We have specialised for a number of years now in the corporate catering market. Mainly large firms such as Amazon, with a side helping of weddings and parties etc.
However, we are always on the lookout for opportunities, and were invited to attend the Rock n Ribs festival at Bath showground. The countries biggest USA themed festival.
It was the first opportunity we had to use ENG9INE to its full potential, a full upstairs cooking deck, with the downstairs dedicated to serving. Our stainless delivery chute in use for delivering food to the bottom deck, and a first outing for our Swissdeck flooring system.
Oh, add a few new touches like our ENG9INE flag, a new topsign and multiple smoke machines, and we made an impression.
Countdown To A Win
We added a countdown game to entertain our customers. Stop the timer on exactly 10 seconds and win a free portion of wings and an exclusive ENG9INE cap. A steady stream of winners each day showed how popular it was.
Unfortunately we were not allowed to sell our usual fare of gourmet burgers, so instead we pivoted to a range of chicken wings and tenders. Along with loaded fries, tater tots and hash browns.
INFERNO Hot Sauce
Our hot sauce was a big hit. With anyone tasting it receiving one of our exclusive toolbox stickers, and a number of customers asking if they could buy a bottle. Something for the future perhaps. One lady commented that her husband has tasted every hot sauce he can find, and ours is the first that has visibly affected him.
Foodtrucks Galore
There were some cracking food trucks at the festival, our favourite ones pictured below
Picture this: It’s mid-December, and instead of the usual dreary boardroom lunch, your team is huddled around a gloriously decorated food truck in your car park, steaming mugs of mulled wine in hand, laughing as they bite into the most ridiculously delicious festive fries they’ve ever tasted. The aroma of cinnamon and star anise mingles with sizzling onions, creating a sensory Christmas miracle that’ll have your colleagues talking until next December.
Welcome to the wonderful world of Christmas food truck catering – where holiday magic meets street food genius, and your corporate lunch transforms into the kind of memorable experience that actually brings people together.
Liquid Christmas Magic: Drinks That Warm More Than Just Your Hands
Let’s start with the star of the show – those soul-warming beverages that turn a chilly December afternoon into a cosy winter wonderland. Mulled wine isn’t just a drink; it’s liquid Christmas in a cup. Imagine the rich, warming spices dancing on your tongue while the gentle heat spreads through your chest, making even the most Scrooge-like colleague crack a smile.
But here’s where food trucks get creative – they’re not just ladling out standard mulled wine from a massive pot. We’re talking about craft mulled wine with unexpected twists: perhaps a cheeky splash of brandy, or a non-alcoholic version bursting with apple cider, orange zest, and enough festive spices to make Santa himself weep with joy.
And let’s not forget the hot chocolate that puts every office vending machine to shame. Picture thick, velvety chocolate crowned with marshmallows the size of snowballs, topped with a generous sprinkle of cinnamon or a cheeky dash of chilli for those who like their Christmas with a kick. These aren’t just drinks – they’re edible hugs that happen to come in cup form.
The beauty of food truck beverages? They’re Instagram gold. Your team will be snapping selfies faster than you can say “Christmas bonus,” and suddenly your company’s social media presence gets a festive boost that no amount of corporate communications could achieve.
Street Food Goes Festive: Mains That’ll Make You Forget All About Turkey
Now, let’s talk about the main event – street food with a Christmas twist that’ll have your team questioning why they ever settled for traditional Christmas lunches. Festive fries aren’t just chips with a fancy name; they’re a revelation. Think hand-cut chips loaded with cranberry sauce, turkey gravy, stuffing crumbs, and maybe even a few roasted Brussels sprouts for the brave souls who actually enjoy them.
But the creativity doesn’t stop there. How about Christmas tacos filled with slow-cooked turkey, sage and onion stuffing, and a dollop of cranberry salsa that somehow makes perfect sense? Or gourmet hot dogs wrapped in bacon with caramelised onions and a drizzle of mulled wine reduction that’ll make your taste buds sing Christmas carols.
