Bear n Mind Catering

18/06/2024

Who knew ‘Take-out’ could look so good!?

Well… not quite.

We are offering something much more beneficial than ‘take-out’.

We do your meal planning, shopping and cooking, and bring to you a healthy, balanced and delicious diet.

Think about how much time that would save in your week and how many unhealthy decisions would be avoided!

Our meals plans are bespoke to your dietary needs.

We cook and deliver - you eat and enjoy. Simple as that!

All our meals are cooked fresh daily, with same-day delivery within Ashford and the surrounding areas.

Find out more at:
https://www.bearnmind-catering.co.uk/services

14/06/2024

Our job at Bear n Mind Catering is to make your event extra special…. But it’s so lovely when you make us feel special in return by leaving such a glowing review! 🌟

Thank you! 🙏

Coming up with ideas for special celebrations for loved ones needn’t be stressful.

Drop us a message and let’s make it an occasion to remember!

11/06/2024

A sneak peak at the fun we had at Green Farm Kent recently.

Bear n Mind Catering partnered with Green Farm for our annual Dining with Nightingales event and, yet again, it didn’t disappoint.

A big hello to all the lovely new faces we saw at the event and great to see some familiar faces there too.

You all made it such a wonderful occasion – and of course so did Maryann and Martin! We were also joined by Jules from Ham Street Wines who clued us up on the delicious local wines of the night.

Simply spectacular.

It was great to spend the evening with you, talk (and eat) good food and have a jolly good time!

07/06/2024

Incoming: A delightful, light, fresh and healthy summer recipe.

Our recipe for seared tuna steak with strawberry salsa and young asparagus is now live on the Bear n Mind Catering website at:
https://www.bearnmind-catering.co.uk/post/recipe-seared-tuna-steak-with-strawberry-salsa-young-asparagus

A healthy mix of lean protein, fresh flavourful fibre and a beautiful array of vibrant colour.

The perfect dish to impress your guests this summer.

P.s. Ian will be cooking this live at the ‘Medway Food festival’ this coming Saturday at Rochester Castle.

You’ll be able to find him on the ‘cooking stage’ at 2:30pm on Saturday 8th June.

Indulge in a tantalising recipe for seared tuna steak with strawberry salsa and young asparagus. Celebrate Kentish flavours and the beauty of fresh, local, quality ingredients.

04/06/2024

Seared Tuna steak with strawberry salsa and young asparagus

Ian will be cooking this live at the ‘Medway Food festival’ this coming Saturday at Rochester Castle.

You’ll be able to find him on the ‘cooking stage’ at 2:30pm on Saturday 8th June.

It will be a fun and family-friendly day, so if you’re free come down and join in the foodie fun!

Find out more about Medway Food Festival at:
https://www.zoomevents.co.uk/medway-food-drink-festival/

30/05/2024

Mmmm… delicious, nutritious and surprisingly simple!

We love this Trofie pasta dish for its big flavours and great textures and find it perfect for a light lunch or served as a sharing dish at a buffet.

The dish combines trofie pasta, kimchi, celery, basil, pine nuts and olive oil. 👌

Find out more about our catering options at:
https://www.bearnmind-catering.co.uk/services

28/05/2024

Burrata with blood orange, rhubarb & nettle pesto. 👨‍🍳

We’ve used date vinegar here, it really lifts the whole dish and cuts through the richness of the burrata.

This particular vinegar is one of my favourites. It’s produced by Huilerie Beaujolaise and – little fact! – We buy it when we visit my wife’s godmother’s patisserie in France.

You can however buy it online from the online Huilerie Beaujolaise shop.But hey, a trip to France makes it much more fun! 😉

23/05/2024

Whatever the occasion, we make sure it’s special for you.

If you’d like to find out more about our private catering services, head over to:

https://www.bearnmind-catering.co.uk/services

21/05/2024

Fancy a refreshing twist on the classic cuppa?

For International Tea Day and we’re, yet again, experimenting with gorgeous flavour combinations.

We’ve created a delicious watermelon and camomile iced tea using Camomile from the Rare Tea Company

What do you think? Does this sound like your cup of tea!? 😉

17/05/2024

Vinegar! The understated ‘secret’ ingredient that boosts flavour.

Founder and Chef Director Ian Waghorn tells us more.

15/05/2024

Looking after your wellbeing requires work on the mind, body and soul. It helps greatly if that work is in a friendly, relaxed and joyful environment.

That’s why we take great pride in our partnership with Green Farm Kent.

Founder and Chef Director Ian spends whole weekends cooking for their 3-day spa and yoga weekend retreat guests.

You would think after all that cooking he would be tired, but incredibly he returns renewed and invigorated! (We’re sure the Green Farm vegetable garden and baby lambs have something to do with that!)

Here you can see Ian talking guests through the nutritious retreat menu…

Find out more about Green Farm Spa and Yoga retreats at:
https://www.greenfarmkent.co.uk/the-retreats

09/05/2024

We know that event organisation brings to you a million and one different options, not to mention conflicting requests from everyone you are trying to please!

