Summer: The show must go on!
With no celebrations for months, now’s the time to start planning
Brigit Grant is the Jewish News Supplements Editor
WA Carr & Son
No one could accuse Max Hermet of letting the grass grow during lockdown. As the owner of WA Carr & Son, an event hire and management company, he was delivering much-needed catering equipment to St Mary’s Hospital.
Now he is back in action with his team, setting up spectacular bell tents and inflatable outdoor cinemas in the private gardens of those who want to hold a small-scale simcha or just keep the mood upbeat over summer.
Hosting a night in a tent with a film screening is exactly what the kids want in the absence of a holiday or camp, and Max has also been using his skills to cover external space for those who need it, such as football clubs, pubs and cafés. British weather being what it is means that gazebos are essential, particularly at a BBQ, so consider the options.
For anyone also thinking about an event, WA Carr & Son has not just got marquees (including one on three metre legs) but everything one requires, from table settings and furniture to décor and props, as the company has skilled carpenters and even welding machines on-site.
“Event management was a natural progression for us,” says Max, who can now organise every aspect of an event, including the caterers, band, DJ, flowers, photo booths, balloons and knives and forks. “On-the-day management is so important as we know everything, from the layout of the room to what plugs and generators are needed. We don’t work on massive margins, but we are the first ones in and the last to leave.”
Cook in the House
With a diploma in cordon bleu and a little business experience, Beverley Bersch launched her own kosher catering company named after her late grandfather, Toby Levy.
What he would have made of the past months is hard to know, but his granddaughter is ready to help would-be celebrants plan for the future.
Over the past 30 years, Beverley has fed a prestigious list of royals, MPs and celebrities, and all the food is prepared and cooked on the day on site. Alongside being the designated kosher caterer at the House of Commons, the House of Lords, Clarence House, St James’ Palace and Lambeth Palace, Toby Levy works at most of London’s five-star hotels, and their vast menu means everyone is catered for, including those with food intolerances. Even other caterers use Toby Levy for their own functions – and you can’t get a better recommendation than that!
or call 020 8505 2725
Kvelling Kitchen
Challah, cheesecake, kugel, salt beef. Hungry yet? Then you should think about calling Jasmine Catering, as it has everything you could possibly want to eat and you don’t have to wait for a party to enjoy it.
The company even does a special Shabbat menu and attends to the requirements of vegetarians, as well as marking up all nut, wheat and gluten content with symbols. A salmon board for four or rosemary and garlic marinated lamb ribs for one… If you are not ready to eat out, why not invite Jasmine Catering in to discuss menus for that next big event?
To support the community, the company is also offering free delivery on all orders. The minimum order value is £15.
www.jasminecatering.co.uk / 020 8455 2789
Music Mi Casa
Remember when you stood shoulder to shoulder in an open stadium watching a band? Well, that was then. Now, you don’t have to lean on anyone or scramble to the front to be able to see, because the music comes directly to you. Yes, handsome young folk with fantastic voices will perform in your garden so that you don’t have to turn up the
speakers or attempt a solo yourself.
Go to Facebook to see how the AhMen a capella group brought joy
to a birthday in lockdown, or how Craig Kent brought his vocals to
a Borehamwood cul de sac.
There is even a high brow option, with The Doorstep Duo, who sing opera – and their rendition in a care home of We’ll Meet Again is eye-watering stuff. Levi Levin of Ah Men even offers a digital barmitzvah service with remote and manned cameras to bring the broadcast and entertainment up to scratch.
AhMen: info@levilevin.com
Craig Kent: 07813 589830, events@krypton-nites.co.uk
The Doorstep Duo 07866 529350
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