Dietaries & Allergens
Clear options, organised planning, and a professional approach
At Vlamber Catering, dietaries and allergens are treated as a core part of event planning—not an afterthought. We collect information early, design realistic alternatives, label clearly, and coordinate service so guests with dietary requirements receive proper options across corporate events, weddings, receptions, private dining and delivered office catering in London.
Why dietaries and allergens matter
London events often include international guest lists, mixed dietary preferences, and venues with strict procedures. Good catering means everyone can eat confidently and comfortably—without disrupting service flow.
Our aim is simple:
- Guests with dietaries receive real options, not “something last-minute”.
- Clients get a clear plan and organised communication.
- Service runs smoothly, whether the event is delivered or fully staffed.
We support this with:
- Structured information gathering during the brief
- Menu planning that includes alternatives as part of the core offer
- Clear labelling and practical service organisation
- Venue coordination where required
Dietaries we can cater for
We regularly provide tailored options across canapés, bowl food, buffets, plated dinners, working lunches and coffee breaks.
Vegetarian & Vegan
Balanced options designed with the same level of thought as the main menu.
Gluten-Free
Alternative dishes and components planned in advance and aligned with the overall menu.
Dairy-Free
Practical substitutions for sauces, desserts and creamy elements where needed.
Halal-friendly (on request)
Ingredient selection and menu planning aligned with the client’s requirements.
Nut-free (where requested)
Menu planning to reduce nut exposure and improve clarity for guests.
Other common requirements
Pescatarian
Egg-free
Low spice / mild (especially for corporate audiences)
Specific cultural or personal restrictions (discussed during the brief)
Allergens: how we reduce risk through planning and communication
It isn’t responsible to promise “zero risk” in any catering environment, but it is responsible to have a professional system for managing information, labelling, and service flow.
Our approach typically includes:
- Collecting dietary and allergen information early
- Reviewing the proposed menu and building suitable alternatives
- Clear labelling of trays, items and stations (where applicable)
- Organised separation during setup and service when required
- Team briefing on the day of the event
- Coordination with the venue where they have their own procedures
Ours menus
For delivered / drop-off catering and self-serve formats, clear labelling is essential.
We can label:
- Product name
- Dietary markers (e.g., V, VG, GF, DF — as agreed)
- Key allergen notes relevant to the item
- Support service flow by directing guests to appropriate options
- Run assisted service for buffets/stations if needed
- Coordinate with planners/venues on guest requirements
How we integrate dietaries
Our goal is to include alternatives within the main experience so dietary guests receive options that match the event standard.
Examples:
- A core canapé selection plus vegan/vegetarian equivalents
- Bowl food options with a vegan alternative designed to look and feel consistent
- Dessert options with a dairy-free or gluten-free alternative where required
This approach prevents dietary guests from receiving something improvised or mismatched.
Practical examples by service format
- A balanced mix including vegetarian/vegan canapés within the canapé rotation
- Gluten-free options planned into the canapé selection
- Clear labelling where items are displayed or self-served
- Trays or individual boxes with clear differentiation and labelling
- “Clean” options suited to meetings (easy to eat, minimal mess)
- Dietary alternatives included as proper meal components, not side items
- Gluten-free snack options (fruit pots, suitable baked options, selected snacks)
- Vegan options where required
- Clear labelling for mixed groups
- Vegan bowls designed as full dishes (proper protein + sauce + finishing)
- Gluten-free or dairy-free options matched to the same style and portioning
- Pre-confirmed alternatives for each dietary guest
- Coordination with seating plans where available
- Controlled service flow to ensure the right plates reach the right guests
What we need from you
For a well-organised approach, we ask for:
- Estimated number of guests with dietaries
- The type of restriction (preference vs allergy)
- Any severity notes (e.g., sensitivity to traces)
- Final dietary list in advance (timing depends on the event size)
The earlier we receive accurate information, the more consistent and integrated the final menu will be.
Ready to share your dietaries?
If your event includes guests with dietary requirements or allergies, tell us how many guests, what the restrictions are, and the service format you’re considering. We’ll build a clear plan and propose a menu that works for everyone.