Christmas may be a distant memory for most, but for businesses like Thorlabs Ely, the festive season didn’t end with the turn of the calendar! While some might find it peculiar to extend Christmas celebrations into the New Year, there are many compelling reasons to back up this growing trend.
The chaos of December often results in fully booked venues and catering services, making it a logistical challenge for businesses to organise festive workplace events. January, however, emerges as a quieter alternative, providing greater flexibility for both hosts and attendees.
On that note, Hog Roast Polebrook is excited to share the details of the booking we handled for Thorlabs Ely earlier this month.
This belated corporate Christmas party took place at The Maltings, a charming Victorian brewery along the River Great Ouse. The venue, with its ample space, provided the perfect backdrop for the 150 guests, who were eager to partake in the festive atmosphere.
Hog Roast Polebrook’s catering manager Ben, along with our skilled crew, worked tirelessly to present a bountiful spread that featured a 50-50 split of available meat options. Guests were treated to a choice between slow-roasted free-range pork with crackling, stuffing, and applesauce or moist free-range turkey with cranberry sauce and sage and onion stuffing. For non-meat-eaters, our grilled vegetable and halloumi skewers provided a delightful alternative.
The banquet also showcased traditional Christmastime favourites, including cauliflower cheese, glazed veg, pigs in blankets, roasted potatoes, and gluten-free rolls. Colourful salads further elevated the meal, ensuring there was something for everyone.
The guests were not only impressed by the variety but also the quality of the food. Seconds and thirds were the norm as everyone indulged in the feast, savouring the festive flavours until there was nothing left.
Following the delicious sit-down meal, we rolled out the festive desserts. Mince pies with brandy cream and a rich, chocolatey Yule log with fresh cream perfectly concluded the meal.
Our discreet cleanup allowed guests to shift their focus to the night’s entertainment, featuring the big fat Thorlabs quiz of the year, complete with fantastic prizes. A DJ wrapped up the celebrations with dance-worthy tunes, and everyone headed home riding on a high.
Beth, the client responsible for putting this memorable shindig together, expressed her delight with the results, giving special thanks to Hog Roast Polebrook for serving a fantastic spread.