Back to Work, Back to Lunch

by Anthony Byrne | Aug 26, 2025 | Blog

Back to Work, Back to Lunch: How Lauren’s Catering Makes Office Life Easier This Autumn

As the summer holidays wind down and the rhythm of everyday life returns, many of us are heading back to work and rediscovering the routines that come with it. While the return to structure can be refreshing, one challenge that often creeps back in is: what’s for lunch?

Preparing meals in advance, lugging lunchboxes to work, or facing uninspiring options from the corner shop aren’t exactly appealing. That’s where Lauren’s Catering steps in to make your autumn workdays smoother, tastier, and more enjoyable with fresh food delivered right to your workplace.

Here’s how we take the stress out of lunchtime and help businesses across Gloucestershire fuel their teams with ease.

🍁 A Fresh Start for Autumn Lunchtimes

September signals a reset. With children returning to school and offices buzzing again, routines are reinstated, including meal times. But keeping packed lunches cool, appetising and interesting day after day can feel like a chore.

Lauren’s Catering provides a reliable, daily solution with our refrigerated snack vans and on-site sandwich shop. Whether you’re craving a hot breakfast baguette to kick off your morning or a refreshing salad box for lunch, we’ve got something to suit every appetite.

🥪 A Rolling Menu of Delicious Options

Our snack vans travel across the region Monday to Friday, delivering a wide variety of hot and cold options straight to your workplace. You don’t even need to leave your desk!

Here’s just a taste of what our vans are stocked with:

• Breakfast baps, baguettes & rolls
• Burgers, pasties & sausage rolls
• Freshly made sandwiches & wraps
• Crisp salads & jacket potatoes
• Tasty sweet treats
• A full selection of cold drinks

All prepared fresh and kept cool (or piping hot!) in our purpose-built vans.

🛒 Too Busy to Pop Out? We’ll Come to You!

Running a busy workplace doesn’t always leave time for lunch breaks, let alone nipping to the shops. That’s why our van delivery service is ideal for industrial estates, offices, factories and more. We pull up, you pop out, grab your favourite bite, and you’re back to your desk in minutes.

Our friendly drivers become familiar faces in your daily routine – just ask for Tony and the team! You can even arrange a regular stop for your workplace if you’re not currently on our route.

🧊 No More Warm Lunches

Struggling to keep your lunch fresh during your commute or in the office fridge? Our refrigerated vans eliminate that problem entirely. With Lauren’s, you’re guaranteed hygienically stored, chilled or hot food – no soggy sandwiches, no lukewarm salads.

🎉 Got a Meeting or Event? We Cater That Too

Autumn is also a season full of conferences, workshops, and team catch-ups. Our buffet catering service is perfect for:

• Business meetings
• Training days
• Company celebrations
• Networking events
• Staff birthdays
• Leaving dos

From finger buffets and ploughman’s lunches to vegetarian selections and sweet platters, our cold buffet catering is tailored to suit any occasion and budget.

We take care of everything – packaging, labelling, presentation – so you can focus on the event and not the logistics.

⭐ Trusted by Local Businesses

With over 30 years of experience, we’ve built a loyal customer base across Gloucestershire. Our clients love the convenience, variety, and service they get from Lauren’s Catering.

Here’s what one of our happy customers recently had to say:

“Absolutely incredible service, fantastic food, well packaged & labelled. Highly recommend after using Lauren’s this weekend!”
– Gemma M.

🔎 Find Us Online or Pop into the Shop

Don’t forget, our head office shop in Quedgeley is open to the public. Perfect if you’re nearby and fancy a lunchtime treat or breakfast on the go.

Want to browse menus, learn more about our buffet catering, or check if we visit your workplace?

📲 Visit our website

There, you’ll find full details of our:

• Daily van routes
• Sandwich shop opening hours
• Buffet menus
• Testimonials
• Contact info for bookings and enquiries

🍂 Make Autumn Lunchtimes Easy

Don’t let busy workdays or hectic mornings compromise your lunch. Whether you’re in need of a quick bite, planning a work event, or just tired of the same old lunch routine, Lauren’s Catering is here to help.

