Jacaranda at Cowdray

Phern Latta is Senior Event Manager at Jacaranda Catering. Jacaranda are located on the Cowdray Estate and with over 20 years’ experience in their industry can cater for a diversity of needs. We met with Phern and asked her some questions about working with Cowdray.

What do you love most about Cowdray House?

Cowdray House is a stunning 22-bedroom house which is steeped in history and set in beautiful West Sussex countryside. It is the perfect place to hold a wide variety of events including house parties, corporate retreats and weddings.

Why do Jacaranda and the events team at Cowdray House work well together?

Jacaranda and the team at Cowdray House share the same ethos towards everything they do. Quality, presentation and service are paramount to both businesses.

If there were no restrictions, what menu would you serve at an event, and why?

Banqueting style with lavish arrangements of food and drink fits Cowdray House perfectly. This would have been the traditional style of food served at the house in the early 1800’s. However, the house is not only suitable for these large banquets but also for smaller, more private six course tasting menus, or even an event with just canapes and bowl food. The gardens and the lower lawn to the side of the house lend themselves to smarter more laid-back picnics throughout the warmer months.

How do you cater for vegans and those with special dietary requirements? 

Jacaranda prides itself in having the ability to cater for all dietary requirements and have incorporated a vegan and vegetarian alternative for every dish on our new menu. We are fully aware that the catering industry is heading towards a plant based and a more sustainable way of working with food which we are whole heartedly embracing.

How are events evolving and how do you ensure each one is unique?

Each one of Jacaranda’s events is unique. We listen to the client’s thoughts and ideas and work with them to design a dream event that becomes a reality.

How do you stand out in a competitive market?

We never like to keep still; we are always looking at what else is out there – whether this be delicious, creative street food or new food trends.

How do you affiliate yourself with Cowdray Estate?

Our relationship with the events team at Cowdray House is second to none. They are a great team to work with, and always make us feel at home.

Is there a standout event Jacaranda have catered for a Cowdray House and what made it so special?

We have done many weddings and corporate events at Cowdray House all of which are very special but there is one event that stands out that. We worked with Beattie Bailey, a creative event planner and stylist, and created beautiful food stalls and dessert stations that incorporated the grounds and stunning gardens throughout Cowdray House. However, each event at Cowdray is unique and we look forward to working on many more together.