Welcome to Merlins Catering
We are an experienced outside catering company providing high quality cuisine from our commercial kitchens in West Parley, Dorset. Providing a first-class service to a vast number of corporate organisations across Dorset and Hampshire, we also offer a unique and personal approach to individual clients, for that special occasion, such as weddings, milestone celebrations and other special events.
Director and Executive Chef Dave J Brown, nicknamed ‘Merlin’ because of his wizardry in the kitchen, is a classically-trained chef with over twenty-five years experience in the catering profession. He is a member of the Institute of Hospitality (MIH), holder of the CIEH Advanced Food Hygiene Certificate and proud recipient of the Purbeck District Council Food Safety Award. As a qualified staff trainer, Dave ensures that all kitchen members of staff are trained to a minimum of CIEH Level 1 Food Hygiene and that good working practice is guaranteed in accordance with the guidelines of The Food Standard Agency ‘Safer Food Better Business’.
Chef Dave promotes local, fresh produce both free range and organic wherever possible. His strength and ability to organise and deliver exceptionally high standards of cuisine in a variety of locations, have gained Merlins a reputation for constantly exceeding customer expectations.
Catering Manager to Merlins, Shaun Berry, has earned his reputation amongst the most elite of culinary establishments throughout the United Kingdom. Gaining recognition at the Luxury Country House Holne Chase, in Devon, he aspired to award-winning pattissiere. He cooks with a passion and his knowledge and enthusiasm are supported by his extensive training by top international chefs.
Merlins Catering, with their years of experience, work with excellent, knowledgeable, attentive staff, fulfilling an array of catering requirements:
- Sole caterer for exclusive wedding venue Parley Manor, Dorset.
- Preferred caterer for Solent Scene, Blue Line Cruises and Greenslades Pleasure Boats; chartered by corporate organisations for social events, product launches and private hire
- Exclusive caterer and Catering Consultant for Detox-in-a-Box; providing daily nutritious, healthy meal plans
- Preferred caterer for Opera House, Bournemouth; Corporate Social Events, Weddings
- Preferred caterer for Highcliffe Castle, Dorset; Weddings and Celebrations
For any celebration, Merlins has something to offer.
Our expanding file of thank you cards and letters is very personal to us and you are welcome to thumb through the many positive comments from our clients. Here are some of the recent compliments received: -
Thank you so much for all your help and advice and truly the most fantastic wedding meal we have ever experienced. Dave’s famous cheesecake is still being talked about! Newlyweds Mr and Mrs Bright, Southampton.
We were asked many times who you were, the fish was amazing and also all your lovely salads and cold meats. Mrs Mortimer, Poole.
The food was hot and delicious we will definitely recommend you to others. Mr and Mrs Williams, Bransgore, Christchurch.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I congratulate you and your staff on the consistency and quality of the cuisine that you provide. Mr P L Gray, Branksome, Bournemouth.