The magic of food truck Christmas mains lies in their ability to take familiar flavours and present them in completely unexpected ways. Suddenly, your accounting team is debating whether the Christmas burger (complete with brie, cranberry, and turkey) is superior to the festive pulled pork sandwich with apple slaw and sage mayo. These conversations beat discussing quarterly reports any day of the week.
Food trucks excel at creating novelty without sacrificing taste. Every bite is an adventure, every meal a story worth telling. Your team isn’t just eating lunch; they’re experiencing something genuinely unique that’ll become part of your company’s folklore.
Sweet Endings: Desserts That Steal the Show
Just when your team thinks the experience can’t get any better, out come the desserts that’ll make grown professionals squeal with delight. We’re talking about treats that go far beyond your average Christmas pudding – though if that’s your thing, imagine it reimagined as a warm, gooey dessert served in a mason jar with brandy butter ice cream melting on top.
Churros dusted with cinnamon sugar and served with warm chocolate dipping sauce aren’t just dessert – they’re a group activity. Watch as your normally reserved HR manager gets competitive about who can eat the longest churro without breaking it. These are the moments that build team bonds stronger than any trust fall exercise.
And then there are the doughnuts – oh, the doughnuts! Fresh, hot, and rolled in festive spices, filled with everything from mulled wine custard to eggnog cream. They’re the kind of treats that make people forget about their New Year’s resolutions before they’ve even made them.
The genius of food truck desserts lies in their shareability and Instagram-ability. These aren’t individual portions eaten in solitude; they’re conversation starters, photo opportunities, and excuses to linger just a little longer in each other’s company.
The Team Spirit Secret Sauce
But here’s what makes food truck Christmas catering genuinely special – it’s not just about the food. There’s something magical about gathering around a food truck that breaks down office hierarchies and gets people talking. The CEO finds themselves sharing chips with the intern, the marketing team bonds with finance over the best dipping sauce, and suddenly your company Christmas lunch becomes the kind of event people actually look forward to.
The casual, outdoor atmosphere encourages mingling in ways that formal sit-down meals never could. People move around, try different things, share recommendations, and create those spontaneous conversations that actually matter. It’s team building disguised as lunch, and it’s infinitely more effective than any corporate retreat.
Food trucks also solve the age-old problem of dietary requirements without making anyone feel excluded. With multiple options available and the flexibility to customise orders on the spot, everyone from vegans to gluten-free colleagues to the person who “doesn’t do spicy food” can find something delicious to enjoy.
The Lasting Impact
The real beauty of a food truck Christmas lunch isn’t just the immediate joy – though watching your normally serious finance director attempt to eat a loaded hot dog without getting sauce on their shirt is priceless entertainment. It’s the lasting memories and the story your team tells for months afterwards.
Food trucks create shared experiences that become part of your company culture. They’re the kind of thoughtful, fun gesture that shows your team you care about their happiness, not just their productivity. And in a world where employee satisfaction and retention matter more than ever, that’s worth its weight in festive fries.
So this Christmas, ditch the dreary conference room sandwiches and give your team something truly memorable. Because when it comes to bringing people together, nothing beats good food, great atmosphere, and the simple joy of trying something deliciously different.
Your team deserves a Christmas lunch they’ll actually remember – and talk about until next December rolls around again.
We seem to drift along at times with no problems, no breakdowns, no stress, and a feeling that life is OK.
Then, whatever deity up there is really in charge decides that we have had it too easy, and that its time we had some crap sent our way.
Genset 5 Goes Pop
Our small generator unit, that was built so it could be moved on its own trailer, or demounted into the back of a van, decided to go pop. On starting at an early morning job, we discovered that it was sick of providing us with 230 volt mains electricity, and that instead the best it could stretch to was 150 volts.
It can be one of two things, either a capacitor not capacitating. Or a diode not doing whatever the verb is, dioding I presume.
