FAQs
Private Dining
What is your availability?
It is difficult to publish my availability online because it can change very quickly, so anything that I publish might be outdated the following day. If you have a date in mind, drop me a message and I'll let you know if it is available. If you have a month/time period in mind, let me know and I will send you my current availability for that date range.
How do I book?
First of all, send me an email at mike@djamkitchen.com or a DM on social media. Once we have a date agreed, I'll send you a booking form to complete and return. Your date is secured upon receipt of a deposit of £10 per person.
How do I settle the final bill?
The remaining amount (minus the deposit) can be paid on the evening. I accept payment by cash, all major credit/debit cards (providing I have adequate phone signal!) or by bank transfer.
Do you do bookings of less than 6 people?
Yes. I can cater for any sized groups down to 4. However, for booking of less than 6, I may need to charge more than my advertised price. The reason for this is that the cost of ingredients for smaller groups, the time spent preparing, and the travel time means that there is very little in the way of profit. I would happily cook for you for free, but that doesn't pay the bills! I can no longer cater for less than 4 people (Masterchef Menu) or 6 people (Gastro Menu) - sadly it just isn't viable. However my Dine @ Home boxes might be suitable for smaller dinner parties.
Do all guests eat the same food?
In short, yes. All guests must choose the same menu options. Imagine making different starters, mains and desserts for every guest - that may be possible in a restaurant, but in a home kitchen it just wouldn't work. However I am more than happy to take allergies, vegetarians/vegans, dietary requirements, and general dislikes into consideration - most of the dishes on my menu can be tweaked to suit a variety of dietary requirements. Before booking, let me know if there are any such needs in your group, and we'll agree on a menu.
When do I need to let you know my menu choices?
Ideally 2 weeks before your event. You're welcome to let me know sooner, but I will check in with you roughly 2 weeks before to see if you need any help reaching a decision.
Do you do dishes that aren't on your menus?
Yes. I can put together a bespoke menu if required. If you have a brief that you'd like me to work to, or a favourite ingredient that you'd like me to build a dish around, let me know. Bespoke menus will be priced individually, so it is advisable to sort out menu choices prior to booking so that I am able to give you a quote upfront.
How long does my private dining event take?
Most of my prep is done before arriving at your location. For example, if you plan to eat at 7pm, I'll arrive 1 hour to 30 mins beforehand (depending on what's on the menu). Generally your meal will take up to 1 1/2 hours for three courses, 2 hours for 4, and 3 hours for 7, but I am happy to pace myself to meet your needs. After your meal, I usually need around 30 mins to clean down and pack up.
Will you need to use my equipment?
Usually, I will just need to use your oven and hob. Everything else I will bring with me, including cleaning supplies. If I need to use anything else, I will let you know in advance. Sometimes, I might ask to borrow a tea towel!
Do you cater for children?
Yes, although I would suggest that my style of food might not be suitable for a younger palette. You will know your child's tastes and be able to make a decision. Children under 15 will need to eat from the same menu as the adults, but will be charged £10 less than full price.
What happens if I need to cancel?
If you have to cancel your event with less than 14 days’ notice, the deposit is non-refundable however I am happy to rearrange at no extra cost (based on all other aspects of the event remaining the same). If cancelled/rearranged with less than 48 hours’ notice, the deposit cannot be refunded or moved to another date to cover the cost of ingredients and prep time.
More info is available in my private dining booking guide.
Dine @ Home Boxes
Why does your delivery area change?
I want to be able to reach as many people as possible, but at the same time I am the only person making deliveries. So every week I include an additional delivery area on top of my core area of DH7, DL4, DL5, DL14, DL15, DL16. I rotate this as much as possible, but I will always return regularly to places where there is interest in my boxes.
Are the boxes easy to finish off?
Personally, I think they're very easy! I include instructions which talk you through the final steps. It is usually a case of putting something in the oven, or heating something in a pan. I try to do as much of the hard work as I can without impacting the quality of the food.
Can I order for odd numbers?
This is something I'm looking to introduce In the mean time, if you would like to place an order for an odd number, send me an email at mike@djamkitchen.com and I'll sort something out for you.
I would like to order but I don't like one ingredient/dish.
All components are packaged separately, so if there is something you're not keen on, you should be able to easily leave it off your meal. If there is a particular dish that you don't like, send me an email at mike@djamkitchen.com. I can't make any promises, but I may be able to offer an alternative!
What time do you deliver?
Deliveries usually take place between 14:00 - 18:00 on your chosen day. However, you will receive confirmation by email of an approximate time window. If you haven't heard from me, please check your junk folder.
What happens if I'm not in?
If you're not in, I will try to contact you by phone. If I can't reach you, I will try to redeliver at the end of my run. If I cannot contact you at all, your order may be cancelled, at which point I will be unable to issue a refund due to cost of ingredients, time and travel already incurred. Communication is key - if you expect to be out on the day of delivery, let me know at mike@djamkitchen.com and I will factor this into my delivery route to ensure that I arrive when you're back home.
When is the order cut-off?
The deadline for orders for Friday/Saturday delivery is usually on the Tuesday at mid-day. This is so that I have the right quantity of ingredients and food isn't needlessly wasted.
Do you deliver on any other days (except Friday/Saturday)?
Not usually, but I may be able to deliver on Thursdays or Sunday, depending on other commitments. Send me an email at mike@djamkitchen.com and I'll let you know if it is possible.
What if I am just outside of the delivery area?
Get in touch! If I can, I will certainly deliver to you.