As part of my service, I often cater for business retreats and corporate getaways. I’ve seen first hand the positive impact that these short breaks can have for staff morale and wellbeing, as well as productivity in the workforce. And when executed well with exceptional food and service, the experience is relaxing and rejuvenating.
The purpose of a retreat is for the guests to take some time away from the hustle & bustle of everyday life in the city. It gives the opportunity to walk, run, relax, think, and take some time to regroup. A retreat can also help build teams, improve professional relationships and provide a strong sense of appreciation.
Working in professional kitchens for over 25 years, this is an unknown world to me, so when I have been part of a trip like this, I have participated in the activities a little and taken the time to self-evaluate.
I have been left feeling very humbled by the people I have been lucky enough to meet. Stretching from CEOs of huge organisations to individuals who are the difference between an athlete achieving a silver or gold Olympic medal.
My role at these events is very straight forward, I cook!
I will take care of breakfast, lunch and evening meals, along with snacks like protein bars, fruit bowls etc. I often cater for dozens of guests, but no party is too large or too small. My ethos is to support these retreats by creating a somewhat hotel environment when it comes to the food. If you are spending 3-4 days away from home then you deserve choices.
How I structure a business retreat
With business retreats, the guests first meeting is the most important one, and it has to be on point. I always make sure that I am waiting in the main room with teas & coffees, healthy snacks and a big fruit bowl. Some of the guests have just driven many hours and they are tired. So what better way to start than with a brew!
Next up is the breakfast offering. I always provide a selection of fresh juices, local breads, Granola & Berries, Yoghurts, along with traditional cooked items using the local suppliers.
After breakfast, guests usually go off to conduct their pitches, presentations, workshops or activities. Once the morning sessions have begun, I will then start preparing lunch items. Depending on what the groups are doing, this can range from a selection of meats & cheeses alongside salads, to a big bowl of homemade soup with a crusty cob – perfect if you’ve just been for a 5k hike!
I find it extremely refreshing that during these trips, all of the guests are given time for breakouts to focus on themselves and just relax, read a book, have a chat with someone else anything really. Due to my presence in the kitchen, many guests gravitate to me for a chat about food, restaurants, recipes, anything really. This is something which has gone down extremely well and the feedback received is very positive. I have been told that I became quite an integral part of the experience. Very humbling for me to hear considering I just cook!
Moving onto the evening meal, again keeping a very relaxed feel, I will always look after setting the table ready for the evening meal and dishes created are healthy, fresh and tasty but most importantly, comfortable. Dishes could include a slow cooked Beef short rib with new potatoes & seasonal veg, A fish pie full of fresh fish and served with creamy mash and a crispy top, or even a Thai green curry with sticky rice. All of the food is then served in the middle of the table so that the guests can have a “family” meal.
After the meal, I encourage guests to do a little regroup either in a lounge environment or around a Campfire. Whilst this is going on I will tidy everywhere up and set up for breakfast for the next day, leaving the guests to completely relax and process the day.
The benefits of a corporate getaway
I have found myself taking time to think during these events and evaluate my own circumstances, which has been very beneficial to my own mental health and well-being, something that I had neglected during my time in fast paced kitchens. And the same experience can be said for the guests too.
If you are planning a retreat, getaway or team building activity, then feel free to get in touch here and we can have a chat about bringing the right food to your table.
