Events

Mar

28

Liberty Wines Tasting at Colston Hall

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liberty wines tasting

The early months of the year always bring a variety of events our way, before the start of the wedding season and the summer parties and festivals. A few weeks ago, at the end of February, we joined forces with Liberty Wines on the first stop of their UK wide wine tasting tour.

The first of four cities in four days was Bristol and the tasting team at Liberty Wines selected Colston Hall as their leading venue. McBaile provided a two course buffet for 100 guests, accomplished without any catering facilities I hasten to add! Our central Bristol location was increasingly paramount for this event as the main course was delivered hot and presented to restaurant standard just minutes before the guests ascended the stairs to the third floor mezzanine for lunch.

To accompany wines from Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, England, Armenia, Chile, Argentina, Canada, Australia and not forgetting Rod’s native New Zealand we provided guests with a choice of dishes. Slow braised shoulder of lamb in smoked herb and tomato with a chestnut terrine, dauphinoise potato and roasted courgette was equally as popular as the roasted salmon with a walnut pepper relish, crushed baby new potatoes and braised leeks.

As always we catered for the vegetarian guests and they tucked in to a crisp puff pastry and slow roasted courgette and pepper cylinder on a bed of salad with aged balsamic dressing. To follow, a second course that works perfectly at a wine tasting, a selection of the finest local and regional cheeses served on wooden sharing platters with water biscuits, homemade chutney, dried fruits and grapes.

Plenty of empty plates and content smiles as guests returned to the wine tasting was a sure sign of a successful event and it was a pleasure to work with both Liberty Wines and Colston Hall. As outside caterers, McBaile pride ourselves on being able to provide a professional and bespoke service to each client, no matter what the scale or location and look forward to organising your event soon!

Feb

28

Brazilian Themed Christmas Party

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Brazilian Themed Event 5

I know that March is only a few days away but Christmas really doesn’t seem that long ago, I am sure you will all agree that 2013 is flying by! Whilst reflecting back over all of the festive parties and dinners that we catered for last year, one particular event sprang to mind. At the beginning of December the McBaile team had the pleasure of catering for the ITEC Christmas party at Circomedia in Bristol.

This Christmas party was most definitely one with a difference; guests were treated to a Brazilian themed evening of entertainment and refined street food style cuisine. The main hall at Circomedia was completely transformed to resemble a street in Rio de Janeiro during the famous Rio Carnival and a spectacular image of Christ the Redeemer projected on to the back wall. The whole effect was very authentic and the food was even served from street stall stations throughout the room.

The unique Brazilain menu comprised of three stations where guests could enjoy tapas, bowl food served in bento boxes lined with banana leaves and mini desserts. Our tapas station offered spicy chicken empanadas with a plum tomato & mango salsa, beef espetinhos with a chilli, lime & coriander dipping sauce and bitesize bolinhos de arroz. The next stop along the street, with a freshly mixed cocktail in hand was the bowl food. Moqueca, a white fish curry served over coconut rice was one option, alongside a Brazilain beef chilli served with white rice and for the vegetarians; pumpkin corn quesadillas with Brazilian avocado butter and rice and black bean pilaf. Let’s not forget dessert, a selection of mini pastries accompanied an exotic fruit platter and homemade coconut & mango ice-cream.

Once filled with delicious Brazilian cuisine the guests watched performances that included traditional Samba dancers, aerial acts and acrobats. Lively music played throughout the evening and the ITEC group enjoyed a Christmas party that they will never forget. Another successful event at Circomedia, a Bristol venue that really allows McBaile to display our versatility as caterers.

Good morning Laura. Thank you for your email.  It has been a real pleasure to work with you and the team at McBaile, everyone did a fantastic job on Saturday. I did tell Phil during the night that I’d heard nothing but positive comments about the food. I am really glad I was able to give him such great feedback as he did a brilliant job. 

Thank you for all your hard work.  It really added authenticity to the whole feel of the party and I will definitely keep you in mind for any future events we do. Best Wishes!”