Hopefully it is the capacitor as they can be changed without stripping the full unit out of its box.
Followed Closely By Our Firetruck Catching Fire
Oh the irony of it. Though it is probably not accurate to say it ‘caught fire’. It was more of a smoke and steam pouring out of the engine kind of incident.
We had just finished 3 days at our first festival, the Rock n Ribs in Bath Showground serving up a selection of chicken wings and tenders. I was travelling to a yard in Birmingham to drop it off so I could catch a flight to Dusseldorf for my future son in laws stag do.
Being a 2 stroke Detroit Diesel, it tended to warm a little on long pulls on hot days, so I always kept an eye on the temp gauge. However this trip was on the flat about 10 miles from Birmingham, during a relatively cool night. I suddenly noticed that smell you get when something is rather hot, looking down at the guage we were well into the red. About 220 degrees Fahrenheit, as opposed to the more usual 189!
I immediately pulled over to the hard shoulder, just in time to see a massive cloud erupt from the exhaust. I cut the engine and got out for a look.
The coolant was being ejected under pressure from the head slobber tubes. Not really a good sign.
Recovery
Luckily my daughter and son in law to be were awake at 4am as he was also going on his stag do (obviously). He recommended a local recovery outfit, who got to me in about 15 mins. Emmerson called in to sit with the firetruck whilst it was recovered, and I jumped into her motor to get to the rendezvous point for the trip to the airport.
The breakdown service was very efficient, and the firetruck arrived at a yard in Birmingham about 15 mins after I did. Top marks (though I ended up £420 poorer for a 10 mile trip)
The trip to Dusseldorf was fabulous and will be subject of a future post.
We are now waiting on the engine specialist to tear the engine down and ascertain whether it is repairable, or will we need a new engine from the States.
Either way we will be putting the firetuck back on the road, and if the engine is repairable I might take the opportunity to add a set of Jake Brakes to it.
Anyone who happens to have a spare Detroit Diesel 6V92TA turbo aftercooled 2 stroke putting 350 horses out, feel free to message me.
Picture this: it’s 2012, and London’s food scene is buzzing with burger fever. Premium patties are popping up everywhere, but one name starts whispered conversations in food circles: Patty & Bun. What began as a humble pop-up has transformed into Britain’s most beloved burger cult, with queues snaking around blocks and fans treating each new location like a pilgrimage site.
But what’s the secret sauce behind this extraordinary rise? How did a single burger concept capture the hearts (and stomachs) of an entire nation? Buckle up for a deliciously inspiring journey through the story of Patty & Bun: and discover why their approach is pure gold for anyone thinking about event catering or food truck adventures.
From Pop-Up Dreams to Permanent Queues
Every cult classic starts somewhere unexpected, and Patty & Bun’s origin story reads like a foodie fairy tale. Joe Grossman and his team didn’t start with grand expansion plans or investor meetings. Instead, they began with something far more powerful: genuine passion served from temporary setups across London.
The pop-up phase wasn’t just a stepping stone; it was their proving ground. Week after week, burger lovers would hunt down their latest location, creating an almost underground movement of devoted followers. The buzz became so intense that customers started demanding something permanent. Imagine having food so incredible that people literally beg you to open a restaurant!
Smoky Robinson Burger
This organic groundswell forced their hand in the best possible way. In 2012, they opened their first permanent location on James Street, right in the heart of London’s bustling Fitzrovia. The timing was perfect: they caught the premium burger wave at its peak, but with something special that set them apart from every other patty-slinger in town.
The Menu That Started a Movement
Enter the legends: the Ari Gold and the Smokey Robinson. These aren’t just burgers: they’re edible masterpieces that redefined what a premium burger could be.
The Ari Gold became their calling card, a towering testament to burger brilliance that had food bloggers scrambling for superlatives. But it’s the Smokey Robinson that truly showcases their creative genius: a name that hints at soul, music, and that intangible quality that makes food transcend mere sustenance.