With hot and cold options delivered to your door, flexible catering for every occasion, and over three decades of experience, we’re your local go-to for fresh, fuss-free food.

📞 Call us today to find out more, or pop by the shop and say hello – we’d love to feed you!

Summer Celebrations Sorted: Catering Ideas for Outdoor Parties, BBQs & Family Gatherings

by Anthony Byrne | Jul 20, 2025 | Blog

There’s nothing quite like a summer celebration. The sun is shining (hopefully!), the garden is looking its best, and people are in the mood to relax and make memories. Whether it’s a garden party, a family BBQ, a school leaver celebration or a casual get-together with friends, summer is the perfect time to gather, unwind, and enjoy great food. 

But hosting can be a challenge – especially when it comes to catering for a crowd. That’s where Lauren’s Catering comes in. With over 30 years of experience in delivering delicious, stress-free food for events across Gloucestershire, we’re here to help make your summer celebrations as enjoyable for you as they are for your guests. 

In this blog, we’ll explore the best catering options for summer events, tips for keeping things simple, and how our team can help you plan a get-together that people will be talking about long after the last sausage roll has been eaten. 

Why Summer Events Need Simple, Crowd-Pleasing Food 

Let’s face it – no one wants to be stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is enjoying the sunshine. Summer catering should be easy, fresh, and flexible enough to suit guests of all ages. The key is food that travels well, holds up in the heat, and can be enjoyed standing, sitting, or on the move. 

That’s where professionally catered options really shine. At Lauren’s Catering, we know how to create menus that are not only delicious but practical for outdoor occasions. Whether you’re planning a garden party for 20 or a big family celebration for 100+, we can deliver freshly prepared food that fits your event, your space, and your budget. 

Top Catering Ideas for Summer Celebrations 

Here are some of our most popular and versatile options for summer events: 

1. Finger Buffets

Our finger buffet selections are a hit for a reason. Easy to serve, no need for cutlery, and full of variety, they’re ideal for parties where guests are mingling and moving around. Think freshly made sandwiches, mini quiches, sausage rolls, savoury pastries, cocktail sausages, chicken bites, crisps and dips, and more. 

You can mix and match to create a spread that suits your guest list – and we’re happy to cater for special dietary requirements too. 

2. Cold Platters and Summer Salads

Light, refreshing, and perfect for warm weather, cold meat or cheese platters with fresh salads are always a winner. Add a selection of artisan breads, pasta salads, or couscous, and you’ve got a colourful, wholesome feast that’s easy to serve and guaranteed to please. 

3. Sweet Treat Trays

What’s a celebration without a little something sweet? We can supply an assortment of mini cakes, brownies, flapjacks, fruit skewers and pastries – ideal for guests to help themselves and enjoy at their own pace. Pair with teas, coffees or cold drinks for a complete treat table. 

4. Snack Vans for Something Different

Want to make your summer party really stand out? Hire one of our Lauren’s snack vans to come to your venue! It’s a fun and fuss-free option that brings hot food directly to your guests. Think bacon rolls, burgers, toasties, or other hot favourites – a great option for casual outdoor events like birthdays or family gatherings. 

Hosting Tips: Keep It Simple, Keep It Enjoyable 

Hosting an outdoor event doesn’t need to be stressful. Here are a few tips to help things run smoothly: 

• Plan for shade: Even in the UK, it can get hot! Make sure there’s a shaded area for food and drinks. 

• Serve cold food cold: We’ll ensure your food is delivered fresh and chilled – keep it shaded and covered until serving. 

• Keep portions easy to manage: Finger foods and bite-sized items allow guests to nibble without needing a plate and fork. 

• Label your food: If you’re including vegetarian, vegan, or allergy-friendly items, clear labels are always helpful (we can provide this for you). 

• Add drinks to your order: Ask about cold drink options we can supply alongside your buffet. 

