented and trademarked the name manapé. I’ve been called on to judge The London Venue Awards, Young Guns hospitality Awards and for the last 5 years have been the lead catering judge for The Wedding Industry Awards.
I have mentored undergraduates at Oxford Brookes University school of hospitality for 8 years and recently was guest of honour to launch a £3m extension to ACCROSS catering college.
WHAT I LOVE DOING
In 15 years of my own company I have always enjoyed client projects which include many venues, private clients and leading operators in hospitality including Michelin starred restaurants and large catering companies who need strong event expertise.
Projects range from venue planning and licensing, venue design options in listed buildings and choice of operator. In the last 12 months this has included a leading restaurant operator launching an events business collaboration and a listed venue review of proposed operations and evaluation of business plan.
My experience has included mentoring Teams on The Apprentice several times, Appearances on Fox News, BBC News and others including the Sunday Times and Style Magazine. I invented and trademarked the name manapé. I’ve been called on to judge The London Venue Awards, Young Guns hospitality Awards and for the last 5 years have been the lead catering judge for The Wedding Industry Awards.
I have mentored undergraduates at Oxford Brookes University school of hospitality for 8 years and recently was guest of honour to launch a £3m extension to ACCROSS catering college.
VENUES
VENUES
These are some of the 100’s of venues where I have delivered events
THE V & A
THE TROXY
THE SHARD
THE ROUNDHOUSE
LONDON OLYMPIC STADIUM
THE O2
SHOREDITCH TOWN HALL
ROYAL ACADEMY
ONE MARYLEBONE
OLD BILLINGSGATE
MUSEUM OF LONDON
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
HIGHGROVE
10 DOWNING STREET
KENSINGTON PALACE
HIGHGROVE
THE V & A
THE TROXY
THE ROUNDHOUSE
THE SHARD
SHOREDITCH TOWN HALL
THE O2
LONDON OLYMPIC STADIUM
ONE MARYLEBONE
ROYAL ACADEMY
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
10 DOWNING STREET
MUSEUM OF LONDON
OLD BILLINGSGATE
KENSINGTON PALACE
CLIENTS
I have worked with and delivered events for many chef including Atul Kochnar, Giorgio Locatelli, Robert Weidermeyer, Francesco Mazzei and Clare Smyth formerly of restaurant Gordon Ramsay. In addition catering and managing for Waitrose their inaugural ‘On Blackheath ‘ Festival and delivering Frieze London for Jacob Kenedy and Bocca di Lupo.
In addition to event catering expertise, I renovated an old pie shop into a beautiful restaurant The Buntingford Kitchen
Voted Best Fine Dining and Best Restaurant in Hertfordshire Food and Drink Awards 2015
Best restaurant and winner overall in Hertfordshire Food and drink Awards 2016
I have worked with and delivered events for many chef including Atul Kochnar, Giorgio Locatelli, Robert Weidermeyer, Francesco Mazzei and Clare Smyth formerly of restaurant Gordon Ramsay. In addition catering and managing for Waitrose their inaugural ‘On Blackheath ‘ Festival and delivering Frieze London for Jacob Kenedy and Bocca di Lupo.
In addition to event catering expertise, I renovated an old pie shop into a beautiful restaurant The Buntingford Kitchen
Voted Best Fine Dining and Best Restaurant in Hertfordshire Food and Drink Awards 2015
Best restaurant and winner overall in Hertfordshire Food and drink Awards 2016
EXAMPLES OF MY WORK
FARNBOROUGH WIND TUNNELS
This grade one listed building where the iconic Spitfire was tested provide a stunning back drop for not only an art exhibition but also back to back events during Farnborough for clients including Bentley and Breitling.
LONDON FASHION WEEK
As official caterer for 3 seasons we worked across 9 sites and venues delivering back to events, working with suppliers and partners. This include a full restaurant service, Champagne Bar and show catering at site across London simultaneously.
BMW 100 YEARS
To celebrate the Centenary of Rolls Royce, BMW and Mini, London’s Roundhouse was transformed for 20 days to showcase the future… parties and launches every day showcasing these iconic yet separate brands.
Imagine a 2 day food tasting for 3 brands, 20 guests and 30 parties and within very brand specific requirements – delivered flawlessly.
S PELLEGRINO WORLDS 50 BEST RESTAURANT AWARDS
The most respected awards in the culinary world, attracting superb chefs and massive international interest, for not one but 3 years I enjoyed catering for 500 guests at each years’ awards ceremony. As well as collaboration with suppliers and sponsors, I took responsibility for delivering this event to the world’s most discerning judges.
VILLA LABRI, CANNES
For several years a London team catered at the beautiful Belle Epoque mansion during the famous MIPIM festival, feeding up to 300 guests 18 hours a day. from working breakfasts to evening receptions and dinners.
This stunning Mansion, once the home of the Mayor Of Cannes was fully utilised for many clients during several years by a dedicated team brought from London to deliver the standards clients would expect.
EXAMPLES OF MY WORK
BMW 100 YEARS
To celebrate the Centenary of Rolls Royce, BMW and Mini, London’s Roundhouse was transformed for 20 days to showcase the future… parties and launches every day showcasing these iconic yet separate brands.
Imagine a 2 day food tasting for 3 brands, 20 guests and 30 parties and within very brand specific requirements – delivered flawlessly.
VILLA LABRI, CANNES
For several years a London team catered at the beautiful Belle Epoque mansion during the famous MIPIM festival, feeding up to 300 guests 18 hours a day. from working breakfasts to evening receptions and dinners.
This stunning Mansion, once the home of the Mayor Of Cannes was fully utilised for many clients during several years by a dedicated team brought from London to deliver the standards clients would expect.
S PELLEGRINO WORLDS 50 BEST RESTAURANT AWARDS
The most respected awards in the culinary world, attracting superb chefs and massive international interest, for not one but 3 years I enjoyed catering for 500 guests at each years’ awards ceremony. As well as collaboration with suppliers and sponsors, I took responsibility for delivering this event to the world’s most discerning judges.
FARNBOROUGH WIND TUNNELS
This grade one listed building where the iconic Spitfire was tested provide a stunning back drop for not only an art exhibition but also back to back events during Farnborough for clients including Bentley and Breitling.
LONDON FASHION WEEK
As official caterer for 3 seasons we worked across 9 sites and venues delivering back to events, working with suppliers and partners. This include a full restaurant service, Champagne Bar and show catering at site across London simultaneously.