What makes these signature creations so special? It’s the perfect marriage of premium ingredients, creative flair, and that indefinable “it factor” that turns first-time customers into lifelong evangelists. Each bite tells a story, each component plays its part in a symphony of flavors that leave you planning your next visit before you’ve finished your current burger.
The Collaboration Game-Changer
Here’s where Patty & Bun’s story becomes pure strategic genius. While other restaurants jealously guarded their territory, these burger pioneers embraced collaboration like it was going out of style. They partnered with London’s food royalty: La Fromagerie for premium cheese, Fourpure for craft beer pairings, Flat Iron for steak expertise, Kricket for Indian-inspired fusion, and Yard Sale for pizza crossovers.
The result? Limited-edition burgers that created city-wide hysteria. The Holy Pepperoni Burger collaboration with Yard Sale became so wildly popular that it graduated from monthly special to permanent menu fixture across both establishments. Imagine creating something so incredible that it becomes a permanent part of two different restaurant chains!
This collaboration strategy didn’t just create buzz: it built bridges across London’s food community. Suddenly, Patty & Bun wasn’t competing with other restaurants; they were elevating the entire scene. Every partnership brought new audiences, fresh ideas, and exponential growth in their cult following.
The Quality Obsession That Changed Everything
Behind every cult classic lies an uncompromising commitment to excellence, and Patty & Bun’s quality obsession borders on the fanatical. They partnered with H.G. Walter, a family-run butcher established in 1972, who sources meat from passionate British farmers using traditional, free-range methods and organic feed.
But they didn’t stop at meat. Neal’s Yard Dairy provides their carefully selected farmhouse cheeses from UK and Ireland cheesemakers. Every ingredient tells a story of provenance, craftsmanship, and unwavering standards. This isn’t just premium pricing for the sake of it: this is genuine quality that you can taste in every single bite.
The founders understood something crucial: in a world of fast food and corner-cutting, authentic quality creates genuine emotional connections. When customers bite into a Patty & Bun burger, they’re not just eating: they’re experiencing the culmination of multiple artisans’ dedication to their craft.
Building the Cult: Strategy Meets Soul
So how exactly does a burger joint become a cult classic? The Patty & Bun formula combines several brilliant elements:
Timing and Positioning: They entered the premium burger market at its peak moment, but with a unique voice that cut through the noise.
Organic Growth: Starting as pop-ups created genuine grassroots demand rather than manufactured hype.
Strategic Expansion: Growing to 14 London locations plus Brighton while maintaining quality and experience consistency.
Community Building: Collaborations created natural advocates across London’s food scene.
Quality Storytelling: Every ingredient has provenance, every burger has personality.
Cultural Relevance: Menu names like Smokey Robinson show they understand food is culture, not just fuel.
The result? A brand that people don’t just eat: they experience, discuss, and recommend with evangelical fervor.
The Food Truck Revolution Connection
Here’s where Patty & Bun’s success story becomes pure inspiration for event catering and food truck operations. Their journey proves that premium quality can work brilliantly in mobile formats: they even have their own truck called ‘Shirley’!
Their collaboration model is perfect for food truck events. Imagine partnering with local artisan producers, craft breweries, or specialty vendors to create exclusive event offerings. The buzz-generating potential is enormous, and the authentic quality approach translates beautifully to mobile catering.
For corporate events, staff rewards, or private celebrations, the Patty & Bun approach offers a masterclass in creating memorable experiences. It’s not just about serving food: it’s about crafting moments that people remember, discuss, and crave again.
Brand Activation Gold Mine
The Patty & Bun phenomenon reveals incredible opportunities for brand activation and experiential marketing. Their limited-edition collaborations created social media storms, queue-worthy excitement, and genuine cultural moments that money can’t buy.
For event planners and corporate clients, this approach offers a roadmap for creating truly special occasions. Whether it’s a product launch, team celebration, or client entertainment event, the combination of premium quality, creative collaboration, and authentic storytelling can transform any gathering into something extraordinary.
