office@rspencerashworth.co.uk
—
+44 (0)7979 854 245
Thorpland Lodge Farm Kitchens
Norfolk NR21 0HB
View on Google Maps
Close
office@rspencerashworth.co.uk
—
+44 (0)7979 854 245
Thorpland Lodge Farm Kitchens
Norfolk NR21 0HB
View on Google Maps
Close
Norfolk
London
Private Chef & Caterer
Private Chef & Caterer
Biography
Robbie is a Norfolk-born private chef & caterer. Growing up on the family farm has meant using fresh, seasonal and local produce is very much at the heart of Robbie's cooking ethos - hunting, foraging and preserving many of the wild ingredients found on the farm and making use of his kitchen garden to grow beautiful seasonal vegetables in true farm to fork style, whether it be special occasion, elegant fine dining feasts, Michelin star tasting menus, seasonal supper clubs or canapé & party catering.
Prior to training as a chef, Robbie worked in the wine trade for a number of years, providing him the building blocks not only in matching food and wines, but the understanding of flavour combinations, which in turn informed his passion for food, be it beautifully simple or cutting edge and modern.
Taking time to listen and work closely with his clients, Robbie thrives in developing bespoke, meaningful menus perfect for any occasion – big or small.
Also available for recipe development and menu consultancy, please do get in touch with any questions and enquiries!
Suppliers
H.V. Graves Butchers
— Briston
Arthur Howell Butchers
— Wells-Next-The-Sea
Nurtured in Norfolk
(Micro herbs & edible flowers)
— Dereham
Sharrington Strawberries
— Sharrington
Gurneys Fish Shop
— Burnham Market
The North Norfolk Fish Company
— Holt
Testimonials
"Thank you so much for such a fantastic and memorable tasting menu.
The flavour combinations were truly outstanding and the presentation of each dish was spot on.
Everybody was blown away with the food and suggested wine pairings.
You absolutely delivered in every aspect. Every bit as good if not better than the michelin starred meal we had at Morston Hall the night before!"
— Ian Wright
"We were transported into the best Italian restaurant. Honestly it has all been a joy, thank you
Last night’s dinner was a triumph. It hit exactly the right spot. Incredibly delicious, thank you!"
— M. Lindsell
"I have to admit that we never usually clock Valentine's Day but this one was memorable, thanks to your simply delicious spread. The table was laid, the wine breathing gentle, and a dozen white roses were on the table (thanks to the son!). The canapés were thoroughly enjoyed as the cod sat in the oven and the pappardelle bonded with that glorious ragout. And then it was ready...
The cod was perfection (so fresh, with those lovely large flakes) and the veloute to die for. I have read the recipe but I suspect it will remain for me an RSA speciality! We toyed with the wine to sharpen up the appetite (already on alert thanks to a pretty frugal lunch!) and then tucked into the ragout. Sophisticated comfort food which could not have been more welcome as the east wind continued to lash the house. Knowing that there was more to come, we kept a little back (ragout rather than wind) and Robin will polish It off this morning. Again a small pause - and then that triumph of a pudding which played to all our worst weaknesses! Once again to die for, as they say, and still a bit of the creamiest of sorbets to finish off today. We savoured each wicked mouthful and then settled down with a cup of excellent Nespresso and your heavenly petits four, carefully encrusted with the sherbet.
It really was first class, Robbie, and the only thing missing was the chef in the kitchen! However I followed instructions closely down to the last dot, grating and marbling and think you would have been pleased with my efforts!
I am a lunch member of Mossimans and last night was in that class. We shall be back for more! Meanwhile thank you from us both."
— Patricia Broke
— William Murray, London
FAQ's
Prices
Every party and event is unique and a bespoke menu is always curated, this makes it really hard to standardise pricing as it totally depends what sort of event you are hosting, how many guests you have and what ingredients you’d love to see on the menu.
For a dinner for 10, prices are from £65/head.
Robbie can cater for smaller events, but depending on the event, there may be a surcharge for smaller groups.
Dietary
Robbie can of course, cater to dietary restrictions and will work with you to find a menu that suits you and your guests.
