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Our Story
At Karen Rhodes Wedding & Event Catering, our business was built on a passion for bringing people together over incredible food. It all started in the late 80s in a lively country pub in the Lakes, where great food, a buzzing atmosphere, and a few legendary football stories from ex-Liverpool and England player Peter Thompson (aka Grandad) made every evening one to remember.
A few years later, Karen and Phil (aka Mum and Dad) turned their love for hospitality into their own catering business. What started as a small venture quickly grew into something much bigger—a thriving company known for outstanding food, seamless service, and a commitment to making every event truly special.
After Mum sadly passed away in 2020, my sister Lucy and I took over the business, continuing the legacy that she and Dad built. With Dad still an integral part of the team, we remain dedicated to delivering the same exceptional food and service that our family has always been known for. We are incredibly proud to carry on what they started, ensuring every event is memorable and every meal is crafted with care—just as Mum would have wanted.
The Story Of Karen Rhodes Catering
It all started in the late 1970’s when my Grandad, Karen’s dad, Peter Thompson hung up his boots from being a football star and bought the Hare and Hounds Country Pub Inn at Bowland Bridge.
After meeting 2 years prior, Mum and Dad married in 1989. They both lived and worked in Grandad’s pub, the Hare and Hounds at Bowland Bridge, for 5 years before leaving to embark on their new venture; Karen Rhodes Wedding & Event Catering.
My parents Karen and Phil, the founders of Karen Rhodes Wedding & Events Catering, turned their dream into reality when they started our family business back in 1992. In its early years, the business started out with my parents hosting small dinner parties out of Grandad’s pub. Today, the business has grown tremendously, and we are proud to have catered for weddings and corporate events of all shapes and sizes across the Cumbria region and beyond.
Hosting the VIP Hospitality Marquee for Sir Elton John’s concert at Westmorland County Showground back in 2015 is a stand-out moment for our business and team. Our hospitality package included a 3-course Lakeland inspired meal and champagne in the VIP marquee. We of course enjoyed a boogie to the man himself after a successful day of work. Work hard, play hard, right?
The pandemic was a difficult time for all businesses, but it hit the wedding and event industry particularly hard. Karen Rhodes Wedding & Event Catering had to adapt, so that’s exactly what we did. In late 2020, we introduced ‘Dine in with Karen Rhodes Catering’, a meal package service offering freshly prepared ingredients and easy to cook instructions so customers could enjoy our tasty menus from home.
In 2022, once we had fully bounced back after setbacks brought on by the pandemic, we introduced both our Vintage Trailer and Street Food Van, offering a fun and tasty way to feed wedding or party guests.
The Heart of Our Business – Karen Rhodes
Mum was the driving force behind everything we do. She was a powerhouse of determination, integrity, and high standards, ensuring every event was executed flawlessly. Her passion for food was fuelled by her travels—whether it was a simple Salad Niçoise in the South of France, Antipasti and Prosecco in Venice, or indulging in a perfectly crafted French dessert on a ski trip, she believed food should be at the heart of every great experience.
Beyond the kitchen, Karen had another true love—horses. After working a 16-hour shift on a Saturday, she would be up at 5 am on Sunday to head to a horse show in the pouring rain, coming home saying it had been the best day ever.
Mum continues to inspire everything we do. Her dedication, love for food, and unwavering belief in doing things properly remain the backbone of our business.
Our Passion for Food & Service
Though we’ve expanded, our core values remain the same, delivering amazing food, offering a personal touch, and making every event feel truly special. We believe food should be a highlight of your celebration, whether it’s a beautifully plated wedding breakfast, a relaxed BBQ, or a feast from one of our food trucks. Every dish is crafted with care, using the best local ingredients to ensure exceptional quality and flavour.
As a family-run business, we love what we do, and we’re so grateful to be part of so many unforgettable celebrations. From helping couples plan their dream menus to ensuring every bite is perfect on the day, we put our heart and soul into every event.
Our dedicated team are passionate about food. Get in touch to discuss your event catering ideas and let us bring them to life for you and your guests.