The key is understanding that modern consumers don’t just want good food: they want stories, experiences, and Instagram-worthy moments that reflect their values and aspirations.
The Cult Classic Blueprint
Patty & Bun’s remarkable journey from pop-up to British institution offers a masterclass in building authentic success in the food industry. They proved that genuine quality, creative collaboration, and community engagement can create something far more valuable than just another restaurant chain: they created a cultural phenomenon.
Their story reminds us that in our connected, experience-hungry world, the businesses that thrive are those that understand food is never just about food. It’s about community, creativity, and crafting moments that matter.
For anyone planning their next event, celebration, or brand activation, the Patty & Bun playbook offers pure inspiration. Sometimes the most extraordinary experiences come from combining the best ingredients with genuine passion: and that’s a recipe that works whether you’re serving from a James Street restaurant or a quirky food truck at your next corporate bash.
Picture this: the Mediterranean sun beating down on cobblestone streets, the tantalizing scent of charred meat wafting through the air, and the sound of sizzling skewers calling your name. Welcome to the world of souvlaki – Greece’s ultimate street food sensation that’s been making mouths water for literally thousands of years!
If you’ve never experienced the pure joy of biting into perfectly grilled, herb-marinated meat wrapped in pillowy warm pita with crisp salads and creamy tzatziki, then buckle up – because we’re about to take you on a sun-drenched culinary journey to the heart of Greek street food culture.
Ancient Flames, Timeless Flavors
Here’s something that’ll blow your mind: souvlaki isn’t just some modern street food trend. This grilled masterpiece has roots that stretch back to ancient Greece! Archaeological evidence suggests that the ancient Greeks were already threading meat onto skewers and cooking it over open flames more than 4,000 years ago. Talk about standing the test of time!
The word “souvlaki” comes from the Greek “souvla,” meaning skewer – and honestly, could it be any more straightforward? Sometimes the best things in life are beautifully simple, and souvlaki is living proof of that philosophy.
From ancient symposiums to modern street corners, this grilled delight has been bringing people together over shared meals and good times. It’s like the ultimate social food – interactive, shareable, and absolutely irresistible when that smoky aroma hits the air.
The Magic Behind the Skewer
So what exactly makes souvlaki so special? It’s all about that perfect marriage of marinated meat, open flame, and fresh accompaniments. The star of the show is typically succulent chunks of pork, though chicken, lamb, and beef all get their moment to shine on those gleaming metal skewers.
But here’s where the real magic happens – it’s all in that marinade! Picture tender meat bathing in a fragrant blend of golden olive oil, tangy wine vinegar, pungent garlic, aromatic oregano, and bright lemon juice. This isn’t just seasoning; it’s a flavor transformation that turns simple ingredients into something absolutely extraordinary.
The grilling process is an art form in itself. Those skewers hit the hot grill and immediately start their sizzling symphony, developing those gorgeous char marks while staying incredibly juicy inside. The smell alone is enough to stop traffic – and trust us, it often does in Greek neighborhoods!
What really sets souvlaki apart is its build-your-own style that gets everyone involved. You’ve got your perfectly grilled meat, but then comes the fun part: warm, fluffy pita bread that’s like a edible hug, fresh tomatoes and crisp red onions adding crunch and brightness, and that legendary tzatziki – a cooling cucumber-yogurt sauce that’s practically mandatory.
Street Food Theater at Its Finest
Walk through any Greek neighborhood, and you’ll witness souvlaki theater in action. Street vendors work their grills like culinary conductors, turning and flipping skewers with practiced precision while engaging in animated conversations with customers. It’s fast food, but it’s also an experience.
The beauty of souvlaki lies in its democratic appeal – from construction workers grabbing a quick lunch to families enjoying weekend gatherings, this grilled goodness crosses all social boundaries. In Greece, you’ll find souvlaki spots on every corner, from hole-in-the-wall joints that have been family-run for generations to modern establishments putting contemporary spins on the classic.