Popular catering services in Norfolk
Private chef Robbie caters for a whole range of events!
Whatever you are planning to host Robbie is happy to cater for you. He has experience catering for all types of parties from Hen parties, stag-do’s, big birthdays, summer parties, drinks parties (canapes and bowl food), small intimate weddings, film premiers, fine dining tasting menus and catering for you in a holiday home - to name but a few catering occasions!
Areas
Robbie can travel to any Norfolk location for a suitable event. The most popular areas though include Burnham Overy Staithe, Burnham market, Brancaster, Brancaster Staithe, Fakenham, Thornham, Fakenham, Docking, Great Massingham, Wells-next-the-sea, Burnham Thorpe, Burnham Norton, Holkham, Walsingham, North Creake, South Creake, Warham, Wighton, Binham, Stiffkey, Langham, Blakney, Cley-Next-The-Sea, Wiveton, Holt, Aylsham, Kelling, Norwich, Thursford, Barsham, Rudham, Sandringham, Heacham and Stanhoe.
Robbie also has years of experience cooking in London and further afield. If you have a special event planned please get in touch, Robbie is happy to travel for the right event.
How far in advance do I have to book?
It is recommended to book well in advance to avoid disappointment! But do get in touch if you have a last-minute request, there are occasional short notice availabilities
Payments
A deposit of 10% is required on booking confirmation. Robbie we will issue the invoice after the event and full payment is due within 5 working days of receipt.
Cancelation policy
If the client wishes to cancel the event, they must provide a written notice to Robbie. Please also note that this deposit is non-refundable and cancellation limitations are charged at the following rates (% based on total event fee including deposit):
Equipment
Robbie will bring with him what he needs. You will have discussed beforehand if anything additional is needed and if this is the case Robbie can order this from local catering supply companies. Robbie has a great range of crockery and serving platters he is happy to bring these.
Are gratuities included?
No. Please feel free to offer any gratuities on top of the agreed payment.
Event size
Robbie can accommodate anything from a small intimate dinner for six to large gatherings of up to 200+. Smaller events can be arranged, but depending on the event, there may be a surcharge.
Tasting menus
Robbie can of course cater for special occasions where you'd like to offer your guests a tasting menu. The booking process will be very similar to a regular menu but Robbie will put together a stunning balanced menu for you and your guests to enjoy - perfect for very special occasions.
Bar staff
Robbie works with a great regular team who are able to serve your guests as you wish - from cocktails, to champagne to pouring wine at the table for you.
How does it work?
However you’d like! Generally, after you get in touch, Robbie will book in a phone call with you to discuss the details of your event. Be this a birthday fine dining dinner, a big canape party (corporate or private) or sharing type platters for a more informal event. This is a great opportunity to ask any questions or raise any special requests for your party. You will discuss your preferences with regards to the menu and flag any dietary requirements. If you need some guidance, Robbie would be more than happy to help guide you and create a personalised menu that suits your event requirements and your palate.
At this point it would be great to find out about the kitchen set up so if you are taking a house in Norfolk, try and have the website for the property handy or available to share with Robbie after the call. Robbie will then work on your bespoke menu for the event and will share this with you within a few days of your call.
Once you have finalised the menu and or canapes Robbie will share with you his T&C’s and deposit details. Once this is all confirmed, you can sit back and relax! Robbie will organise any hire equipment required, get waiters organised and of course take care of the food - and drinks if so desired.
To get your enquiry started, simply contact Robbie via email and share some details of your event. Or do give him a call.
We look forward to speaking with you and assisting in curating the perfect event for you.
On the day
Prior to the day of your event Robbie will get in touch to confirm his and the teams’ (if applicable) arrival times. If the kitchen and prep areas could be relatively clean and de-cluttered this would be really helpful so the team can get started asap to make sure they are well organised to deliver you the best possible service.
The team are very happy to set the table for you - possible, please let Robbie know ahead of time if you’d prefer us to take care of this for you.
At the end of service, the team will clear the table (whilst leaving you and your guests with your drinks etc) and clean down the kitchen leaving it how it was found. Robbie will pop in to say goodbye.
