Inverness Botanical Gardens is a living, breathing oasis in the heart of the city, home to hundreds of unique plant species and the kind of lush, colourful backdrop that makes every photo look effortless. It’s a stunning place to visit on an ordinary Tuesday afternoon with the family, but as an event setting? It’s something else entirely.
When a client chose it as the location for their private celebration earlier this month, Hog Roast Inverness was brought in to handle the catering – and the spread they’d chosen, our Alfresco Menu, felt like it had been designed with exactly this kind of setting in mind.
Things got off to a beautiful start with a bountiful antipasti spread that looked as good as it tasted. Prosciutto, Parma ham, salami, buffalo mozzarella, parmigiano and gorgonzola were artfully arranged alongside herb focaccia, ciabatta and breadsticks, with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping. Clusters of fresh grapes, juicy watermelon wedges and crunchy carrot sticks added colour and contrast, while bamboo bowls and napkins were dotted throughout so guests could graze and build their own plates at their own pace.
Once guests had worked their way through this wonderful smorgasbord, the main event arrived in the form of a classic hog roast with all the trimmings – you know the one’s we’re talking about. Sage and onion stuffing, crackling, applesauce and fluffy rolls paired perfectly with tomato and mozzarella salad, mixed greens, coleslaw and a mix of sweet potato and classic fries, which filled out the spread generously. Hog Roast Inverness made sure guests who don’t eat meat were just as well looked after with grilled vegetable kebabs and pulled jackfruit sliders steeped in smoky-sweet hickory sauce – not a last-minute add-on, but a genuine alternative worth getting excited about.
The combination of the stunning setting, Hog Roast Inverness’ incredible buffet and the atmosphere created something that felt genuinely special, and we have no doubt will be remembered for years to come by those who attended.
Some events are memorable because of the occasion. Others are memorable because every element – the venue, the people, the food – happened to align perfectly on the day. This one managed both.