And let’s talk about that price point – in Greece, a proper souvlaki wrap typically costs around 2-3 euros. That’s serious bang for your buck when you’re getting restaurant-quality flavors wrapped up in portable perfection!
Bringing Greek Summer to UK Events
Now here’s where things get exciting for us Brits! While we might not have the Mediterranean sunshine year-round, we can absolutely capture that Greek summer vibe at our events and gatherings. Souvlaki brings something special to the table – literally and figuratively.
Think about your next corporate event. Instead of the usual canapés and finger foods, imagine the buzz when guests smell those grilling skewers and see the theatrical preparation happening live. Souvlaki stations create natural gathering points where people congregate, chat, and bond over incredible food. It’s networking disguised as a culinary adventure!
For weddings, souvlaki adds that perfect touch of relaxed sophistication. It’s elegant enough for the occasion but casual enough to encourage mingling. Plus, there’s something wonderfully romantic about sharing Mediterranean flavors under string lights – even if you’re in Manchester rather than Mykonos!
Brand parties and launches absolutely love the interactive element. Souvlaki isn’t just food; it’s entertainment. Guests can watch the grilling process, customize their wraps, and engage with the preparation in a way that creates memorable experiences and perfect social media moments.
The Crowd-Pleasing Champion
What makes souvlaki such a winner for UK events? First, it’s that universal appeal. Even the pickiest eaters can find something to love – whether it’s classic pork, tender chicken, or robust lamb. The build-your-own format means everyone gets exactly what they want.
The fresh, bold flavors are absolutely perfect for our increasingly adventurous British palate. We’re not just talking about bland, safe options here – souvlaki delivers proper Mediterranean sunshine with every bite. Those herbs and that charred flavor profile create real excitement on the taste buds.
From a practical standpoint, souvlaki is a caterer’s dream. It’s quick to prepare, travels well, and can be scaled up for large groups without losing quality. Whether you’re feeding 50 people or 500, the consistency and satisfaction levels remain sky-high.
Perfect for Every Occasion
Summer festivals and outdoor events? Souvlaki’s grilled-to-order freshness and portable format make it ideal for al fresco dining. The Mediterranean vibes complement warm weather perfectly, creating that holiday feeling right here at home.
Corporate lunch meetings benefit from souvlaki’s sophisticated yet approachable nature. It’s impressive enough to wow clients but not so messy that it derails important conversations. Plus, the shared experience of building wraps can actually break down barriers and encourage collaboration.
Private parties and celebrations get an instant upgrade with souvlaki’s theatrical element. There’s something magical about live grilling that turns a simple meal into an event highlight. Guests remember the sizzling sounds, the incredible aromas, and the interactive experience long after the party ends.
The beauty of souvlaki is its adaptability. Dietary requirements? No problem – chicken, lamb, or even halloumi versions keep everyone happy. Want to make it more substantial? Add Greek fries right into the wrap. Need it lighter? Serve over fresh salad instead of in pita.
The Souvlaki Experience
When you choose souvlaki for your next event, you’re not just serving food – you’re creating an experience. You’re transporting your guests to a Greek taverna, complete with the sounds of sizzling meat and the aroma of Mediterranean herbs. You’re encouraging interaction, conversation, and genuine enjoyment.
At Crazy & Co., we understand that great events are built on these kinds of memorable moments. Souvlaki represents everything we love about extraordinary catering – bold flavors, interactive elements, and that special something that transforms a simple meal into an unforgettable experience.
So whether you’re planning a corporate celebration, a wedding reception, or a brand launch that needs to make a lasting impression, consider bringing a taste of Greece to your guests. Because when it comes to crowd-pleasing street food with serious flavor credentials, souvlaki is absolutely unbeatable.
Trust us – once your guests experience that first bite of perfectly charred, herb-marinated meat wrapped in warm pita with cool tzatziki, they’ll be planning their next trip to Greece… or at least asking when you’re serving souvlaki again!
