Venues Wellington’s business event guests can expect a taste of the ‘Streets of the Wellington’ and much more, courtesy of newly-appointed preferred supplier Sarah Searanke Catering.
With over 20 years experience in Wellington’s culinary sector, Sarah Searancke said she is delighted to partner with Venues Wellington to share the region’s world-class food and beverage with guests from around New Zealand and beyond.
“I believe outstanding food, served with a touch of artistry, becomes a real talking point for business event delegates. People always remember if the food at an event was special, and so we’re very conscious of the part we play in our client’s overall success.”
David Perks, General Manager, Venues Wellington said that Sarah Searancke Catering had been an-approved panel caterer for the organisation for a number of years and was more than ready to step up to Preferred Supplier status.
“I’ve always been impressed with the skill, creativity and attention to detail of Sarah and her team. Our Preferred Supplier has to be ready to manage our large multi-day conferences and high production dinners, through to scones and coffee for 10, across six venues, at the same time. I am confident that Sarah and her crew will thrive with these new responsibilities.”
Searanke said working with outstanding regional produce is second-nature to her team.
“We’re very lucky in Wellington to have bountiful ocean and rich farmland right on our doorstep, and a whole host of passionate producers. I’ve worked with many of them for 20 years, as Wellington’s culinary scene has gone from strength to strength. I’m excited to start talking and collaborating with them on some new menu concepts.”
One innovative concept Ms Searancke is set to bring to Venues Wellington clients is the Streets of Wellington Food Stations.
“It’s about adding a dimension of storytelling to the food experience, and a sense of place. The first of our themed stations is Oriental Parade, which is all about seafood, and the high-end culture of that exclusive neighbourhood. Cuba Street evokes the famous night market with street food flavours; Hannahs Laneway celebrates that district’s delicious artisanal taste creators, and Courtenay Place is our take on the ‘end of the night classics’ – think deconstructed burgers and so on.
We want guests to leave amused, inspired – and replete!”
Partnering with Venues Wellington will create jobs in Searancke’s Linden, Tawa-based business.
“This is an opportunity that we’re excited to grab with both hands. We’re looking to expand our team, and be able to even more trade with our loyal Wellington suppliers.”
Perks said that offering flexibility to business event clients is important to Venues Wellington.
“Alongside Sarah Searancke Catering as our Preferred Supplier, we’ve established a panel of three other-approved caterers that our clients can easily work with. We want to ensure that hosting a successful event is as easy as possible for our clients.”
The other companies of the panel of approved Venues Wellington caterers are NOSH, Ruth Pretty Catering, and Collective.
The new corporate catering arrangements for Venues Wellington come into effect from October 1.
