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BBQ catering
BBQ catering costs £15 to £30 per head in the UK for a staffed barbecue with two or three meats, a vegetarian option, salads and bread. Smoked meats such as brisket and ribs, cooked low and slow, sit above that range, at £25 to £40.
What this covers
What it costs. A staffed BBQ costs £15 to £30 per head with two or three meats, a vegetarian option, salads and bread. Full cost breakdown.
What the job covers
- A staffed barbecue with three meats and salads for a garden party of 60
- Smoked brisket, ribs and pulled pork for a barn wedding
- A company summer barbecue for 150 in a car park
- An evening barbecue after a daytime wedding meal
- A barbecue with a proper vegetarian menu for a 40th birthday
What is involved
There are two kinds. A classic grill cooks burgers, sausages, chicken, kebabs and halloumi on gas or charcoal grills at the event, served with salads, coleslaw and bread. A smokehouse menu of pulled pork, brisket and ribs is smoked for hours, often started the day before, and finished and served on site. Either way the caterer brings the grills, staff and serving tables, and most offer upgrades such as corn, jacket potatoes, desserts and plated service.
Demand is summer-shaped. Searches for BBQ catering rise from April and peak in May and June, and caterers' summer Saturdays book early. Weather is the other variable: the grills can cook under a gazebo, but guests will want cover too, so a plan for rain matters. Chicken and burgers must be cooked through, and a caterer working to a food safety management system probes them to temperature rather than guessing.
The practical check is the site. A barbecue needs a flat pitch away from marquee walls and overhanging trees, with the smoke going away from guests. Some venues restrict charcoal or open flames, so check before you book. caterers.trade lists only caterers rated 3 or above, or Pass in Scotland.
Choosing someone for the job
Ask which meats are included, how many portions per head, and what the vegetarian and vegan options are. Ask whether they cook on gas or charcoal, and what they need from the site. Ask about the rain plan. Ask whether plates are disposable or crockery, and who clears away. And ask how they check meat is cooked through, because the answer tells you whether they work to a food safety system.
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Common questions
How much does BBQ catering cost per head?
£15 to £30 per head for a staffed barbecue with two or three meats, salads and bread. A simple grill for a large crowd can be £12 to £18, and a smoked brisket and ribs menu £25 to £40.
Is a BBQ cheaper than a hog roast?
For large crowds a hog roast in rolls is usually cheaper per head, because one pig feeds many. For a party of 30 to 50, or where guests want choice, a barbecue often comes out similar or cheaper.
What happens to a catered BBQ if it rains?
The grills can cook under a gazebo, so the food still happens. The question is where guests eat, so agree a covered area or a marquee plan with the venue and caterer in advance.
Is a BBQ good for a wedding?
It suits relaxed and outdoor weddings, especially as a main meal in summer or as evening food. For a formal day, a smokehouse menu with plated or sharing service is closer to a traditional wedding breakfast.