Savour the Day: Planning your Wedding Menu at Alfriston Gardens

Did you know why the meal served at a wedding is called the wedding breakfast? It’s because weddings used to be in the morning, often as part of usual church services. Couples would fast before the ceremony and then ‘break their fast’ afterwards, along with guests, which is why the meal that’s shared by everyone was referred to as the wedding breakfast.

While the traditional name still persists, wedding menus have changed a lot since the days of this eighteenth-century simple meal, and there are now more choices than ever when it comes to preparing your wedding breakfast – whatever time of day you serve it!

Here at Alfriston Gardens, we know how important the food and drink is at weddings, and it is a huge part of how the day unfolds. This is why we’ve teamed up with Black Pepper Hospitality to make sure you have the right refreshments to complement your day. With over 30 years’ experience, Black Pepper Hospitality has built-up an enviable reputation as one of Sussex’s leading event and catering companies, making them the ideal partner to work with us on weddings and events.

“Alfriston Gardens is by far one of the most exciting projects that we’ve been involved with,” says Dean Harding, the director of Black Pepper Hospitality. “It’s one of the top wedding venues in the south, and to be part of that is amazing. Their attention to detail is second to none, and the Woodland Barn and garden setting is exceptional.”

Dean describes Black Pepper Hospitality’s food as “contemporary yet classic, delicious and sexy.” With an emphasis on quality ingredients paired with impeccable service and event management, it’s no wonder that they also partner with amazing venues in the area such as the Brighton Dome and Corn Exchange.

Black Pepper aims to work with local suppliers where possible and is a proud champion of local produce, too. Meat comes from the century-old Handcross Butchers in Haywards Heath, while fresh seafood arrives directly from nearby Sussex ports such as Hastings. You can toast your nuptials with sparkling wine from local vineyard Rathfinny or with beers from Long Man Brewery, which crafts its award-winning lager and ales from a converted flint barn just down the road from us.

To whet your guests’ appetite, Black Pepper Hospitality has an enticing selection of canapes for your drinks reception. Crayfish and crispy caper tart, mini Yorkshire puddings with roast beef and horseradish, summer pea and mint arancini, whipped goat’s cheese with pickled red onion in a pastry cone… you’ll have a hard time narrowing your choice down from the extensive range on offer.

If you’re opting for a two- or three-course sit down meal, savoury dishes include nduja and potato croquettes, smoked salmon and dill mousse, Sussex beef brisket and ale pie, roasted aubergine topped with goats curd and tenderstem, root vegetable Wellington with sesame crust, Jamaican jerk chicken and slow cooked and pressed beef shin. To follow, be tempted by desserts such as raspberry millefeuille, dark chocolate and coconut pot, key lime pie or prune, Armagnac and almond tart. Or for more savoury delights, finish your meal with the cheeseboard of local cheeses including Brighton blue and Sussex brie.

Want a more informal dinner? You could opt for a barbecue, where you select three meat, seafood and vegetable dishes that are then served alongside salads and artisan breads.

For weddings with additional evening food, Black Pepper Hospitality has several delicious options: street food such as mac ‘n’ cheese or pulled pork, sourdough pizzas made fresh on site, hot bloomer sandwiches, a cheese buffet, an evening barbecue or fish & chip cones.

Got a really specific meal or dish you’d love to serve at your wedding? No problem, as flexibility is something that’s at the heart of Black Pepper Hospitality. “We’ve prided ourselves on this for over 30 years,” enthuses Dean. “We have a carefully curated selection of menus, but couples are welcome to go off-piste with their own recipes and favourite dishes. In fact, we positively encourage it! And we’re on-hand to give advice as well, to make sure the menu is just what couples want.”