Why Choose Lauren’s Catering for Your Summer Event? 

• ✅ Local & Reliable: Based in Gloucester, we’ve been serving the local community for over 30 years. 

• ✅ Freshly Prepared: All food is made with care using fresh, high-quality ingredients. 

• ✅ Flexible Options: From light bites to full spreads, we tailor our catering to your needs. 

• ✅ Delivered to You: We’ll bring your food directly to your venue, ready to serve and enjoy. 

• ✅ Hassle-Free: Let us handle the catering so you can enjoy your day without stress. 

Book Your Summer Catering Today 

Whether you’re planning a birthday party, family BBQ, school celebration, or community gathering, Lauren’s Catering is here to help make your summer event one to remember – for all the right reasons. 

📞 Call us today on 01452 382690 to discuss your event, request a quote, or book a delivery.
🌐 Or visit our website at www.laurenscatering.co.uk to see more of our menus and services. 

Let us bring the food – you bring the sunshine! ☀️ 

Keeping Food Fresh in Warmer Weather

by Anthony Byrne | Jun 16, 2025 | Blog

Keeping Food Fresh in Warmer Weather : Top Tips from Lauren’s Catering

As the sun finally starts to shine and the warmer months settle in, our thoughts turn to picnics, outdoor lunches, and lighter bites. But while summer brings longer days and brighter moods, it also poses a unique challenge for food storage and preparation: keeping everything fresh, safe, and at its best.

At Lauren’s Catering, we pride ourselves on delivering fresh, high-quality food every day — whether it’s a packed lunch for a holiday club, a beautifully presented finger buffet, or our ever-popular snack van service. With over 25 years’ experience in the industry, we understand how crucial food safety is, especially as temperatures rise.

Here’s our guide to keeping food fresh during the warmer weather — plus how our team ensures every bite you enjoy from Lauren’s Catering stays delicious and safe.

Why Does Warm Weather Affect Food?

As temperatures climb, so does the risk of bacteria multiplying in food. Perishable items such as cooked meats, dairy products, and salads are particularly susceptible to spoilage if not stored and handled correctly. Exposure to heat can cause these foods to deteriorate quickly, leading not only to a loss in taste and texture but also a potential risk to health.

Top Tips for Keeping Food Fresh This Summer

Whether you’re preparing food at home, packing for a picnic, or managing catering for a group, here are some tried-and-tested tips to help you keep your food fresh in the heat:

1. Chill Before You Travel

Before taking food out and about, make sure it’s properly chilled. Storing your items in the fridge for a few hours beforehand helps give them a head start. Foods like sandwiches, meats, yoghurts, and fresh fruit last longer when cold.

2. Invest in Cool Bags and Ice Packs

A good-quality insulated cool bag or box is a must-have in the summer. Pair it with reusable ice packs or frozen water bottles to help maintain a chilled temperature on the go. Keep the bag closed as much as possible to retain the cool air inside.

3. Use the 2-Hour Rule

Food that would normally be refrigerated should not be left out for more than two hours. In particularly hot conditions (above 30°C), reduce that to one hour. After this, bacteria levels can begin to rise rapidly, and it’s safer to discard the food.

4. Pack Smart

Store food in airtight containers to prevent cross-contamination and to lock in freshness. Separating cold foods from room temperature snacks also helps maintain appropriate temperatures for each.

5. Go for Naturally Sturdy Foods

Some items fare better in the heat than others. For outdoor lunches, consider firm fruit like apples and grapes, wholegrain wraps instead of bread (which can become soggy), and hard cheeses instead of soft varieties.

Keeping Food Fresh at Home

Food safety isn’t just important when you’re on the move — it starts in your own kitchen. Here are some simple but effective tips to help you keep food at its best at home during the warmer months:

🍽️ Keep Your Fridge Organised

Ensure your fridge is set to 5°C or below and avoid overloading it — cool air needs to circulate to keep everything chilled evenly. Store raw meat on the bottom shelf in sealed containers to prevent cross-contamination.