Brontae Orme. Sales and Marketing Executive, ITEC Connect UK

Jan

28

Launching the New Honda CR-V with Tiger Red Marketing

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tiger red 2013

For the second year running the team at McBaile Exclusive Catering were delighted to be an integral part of a nationwide corporate event, working with the UK’s leading marketing agency TigerRed to launch the 4th generation Honda CR-V. Over 14 days we provided in the region of 12,000 canapés to more than 40 locations across the South West, Wales, the Midlands and London. The event management was a logistical feat in itself, organising staff, kit and accommodation for up to four events per day from our hub in Bristol kept us all on our toes. Yet an even bigger challenge as lead caterers was designing innovative canapés, reminiscent of Heston Blumenthal, which could be replicated to the same exacting standards thousands of times.

canapes
Micro Ploughmans 2
canapes3

The theme for the launch was ‘Do More New’ and attendees were encouraged to try a medley of different and delicious morsels, whilst finding out everything about the clever new CR-V. The canapés took the theme quite literally and we can’t possibly pick a few favourites, so here is the full menu:

 

Savoury Canapés

Savoury poppy seed French style macaroons filled with smoked salmon and crème fraiche
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Mini Kilner jar savoury trifles with horseradish custard, Yorkshire pudding sponge, rare roasted beef and demi glace pearls
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Lime and cardamom chicken pops encased in chilli yoghurt
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Micro ploughman’s – cheddar mousse with red onion chutney, green apple crisp and oat cracker crumble
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Micro ‘Toad in the hole’ cupcakes with apple sauce frosting and roast crackling decorations

 

Sweet Canapés 

Mini terracotta plant pots containing crackling chocolate soil with hidden wasabi truffles
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Layered watermelon and black pepper wobble topped with spearmint cream and served in shot glasses
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Bubblegum and marshmallow cheesecake

 

The food was a hot topic of conversation and people were certainly impressed once they had plucked up the courage to try it, every member of staff was fully briefed on each canapé and definitely accomplished the challenge of getting the public to “do more new”! With another potential launch this year, but not letting anything slip regarding which model of car will be the focus; we look forward to covering even more Honda dealership locations! Please click here to see more pictures from our countrywide escapades.

“Dear All, just wanted to drop you another line to say thank you for all your hard work over the last few weeks – I think everything has been a real success logistically as well as food-wise!  I hope it hasn’t put you off working with us again at any point!” - Rosalind Morrison, Account Executive, TigerRed Marketing

Jan

02

Wildscreen Canape Evening – Colston Hall

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wildscreen canape evening

McBaile Exclusive were very proud to be a part of the Wildscreen festival that descended upon Bristol in October. The wildlife and environmental film festival was a huge success, highlighting conservation issues and holding workshops on wildlife filmmaking. Principal sponsors, the Discovery Channel, held a screening at Colston Hall one evening and as recommended caterers McBaile were called upon to supply some tempting canapés.

The film focused on the North American landscape and its wildlife, so to remain in keeping with the American theme the menu included mini pumpkin pies topped with whipped cream, blueberry curd and marscapone tartlets, micro red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting and last but most definitely not least, gingerbread and vanillia cream Whoopee pies. Displayed on slate platters, beds of woodland moss and rustic wooden boards the canapés were being devoured in record time, but as always there was plenty to go around and the drinks were flowing.

McBaile also provided an event management service, working with local suppliers to bring the wilderness to Colston Hall in the form of earthy tone linen and furniture, with tundra inspired flower arrangements. The venue looked brilliant inside and out, accentuated by the vivid green façade projected onto the exterior and guests mingled comfortably whilst discussing the night’s entertainment.  With more events at Colston Hall in the New Year, McBaile Exclusive Catering Company are looking forward to continuing a successful relationship.

“It was an absolute pleasure working with you and among all the other challenges we had, your team made the reception seamless and wonderful. The small bites you catered were delicious and your staff attentive and professional. You guys did an awesome job and I would certainly use you for anything we have in the Bristol area again! I hope you have a great fall and I look forward to working with you in the near future.” - Andrew Shortell, Director, Discovery Communications

Dec

05

South African Wedding at Circomedia

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Circomedia-McBaile2

October may have been a dreary month for many but McBaile Exclusive brought some South African sunshine to Bristol for the spectacular wedding of Simon & Charlie. Striking Bristol venue Circomedia played host to the vivid black and red decorated wedding, for which McBaile supplied the catering. Guests arrived and were welcomed in to the cathedral with cocktails and a selection of warming canapés that included mini Boerewors hot dogs with mustard & ketchup, Brazilian spiced chicken empanadas and filo pastry cones of whipped goat’s cheese mousse & chilli gooseberry relish. Mr & Mrs Lowthian entered through a cloud of smoke, provided by a smoke machine of course, before watching an aerial performance by one of Circomedia’s talented performers.

