Relief Chefs & Event Catering
across the North West & the UK

Empty Plates Catering Services supplies experienced relief chefs to demanding kitchens, and delivers tailored outside catering for private and corporate events.

25+ years Industry experience
North West & Countrywide Manchester, Liverpool, Chester, Cheshire, North Wales, the UK

Trusted by kitchens & event organisers

From short-notice relief cover to full event catering, we match the right chef and menu to your venue, guests, and budget.

Hand-picked relief chefs for hotels, restaurants & venues
Bespoke menus for weddings, corporate events & private dining
Flexible cover across the North West and further afield

Information for relief chefs

We are always interested in hearing from experienced chefs who would like to work with Empty Plates on a relief or event basis. Our onboarding process is straightforward and designed to make sure we match you with the right kitchens and events.

Register with us via our platform, ChefAdvisor.

Once you have supplied all your credentials, we will receive your application and will get you on board.

Relief Chefs for demanding kitchens

We supply experienced, reliable relief chefs who can step straight into busy professional kitchens, maintain your standards, and support your team.

Whether you need emergency cover, support during peak season, or longer-term placements, we work with hotels, restaurants, contract caterers and event venues across the North West and the wider UK.

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Hand-picked chefs

Each chef is vetted for experience, professionalism and the ability to perform under pressure.

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Flexible cover

Short-term shifts, seasonal peaks or ongoing assignments tailored to your rota.

Contact Us

Typical clients

  • • Hotels & resorts
  • • Gastro pubs & restaurants
  • • Event venues & stadiums
  • • Contract & corporate catering
  • • Care homes & Respite Centres
  • • Hospitals
  • • Schools & Nurseries
  • • Companies Staff Restaurants

Areas covered

North West including Manchester Liverpool Chester Cheshire North Wales Further UK by request

Bespoke event catering

From intimate dining to large-scale corporate events, we design menus and provide full catering teams to suit your occasion.

As an established company supplying outside catering and corporate event catering services for clients of very different needs, Empty Plates are well accomplished in the delivery of food & beverage in the most demanding situations across the UK, including Cheshire, Chester, Manchester and Liverpool.

Plan your next event
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Weddings & celebrations

Tailored menus for weddings, birthdays and family gatherings, with service styles to match your day.

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Corporate & business

Product launches, conferences, away days and office entertaining, all planned around your brief.

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Fully managed events

We coordinate staffing, kitchen logistics and service so you can enjoy the event with your guests.

About Empty Plates

Empty Plates Catering Services is managed by Gary McDonnell, who has spent many years in the catering industry and has a detailed working knowledge of both private and corporate catering operations.

Combining a relief chef agency with full event catering allows us to provide flexible staffing solutions as well as complete event food and service, all under one roof.

Experienced leadership

Decades of experience in managing teams, events and complex kitchen operations.

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Trusted relationships

Long-standing links with caterers and venues throughout the North West and the UK.

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Based in West Lancashire

Well placed to support clients across Manchester, Liverpool, Chester and beyond.

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Direct contact

You speak directly with the person managing your chefs and events from start to finish.

Contact us

Tell us a little about your kitchen or event and we’ll get back to you to discuss availability, menus and pricing.

Business details

Company
Empty Plates Catering Services Limited
Location
West Lancashire, United Kingdom

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