🧊 Make Use of Your Freezer

If you’re worried about food going off quickly, portion and freeze items like bread, cooked meats, and leftovers. This helps cut down on waste and keeps your food safe for longer.

❄️ Cool Leftovers Promptly

Always cool cooked food quickly before storing it in the fridge — ideally within 90 minutes. Divide large portions into smaller containers to speed up the cooling process.

🛒 Shop Smart in the Heat

When doing your grocery shopping, try to leave chilled and frozen items until last and bring a cool bag to transport them home. Pop them in the fridge or freezer as soon as you get back.

🧼 Stay Clean

Always wash your hands before and after handling food, and regularly clean your fridge shelves and containers to prevent bacteria buildup. Warm weather can accelerate spoilage, so hygiene becomes even more important.

How Lauren’s Catering Keeps Food Fresh and Safe

When you choose Lauren’s Catering, you can rest assured that your food is being prepared, handled, and delivered with safety and quality in mind. Here’s how we ensure our high standards all year round:

🌟 5-Star Food Hygiene Rating

We are proud to hold a 5-star food hygiene rating, awarded for our commitment to cleanliness, proper storage, and safe food handling practices. It’s something we work hard to maintain every day.

🚗 Temperature-Controlled Vans

Our snack vans and delivery vehicles are equipped to transport food safely and efficiently, even on the hottest days. Temperature-sensitive items are stored in chilled units to ensure they arrive in perfect condition.

🍽️ Freshly Prepared Every Day

From our sandwiches and salads to our sweet treats, everything is made fresh daily by our experienced team. This helps maintain optimal taste and ensures food safety from kitchen to customer.

📅 Flexible Menu Options

We design our menus with the seasons in mind. During warmer months, we focus on lighter, fresher options that travel well and taste great – like our popular coronation chicken salad boxes!

Planning a Summer Event? Let Us Help!

From sports days and holiday clubs to garden parties and corporate picnics, Lauren’s Catering is here to make your summer catering stress-free. We provide:

• Individually packed lunches for convenience and hygiene
• Buffet catering with insulated delivery options
• Snack van visits stocked with fresh food and cold drinks

Whatever the occasion, we’ll work with you to ensure your guests are well-fed and your food remains fresh, safe, and utterly delicious.

Get in Touch

Want to learn more about how we manage food safety, or need catering for your next summer event? Contact our friendly team today:

📞 01452 382690
📧 info@laurenscatering.co.uk
🌐 www.laurenscatering.co.uk

With Lauren’s Catering, you can count on professional service, local expertise, and food that tastes as fresh as it looks — even in the height of summer.

Summer Event Catering Made Easy

by Anthony Byrne | May 27, 2025 | Blog

Summer Event Catering Made Easy: Why Hiring a Professional Caterer Makes All the Difference

Summer is the season of sunshine, celebration, and spending quality time with the people who matter most. Whether it’s a garden party, birthday bash, wedding reception, office gathering or christening celebration, summer brings with it the perfect excuse to throw an event. But while the idea of planning a party sounds fun, the reality can be time-consuming, stressful and – when it comes to feeding your guests – overwhelming.

That’s where professional catering can turn your summer event from a juggling act into a joyful, stress-free success.

At Lauren’s Catering, we’ve been providing delicious food for events across Gloucestershire and beyond for over 30 years. From beautifully presented buffets to hot food options and our ever-popular snack vans, we know what it takes to keep guests happy and hosts relaxed.

Here’s why hiring a professional caterer like Lauren’s can make all the difference to your summer event.

1. Stress Less, Celebrate More

Planning a summer event already involves a million moving parts – guest lists, decorations, seating, music, weather contingencies (especially in the UK!) – the last thing you need is the added pressure of cooking for a crowd.

Hiring a professional caterer removes that pressure completely. You won’t need to spend days prepping, cooking, or worrying about dietary needs – we’ve got it all covered. Our experienced team will handle everything from food preparation to delivery and setup, so you can focus on enjoying the day and spending time with your guests.