It can be hard to know where to start, so at Bear n Mind Catering we make the process as simple as possible.

Whilst we’re very happy to create bespoke canapé menus for your event requirements, we also offer set canapé menus based on our customer favourites and our extensive experience in event catering.

Here are a few of our typical Bear n Mind canapé menus.

To find out more or to discuss bespoke options, please do drop us a line at [email protected]

07/05/2024

What are the ideas that inspire and excite you? The thoughts that pop into your head at the most random of times?

For me, it’s all about flavours and produce, I love an unexpected and delicious ingredient pairing – there is food inspiration absolutely everywhere!

But wherever my ideas take me when I’m creating menus for clients, I always bring my thoughts back to these 5 pillars:

• Listen to and understand the brief. Ensure the menu encapsulates everything the client wants.
• Make sure the menus include my signature fun, interesting and bold dishes with plenty of flavour and texture.
• Include a diverse range of seasonal vegetables and fruit.
• Always incorporate nuts, seeds or pulses.
• Create menus that are inclusive for all and considerate of individual dietary requirements.

But getting back to those unusual ingredients, I’d love to hear your thoughts…

What have been the most delicious and unexpected ingredient combinations that you’ve enjoyed recently?

Let me know your flavour combos the comments. 👇

30/04/2024

Personalised meal plans and deliveries from Bear n Mind Catering… What’s it all about?

Founder and Chef Director Ian Waghorn tells us more.

25/04/2024

Garlic lovers, we have a recipe for you!

Well, this is a ‘Wild Garlic’ recipe, which is slightly different to the garlic you find in the supermarket.

You can buy Wild Garlic from farm shops or, with a landowner’s permission, you can head out into the wild and forage for it yourself.

It’s important to note that you only harvest the leaves of this plant, leave the bulb in the ground ready for next year’s growth.

Founder and Chef Director Ian Waghorn says:
“You should always check with the landowner if it’s ok to pick the wild garlic leaf and only forage if you are 100% positive that you are collecting the right product. Always be respectful to nature and don’t harvest the whole amount. Just a few leaves from a spread-out area. Always give your leaves a couple of washes.

And now onwards, to our recipe this month…

It’s a ‘Wild Garlic soup with a coddled hen’s egg’ and it’s now live on our blog page at:

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of spring with our Wild Garlic Soup recipe. Crafted with foraged wild garlic, onions, leeks, and potatoes, this velvety green soup is a culinary celebration of seasonal freshness. Enhance the experience with a coddled hen's egg, gently cooked to perfection. Discover th...

23/04/2024

Corporate food order, all boxed up and ready for delivery!

This is such a thoughtful and helpful perk for your employees.

Eating well to live well takes time and money, and when many of your team are limited on both right now, having a nourishing meal as a treat each week… well, it goes a long way for your staff.

Eating well also boosts physical and mental wellbeing, so it’s a win-win all round.

Want a one-off or weekly/monthly recurring healthy lunch box order for your team?

Get in touch for a bespoke quote at:
[email protected]

17/04/2024

It was my absolute pleasure to meet, cook for and serve such a delightful group of ladies.

I have to say, you all have excellent taste in food! 😉

Many happy returns for the big day!

16/04/2024

Some sharing starters from a private event.

Our client wanted their menu to focus on fish, which is great because we LOVE fish!

Despite several dietary restrictions within the party, we used our knowledge, creativity, and skill to produce bold and beautiful flavours which, we’re pleased to say, went down a treat.

Pictured here we have:

• Smoked Anchovies with baked celeriac and salsa Verde
• Rhubarb and blood orange for our Burrata dish
• Crispy peppered sardines with sauce gribiche and salsify

Oh, the flavours! Real tastebud teasers.

What favourite ingredients would you want in your perfect menu?

👇 Let us know in the comments.

09/04/2024

Gnocchi is one of my absolute favourite dishes to make.

It’s an art and it takes patience – to turn each piece for the perfect balance of caramelisation and light crispiness – but for food perfectionists like me it is absolutely worth the effort.

Here you can see my courgette, kale, and chilli gnocchi, which I’ve plated up as a side dish full of flavour.

Get in touch to discuss bespoke menus for your next event at [email protected]

03/04/2024

EVENT | Dining with Nightingales | Sat 27th April | 6:30pm | Green Farm Kent | £95pp

Each year, for a few weeks only, the Nightingale song can be heard in the UK.

It’s a rare and special treat, which is why we’re delighted to announce that once again, Bear n Mind Catering will be partnering with Green Farm Kent for our outdoor food and nature experience, Dining with Nightingales.

18:30 – Welcome drinks and canapés in ‘Fairyland’
19:30 – A guided walk to listen to the evening chorus and familiarise everyone with the woodland.
20:15 – 3-course campfire dinner
21:15 – Campfire discussion about the ecology and mythology of the Nightingale and live singing from Gemma and Kelly of
22:15 – Head off in search of the Nightingales and to hear their beautiful song.

This is a relaxed, fun, and friendly immersive event and we promise you excellent food, a wonderful venue, and a special evening to remember.

