For most private dining events and celebrations, we recommend booking 4-8 weeks in advance. This gives us time to discuss your vision, plan bespoke menus, and source the finest seasonal ingredients. For weddings and larger celebrations, we suggest reaching out 3+ months ahead to ensure availability. That said, we understand life doesn't always allow for forward planning so if you have a last-minute event, do get in touch and we'll do our best to accommodate you.

Event catering typically involves serving larger groups at celebrations, corporate functions, or special occasions, often with buffet-style service or sharing platters. Private dining, on the other hand, brings the restaurant experience directly to your home - think personalised multi-course menus, table service, and an intimate atmosphere. At Henri & State, we offer both, tailoring our approach to suit your specific needs, whether that's an elegant dinner party for eight or catering for wedding guests numbering in their hundreds

Absolutely. We believe everyone at your event should enjoy exceptional food, regardless of dietary needs. We're experienced in catering for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free diets and when we discuss your menu, we'll ask about all guest requirements and create dishes that are just as delicious as the rest of the menu - never an afterthought. For severe allergies, we take additional precautions where necessary however we can’t ever guarantee that a meal is fully trace free.

A question asked regularly but not one that is possible to answer. Pricing varies based on several factors: the style of service, menu complexity, number of courses, guest count, and any additional requirements like waiting staff or equipment hire. We always provide a detailed, transparent quote after our initial consultation so there are no surprises, and our focus is on delivering exceptional value through quality ingredients and impeccable service.

We're based on the Hampshire/Berkshire border but can also cater for events across the capital, in the extended Home Counties and across the Cotswolds. For destination weddings or special celebrations further afield, we're more than happy to travel - we've catered for events across the UK. Travel costs may apply for locations outside our usual radius, which we'll discuss transparently during your consultation.

Funeral receptions call for food that's comforting, easy to eat, and allows guests to focus on being together. We typically recommend elegant finger food, afternoon tea selections, or light buffet options. Popular choices include delicate sandwiches, homemade quiches, savoury pastries, and sweet treats. We handle everything with discretion and sensitivity, arriving quietly to set up so you can focus entirely on your guests. Our aim is to remove one source of stress during a difficult time while ensuring your loved one is honoured with food worthy of their memory.

Yes, we offer complete front-of-house service so you can be a guest at your own event. Our experienced team handles everything from greeting guests with welcome drinks to formal table service and clearing. We can provide as much or as little staffing as you need - from a single chef-host for intimate dinners to a full team for larger celebrations. All our staff are trained to the highest standards and dressed appropriately for your event's style.

For weddings and significant celebrations, we're delighted to arrange a tasting session where you can sample dishes from your proposed menu once the initial deposit has been paid. It's a wonderful opportunity to experience our cooking style, discuss any adjustments, and get excited about your event. Tastings are typically held at your home and give us a chance to understand your preferences in detail. For smaller events, we're happy to share references, photos of previous work, and detailed descriptions of our dishes.

We started as a word-of-mouth secret, catering private dinners for those in the know. What sets us apart is our background - our core team have a collective 50+ years’ experience and trained at Ottolenghi's stable of delis and restaurants, bringing that distinctive approach to bold flavours and beautiful presentation. Beyond technique, we genuinely limit the number of events we take on - this isn't a volume business for us; it's about crafting memorable experiences. Every menu is created specifically for you, every event receives our full attention, and we treat your celebration as if it were our own.

Getting started is simple. Reach out through our contact form with some basic details: your event date, approximate guest numbers, venue, and any initial ideas about the style of food you're envisioning. We'll get back to you promptly to arrange a consultation, either by phone or video call. There's no obligation at this stage; it's simply a chance to chat about your vision, share ideas, and see if we're the right fit for your celebration. From there, we'll create a bespoke proposal tailored to your needs.