2. Tailored Menus for Every Occasion

Every event is unique, and so is our catering. Whether you’re planning a formal celebration, a casual BBQ-style buffet, or a themed summer party, Lauren’s Catering offers flexible menu options to suit every style and budget.

Some of our most popular summer offerings include:

• Finger buffets – Perfect for christenings, birthdays, or relaxed gatherings
• Cold platters and salads – Refreshing and light for warmer weather
• Sweet treat trays – Mini desserts, fruit skewers, and summer-inspired cakes
• Breakfast or brunch options – Great for early garden parties or post-wedding gatherings

We’re also happy to cater for dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and allergy-friendly options – just let us know when booking.

3. Professional Presentation

Let’s face it – presentation matters. You want your food to look as good as it tastes, especially if you’re marking a special milestone like a wedding anniversary or christening.

Our team ensures that every platter is beautifully presented, portioned for sharing, and delivered ready to serve. Whether you’re hosting a small family gathering or a large outdoor event, we’ll make sure the catering adds a polished, professional touch to the day.

4. Consistent Quality and Flavour

When you cook for a crowd at home, maintaining consistency and quality across all dishes can be tricky – not to mention keeping everything fresh and at the right temperature.

With Lauren’s Catering, you can rest assured that every bite will be just right. We use fresh, high-quality ingredients and time-tested recipes to ensure the food tastes great and stays enjoyable from the first guest to the last. Our experienced kitchen team has catered hundreds of successful events, and we bring that know-how to every single booking.

5. Save Time (and Washing Up!)

Time is precious, especially when you’re hosting. Instead of spending hours in the kitchen and even longer cleaning up afterwards, let us take care of it for you. From the moment you enquire to the final plate cleared, our goal is to make your event feel effortless.

6. Rain or Shine – We’ve Got You Covered

Let’s be honest – planning outdoor events in the UK means preparing for the unexpected. One of the benefits of working with an experienced caterer like Lauren’s is our flexibility. Whether your garden party is rained off or moved indoors at the last minute, we can adjust accordingly and keep everything running smoothly.

We also offer delivery to multiple locations and can help you create a wet-weather plan for your catering set-up, so food is one thing you don’t have to worry about.

7. Local, Trusted, and Loved for 30 Years

We’re proud to be a trusted name in catering throughout Gloucestershire. As a family-run business, Lauren’s Catering has built its reputation on reliability, friendliness, and top-quality food. Our vans, buffets, and event catering have been part of countless summer memories for our customers – and we’d love to be part of yours.

Here’s what one of our happy customers recently said:

🗣 “Lauren’s Catering provided the buffet for our summer christening party, and everything was perfect – fresh, tasty, and beautifully presented. We didn’t have to lift a finger!”

Let’s Make Your Summer Event One to Remember

So if you’re planning a summer gathering and want catering that’s fresh, reliable, and utterly delicious – get in touch with Lauren’s Catering. Whether you need a light buffet, hearty food, or a fun snack van visit, we’re here to take the stress off your plate and replace it with something far tastier.

📞 Call us today on 01452 382690 to book your summer catering or find out more about our flexible packages.

Because summer celebrations should be about making memories – not making sandwiches!

Britains Favourite Sandwich

by Anthony Byrne | Mar 28, 2025 | Blog

Britains Favourite Sandwich : The BLT and Its Tasty History

When it comes to lunchtime staples, nothing hits the spot quite like a good sandwich. In Britain, we’re spoiled for choice – from hearty ham and cheese to egg mayo, coronation chicken, and beyond. But standing tall as the Britain’s favourite sandwich is a classic that combines crunch, sizzle, and a refreshing bite all in one – the beloved BLT.

At Lauren’s Catering, we’ve seen sandwich trends come and go over our 30 years of serving up delicious food to hungry workers and event-goers, but the BLT remains a firm favourite on our menus – and with good reason. In this blog, we take a bite into the history of the BLT, how it became Britain’s favourite sandwich, and why this timeless trio of ingredients still wins over taste buds today.

