Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach us at info@strati.uk if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Before You Book
How far in advance should we book?
Bookings need to be made at least seven days in advance. There’s no maximum, so you’re welcome to book as far ahead as you like.
What’s the minimum and maximum number of guests?
For our set menus, the minimum is four guests and the maximum is twelve. Bespoke menus, canapé parties and weddings also start from four guests; for larger numbers, please enquire and we’ll see what we can do.
Which areas do you travel to?
We can travel worldwide where practical. Additional travel costs, and accommodation where necessary, will apply depending on the location.
Is there a travel charge, and how is it calculated?
The first 25 miles from our base are included in the price. Between 26 and 40 miles each way, we charge 45p per additional mile, each way. Beyond 40 miles, your booking goes through a manual review and no payment is taken automatically until your travel requirements have been confirmed.
How much does a dinner cost?
Our 3-course menu is £100 per person, our 5-course menu is £180 per person and our 7-course menu is £250 per person. We also create bespoke menus for other occasions, such as canapé and drinks parties and wedding menus, priced on enquiry.
Is there a deposit, and how much is it?
Yes. A 30% deposit of your total booking price is required to secure your date.
What’s your cancellation and refund policy?
If you cancel more than 14 days before your event, your deposit is refunded in full. Cancellations within 14 days are non-refundable, although we review exceptional circumstances individually. If we arrive ready to deliver your event and it can’t go ahead because you or your guests aren’t present, the full booking price may remain payable. If we’re ever unable to deliver your booking, you’ll receive a full refund. Full details are in our Terms and Conditions.
Can I move my date once booked?
Yes, subject to availability. Please get in touch at least 14 days before your booking to request a date change.
How do bespoke menus, canapé parties and weddings work, and how are they priced?
Bespoke menus, canapé and drinks parties, weddings and other events are priced individually on enquiry, depending on guest numbers, the style of the event and the menu you’re after. Get in touch and we’ll talk it through with you.
Your Evening
How long does a Strati evening typically last?
Dinner itself usually runs three to four hours. We arrive around two hours before the meal begins to unpack, finish preparation and set the table for you.
What time do you arrive to start setting up?
Around two hours before your agreed dinner time.
What happens during service? Do you cook in front of us or in the kitchen?
We cook in your kitchen, so whether you can see us will depend on the layout of your home. The evening itself is interactive: we introduce each course as it’s served and talk you through the dish, its ingredients and the story behind it. A host is also on hand throughout to help serve, pour wine and keep the evening running smoothly.
Do you serve and clear each course, or is it more informal?
For our 3, 5 and 7-course experiences, we take care of everything: setting the table, serving and clearing each course, and cleaning down afterwards. Bespoke dinners, canapé parties and larger events can be more informal depending on the style of occasion and your venue, but we’ll always keep the service feeling seamless.
What time do you usually finish and leave?
Once the final course is served, we clear down and clean the kitchen thoroughly. We leave once everything from our service has been cleared away and the kitchen is spotless.
Your Kitchen & Equipment
What kitchen equipment do you need us to have?
You don’t need any specialist equipment. We bring everything we need ourselves; all we ask is a working stove, an oven, and some freezer space for items like our ice creams.
Do you bring your own pots, pans and cooking equipment?
Yes, we bring our own pots, pans and all the cooking equipment we need. We just need access to a working stove, oven and some freezer space.
Do we need to provide crockery, glassware, cutlery or linen?
We provide the crockery, cutlery and table linen. The only thing we ask you to provide is glassware, as transporting glass safely isn’t practical for us.
Do you need a specific amount of counter or fridge space?
A little fridge space helps but isn’t essential. We just ask that your kitchen counters are reasonably clear when we arrive so we can start setting up straight away. If we do need to move anything, we’ll put it back exactly as we found it.
Do you provide serving staff, or is it just the two of you cooking?
Our dinner experiences include a host who helps with service and keeps the evening running smoothly. For larger events, canapé parties and weddings, we can also bring additional service staff as needed.
What should we do to prepare our kitchen or home before you arrive?
Very little. We just ask that the kitchen is reasonably clear and the dining table is free for us to set up. We’ll take care of the rest.
Do you clean up afterwards?
Always. We clean down after the experience and leave your kitchen spotless.
Food & Dietary Requirements
What is your cooking style?
Our food is seasonal, with a strong British and Italian influence. Each menu is tasting-led and story-led, with every course exploring ingredients, heritage and the ideas behind Strati.
Can you accommodate specific food allergies?
We accommodate allergies and dietary requirements wherever we can. However, because we work in domestic kitchens and environments we don’t fully control, we can’t guarantee a completely allergen-free environment. For more information please use our Contact Us page or email info@strati.uk.
Can you cater for vegetarian, vegan or other dietary preferences?
Yes, we accommodate dietary preferences wherever possible. Depending on the requirement, your booking may need a short review before it’s confirmed, and due to the seasonality and style of our menus we may not always be able to accommodate every request.
Are children welcome, and is there a children’s or alternative menu?
Children are more than welcome. Where possible we can simplify or adapt parts of the menu for younger guests, although we don’t offer a separate children’s menu. Bookings must be made by someone aged 18 or over, but children are very welcome to attend.
How do you handle multiple different dietary requirements at one table?
You can add dietary requirements for individual guests in the notes section when you book. We review these in advance and put a system in place so every guest with a requirement gets a suitable alternative, as seamlessly as possible.
Wine & Drinks
Do you offer wine pairing?
Yes. Wine pairing is available as an optional extra for an additional cost, and can be added to your booking. Full details are on our website.
Do you provide the wine and drinks, or do we need to supply our own?
If you book a wine pairing, we provide the wines included in it. We don’t provide glassware, so this needs to be available at the venue. If you don’t choose a wine pairing, you’re welcome to provide and enjoy your own drinks through the evening.
Can you arrange other drinks, cocktails or non-alcoholic pairings?
If you provide the drinks and ingredients, our host may be able to prepare cocktails or non-alcoholic drinks for you during the evening. Please discuss this with us in advance so we can confirm what’s possible.
Payment & Policies
When is the balance due?
A 30% deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your date. The remaining balance is due once your event has been successfully completed.
What payment methods do you accept?
Payments are processed securely through Stripe, which accepts all major payment methods available on its platform. You can find more information on Stripe’s website.
Is there a service charge or gratuity expectation?
No. There’s no expected service charge or gratuity. Any tip is entirely at your discretion.