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Following a distinct ‘Rock & Roll’ theme, guests sat at tables named after rock songs such as ‘nothing else matters’ by Metallica before tucking in to an opulent buffet. The roast confit leg of duck in a madeira sauce reduction and braised shin of beef with duck fat roasted new potatoes were popular options, with guests coming back for second and third helpings. With the live band ready to go and a vibrant Bride & Groom ready to initiate an evening of dancing, mini melktert and dark chocolate & orange mousse cup desserts were promptly served with the colourful rainbow wedding cake by our attentive and professional staff.

All in all, a very cool day and night with much fun had by everyone who had the pleasure of being there. Thanks to Circomedia, we look forward to the next event!

“Good to catch up with you yesterday to discuss how the rest of the wedding went on Saturday. Just to confirm that Charlie & Simon Lowthian were really pleased with their wedding party which is great. One of the key benefits of working with McBaile is the event management and professionalism that is guaranteed with every event” - Julie Higgins, the Front of House Manager at Circomedia

Aug

05

Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2012

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McBaile are gearing up for the 2012 Bristol International Balloon Fiesta VIP event catering.

Held at Ashton Court this prestigious event attracts up to 500,000 visitors and McBaile are the Caterers responsible for looking after the sponsors and VIPs in the 100 club marquee, providing a variety of high end Event Catering over the four days.

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Jun

26

Literary Lunch

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The literary lunch was a fundraising event in aid of  The Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust. Held at Rainscombe Park, near Marlborough, the event was hosted by Lord and Lady Hiscox with guest speaker Freddie Forsyth .

A canapés and champagne reception in a marquee was followed by three course sit down lunch for 150.

Jennie Shaw

Director / Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust

The food on the day was excellent. It was by far the best and the lovely touches were appreciated. We will definitely be working together. I expect that we raised about £12,000 for the charity so a great day all in all.

 

MENU

Main Course

 Confit fillet of Scottish Salmon infused with lemon thyme, salad of young leaf herbs and baby new potatoes in a caper dressing

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Dessert

 Chocolate praline mousse with rum soaked strawberries and almond scooping biscuits

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Cheese

Selection of local and regional cheeses with quince, fig chutney, oaten crackers and grape

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      Tea/coffee and handmade truffles

 

Jun

11

Bowood Show 2012

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McBaile Exclusive managed the 2012 Bowood Dog Show Cookery Stage with demonstrations from a range of well known local & international chefs

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10.50-11.15 Keeping It Real – Cooking and entertaining with seasonal fruit and vegetables – Steve Gale
12.45-13.15 Introduction to Bread Making part II with Gary Coughlan11.25-12.25 Interactive Audience Cook-off – McBaile Exclusive with Peter Vaughan and Bistro, Devizes

13.25-14.00 Summer Entertaining -tips for the perfect party – Murray Slinn

14.15-15.15 Interactive Audience Cook-off – McBaile Exclusive with Peter Vaughan and Bistro, Devizes

15.25-15.50 Wild and Feathered – great ideas with game and poultry from the Thoroughy Wild Meat Co – Murray slinn

16.00-close Sumptuous Summer Desserts – Rod McCormick (McBaile Exclusive)

May

03

Badminton 2012 Cancelled; huge disappointment for all those involved including McBaile Exclusive

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McBaile Exclusive were working alongside Danco Marquees this year to provide the 2012  jubilee themed hospitality catering at Badminton Horse Trials.

‘The recent exceptional rainfall has left the ground at Badminton totally waterlogged and partially flooded.  Further rain is due this week leaving no chance of the ground drying out.  Very sadly therefore the 2012 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials has been cancelled.

The McBaile team, along with thousands of other suppliers, exhibitors, riders and visitors were hugely disappointed but we look forward to providing catering at the 2013 event.

Apr

02

McBaile and Lower Mill Estate in Country Life Magazine

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The height of indulgence was having a chef (Rod McCormick of www.mcbaile.com) visit our kitchen, to cook for us. Not only was he a dab hand with a spatula, he was also an extremely interesting man, who made us the most delicious meals, largely from local fare. The idea of having someone in the kitchen making you breakfast is a bit odd, as you mooch around in your pyjamas, but in practice it is both laid-back and incredibly spoiling.

See the full write up in Country Life Magazine 

Alice Cooke finds the perfect place to unwind, at The Lower Mill Estate, in the Cotswolds

Thursday, 15 December 2011

Alice Cooke