What Is a BLT?

Let’s start with the basics. A BLT is a sandwich made with Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato – hence the name. Typically served on toasted bread with a spread of mayonnaise, the BLT is praised for its satisfying texture and balanced flavours. The salty, crispy bacon complements the fresh crunch of lettuce and the juicy sweetness of tomato, all brought together in a perfectly layered sandwich.

But while the ingredients are simple, the harmony they create is anything but ordinary – which might explain why it’s such a consistent bestseller across cafes, sandwich vans and supermarket shelves across the UK.

The Origins of the BLT

Although the exact origin of the BLT is a little murky, most food historians agree that it evolved from older sandwiches that featured bacon and other fresh ingredients. The combination can be traced back to tea sandwiches served in Victorian England, where bacon, lettuce, and tomato would appear in various forms on dainty platters.

However, the modern BLT as we know it today rose to popularity in post-war America, particularly in the 1950s and 60s, when bacon became more widely available and refrigeration made it easier to store lettuce and tomato for longer periods. It’s believed the term “BLT” first started appearing in print in the 1970s, and since then, it has become a fixture of menus across the world – including right here in the UK.

Why Brits Love the BLT

So, why has the BLT become Britain’s favourite sandwich? There are a few reasons this classic continues to top the charts:

1. Simplicity – The BLT doesn’t try too hard. It’s simple, honest food – no frills, just great ingredients done well.
2. Texture and Flavour – The balance of crunchy lettuce, juicy tomato, crispy bacon, and soft bread makes every bite satisfying.
3. Versatility – The BLT is easily customisable. Some people like it with brown sauce, others with avocado or a fried egg. It can be enjoyed on white bread, granary, or even a soft roll.
4. Nostalgia – Many of us have fond memories of BLTs as a quick weekend lunch, or packed up for picnics and day trips.

YouGov poll, the BLT came out on top as the UK’s most loved sandwich, beating close contenders like chicken and bacon, tuna mayo, and prawn cocktail. It seems our national love affair with the BLT is showing no signs of slowing down!

The BLT at Lauren’s Catering

At Lauren’s Catering, the BLT has long been a hero of our snack vans and buffet menus. Whether we’re serving workers across Gloucester from our mobile fleet or delivering to an event, the BLT is one of the most requested sandwiches time and time again.

What makes our BLT so popular? It starts with quality. We use thick-cut, locally sourced bacon cooked until perfectly crispy, paired with fresh iceberg lettuce and juicy vine tomatoes. We finish it off with a light spread of mayo and sandwich it all between two slices of fresh bread – either soft or toasted, depending on your preference.

It’s a simple pleasure, but one that never fails to deliver.

Fun BLT Facts

• The world’s largest BLT was made in Michigan, USA, in 2008 and measured over 200 feet long!
• BLT sandwiches are so iconic they even have their own national day in the US – April 4th is celebrated as National BLT Day.
• There’s a vegetarian version too, often made with smoked aubergine or coconut “bacon” for those who love the flavour profile but follow a plant-based diet.

A Sandwich for All Seasons

Whether it’s eaten hot on a cold winter’s day or enjoyed cold in the summer sunshine, the BLT truly is a sandwich for all seasons. Its popularity has stood the test of time, and while we’re always creating new additions to our menu, the humble BLT continues to be a reliable favourite for one reason – it’s just that good.

So next time you spot one of our vans or are planning a catered event, why not go for the nation’s favourite and order a BLT? We guarantee it’ll be one of the first to disappear from the platter!

Looking for tasty, freshly made sandwiches delivered straight to your door or workplace? Get in touch with Lauren’s Catering today on 01452 382690 to book a snack van or catering service – and don’t forget to ask for a BLT!

#BLT #FavouriteSandwich #LaurensCatering #SnackVans #CateringGloucestershire