Spotlight on The Gourmet Chef – Justin Lowe
In our latest wedding supplier spotlight series (created to share just a few of the wedding suppliers we love working with!), we’re chatting to wedding caterers, The Gourmet Chef. Headed up by Caroline Laughton and Justin Lowe, the Sussex-based catering company, who cover Sussex and Surrey, are passionate about food and creating a first class dining experience – they’re also a lot of fun too!
Over to head chef and founder, Justin (who has over 25 years’ experience in catering – including working at London Hilton Park Lane and on the QE2) to hear more…
Hi Justin! How did you get into weddings?
I joined with business partner, Caroline, in 2013 – expanding from parties to weddings.
How would you describe what you do?
We try to tailor to what the clients are hoping for. Our USP is our versatility and, in recent years, the converted horsebox which houses one of our pizza ovens.
Who doesn’t love pizza? What do you love most about being a wedding caterer?
Finishing the day knowing it was a huge success, and receiving thank you cards from couples telling me how much they and their guests enjoyed the food.
What’s been your highlight so far?
Catering for a celebration party in Majorca and also running our biggest wedding (including bars too) for a marquee wedding in Sussex last year.
What would be your top tip for choosing a wedding caterer?
Choose a company you feel comfortable with rather than who your friends might choose, it’s a very personal day.
5 second questions
The song I love to dance to most is…
I’m a wall flower, strictly propping up the bar rather than dancing!
What biscuits would you like to see most in the biscuit tin, and why?
Bourbon, I like to split them in half, eat the filling then the biscuit!
What bit of advice would you give to your younger self?
Work harder at school!
Who is your secret celebrity crush?
Kylie Minogue
Thank you Justin, so lovely to chat with you. See more from the Gourmet Chef by visiting: www.thegourmetchef.co.uk, and on Instagram.
Many thanks to the lovely Shelley Welti for the help in putting this feature together for me.