👇 Book your place at the link in the comments. 👇

28/03/2024

A quick snippet of our delicious Baba Ganoush and Falafel Salad to get your mouth watering!

Eat a diverse, fresh and nourishing diet each day and your gut will thank you for it.

We make this easy for you with our food delivery, salad box and buffet options.

For more information head over to https://www.bearnmind-catering.co.uk/services

26/03/2024

What knives are good to use at home? Founder and Chef Director Ian Waghorn tells us why Victorinox tops his recommendation list.

What knives do you use at home?

21/03/2024

We deliver our fresh ‘salad lunch boxes’ (min. order 10 boxes) and our larger ‘buffet trays’ (min. order 5 trays) to clients in the Ashford (Kent) area.

Whether that’s to businesses looking for perks to entice a hybrid workforce into the office for the day, or the ideal solution to a nutritious and energy-releasing working lunch, – none of that curly sandwich malarky over here! – we pride ourselves in making fresh, healthy and unprocessed meals accessible.

All our meals are jam-packed with nutrients, flavour and are delivered in packaging that is 100% recyclable.

To get hold of our latest menus or to make an order drop us an email at [email protected]

19/03/2024

Our private dining experiences are not just about eating excellent food, we also take the time to explain the menu to you and your guests, from its nutrition, season and source to the creativity behind the dishes and well… whatever you would like to know really!

Food is our passion and we love sharing that with you.

Ultimately, hiring our private dining service means we tailor the event to you and your needs and preferences.

Get in touch and let’s talk through your options.

We’re at [email protected]

14/03/2024

NEW! Introducing personalised meal plans from Bear n Mind Catering.

We take away the fuss of meal planning, shopping and cooking, and bring to you a healthy, balanced and delicious diet.

Our meals plans are bespoke to your needs.

We cook and deliver - you eat and enjoy. Simple as that!

All our meals are cooked fresh daily, with same-day delivery within Ashford and the surrounding areas.

Find out more on our ‘Services’ page at:
👉 https://www.bearnmind-catering.co.uk/services

12/03/2024

What should you look out for when buying fresh fish?

Ian tells us more on his recent trip to South Coast Sea Fayre at Perrycourt Farm.

07/03/2024

‘Lettuce celebrate’ Mother’s Day this Sunday by ‘turning the table’ on traditional gift ideas.

Is your mum the chef/host/constant caterer of the family?

Then how about ‘taking the heat off’ mum by learning to cook yourself?

Bear n Mind Catering Masterclasses are led by our Founder and Chef Director Waghorn.

Here you can see Ian teaching his culinary mastery during his time at Le Cordon Bleu cookery school, London.

But if you’d like a chef masterclass in your very own home – or perhaps a joint class with mum? – get in touch and let us know what you’d like to learn.

It might be the art of fish preparation, butchery, sauce making, pasta skills, classic techniques… we can tailor the Masterclass to you.

Drop us an email at [email protected] to find out more.

05/03/2024

There is nothing better than cooking with fresh produce, especially when it’s from my own garden.

I’ll either steam my broccoli and mix it with some toasted almonds for delicious and nourishing side dish, or I’ll keep it raw, chop it pop it into a salad with some lemon and olive oil.

If you’re interested in learning more about my cooking and recipes, head over to my blog page.

I’ve linked to it in the comments. 👇

29/02/2024

This time of year is known to be a bit lonely.

The cold weather, the financial aftermath of Christmas ongoing and the limited (albeit growing) number of daylight hours.

We can feel like hunkering down and staying indoors, but actually what would do most of us the world of good, is having something to look forward to.

Good company, good cheer… and of course, good food!

At Bear n Mind Catering we’re all about bonding over good food.

We’re therefore challenging you to organise a small social over the next few weeks.

And we mean small. Minimal effort, but a surprising amount of reward.

It might be inviting a few friends, your neighbours or family round for:

• A cuppa and a cake.
• A cheese and wine night where everyone contributes.
• Organising a country walk and pub lunch.
• Or maybe an afternoon of nibbles and board games.

The key is… keep it simple.

We’ve gone for tea and cake. 😊 A gluten free carrot, apricot and cashew cake to be precise.

We’d love to hear your ideas. What would be your chilled out February social of choice?

👇 Let us know in the comments.

27/02/2024

Today’s Quinoa Pilaf recipe makes full use of the pressure cooker.

And before you turn your back on us, let us reassure you that it makes a remarkable difference cooking your pilaf this way.

Pilaf can be a bit, shall we say, unpredictable… will it be mushy? Will it be dry?

But not so with the pressure cooker!

Perfect texture and flavour that packs a punch.

To find out how simple it is to make excellent Quinoa Pilaf in a pressure cooker, head over to our latest recipe blog at:

This is one of my favourite dishes at the moment, Quinoa Pilaf. It's packed full of flavour, textures and full of protein. I use beetroot, pumpkin seeds and cranberries for this recipe, for a change you might like to add raw carrots and cauliflower, h**p seed and barberries for a twist. Quinoa Pilaf...