Jane’s Kitchen offers homespun hospitality

A passion for good food and attention to detail, borne from fine North Antrim homespun traditions, are central to the success of the Broughshane based business that is taking outside catering to a new level in Northern Ireland - and beyond.

Established 24 years ago by husband and wife team, David and Jane Allen, ‘Jane’s Kitchen’ has long been synonymous locally with top quality food that tastes every bit as good as it looks.

From a humble start in the world of catering, operating from the farmhouse kitchen of Jane’s mum, Helen King, the business first ‘set up shop’ on Ballymena’s Pat’s Brae.

Such was its success that other branches followed on Lower Mill Street and Broughshane Street and at High Street in Antrim.

However, increasing competition in those locales for brunch, lunch and afternoon takeaway trade coupled with the steady growth of ‘Jane’s’ outside catering, prompted the decision in 2001 to make hospitality the focus of the business and move it to a new base in The Garden Village of Broughshane.

Eleven years on and ‘Jane’s Kitchen’ is at the forefront of its field, catering for all types of events from weddings to family parties, corporate functions to christenings.

No occasion is too big or too small and the company, which has just been awarded the top ‘5 rating’ in the new National Food Hygiene Rating Scheme, caters country-wide. Weddings are a speciality of Jane’s Kitchen which, on average, caters for one such celebration each week.

The company works out of Larchfield Estate, Clandeboye Court Yard, Lissanoure Castle, Belfast City Hall, Marquee Weddings and also church halls when requested.

Whatever the venue, Jane Allen and her team of highly dedicated and extremely experienced staff understand the level of preparation that is required to ensure your Big Day passes seamlessly and remains in your mind for all the right reasons.

With almost a quarter of a century of know-how in their stead, Jane’s Kitchen can deliver catering perfection on that most special of days.

Coming up with just the right menu plan for a wedding, special family gathering or corporate get-together can be a daunting task for some people and for that reason, Jane and David decided to open a consultation room while recently renovating their Broughshane base and tea-room, ‘The Reading Room’, at 15 Main Street.

Right next door at No 17, the Consultation Room is the ideal spot to sit in comfort and calm with Jane and take time over a coffee and some of her renowned homemade treats to come up with a catering plan that’s tailored just to your needs and budget. From drinks reception to sitdown meal through to evening fare, everything can be arranged and timed to perfection by Jane’s Kitchen.

“We know that the prospect of a wedding or major function is exciting but that it can also make for an anxious time and we can take away that level of stress,” said Jane.

“In our consultation room, we can sit down together, listen to each other and make all the plans necessary to ensure everything goes well.

“For me, that is the real kick of catering - it’s helping people, calming and reassuring them and ultimately seeing their reaction on the day,” smiled Jane.

Earlier this month, Jane and the staff were delighted by the response of some very special guests at the Hope of Youth Dinner which they catered in City Hall, Belfast. Working away in the kitchen at the end of the night, they were surprised to see the Duchess of Gloucester walk in with Dame Mary Peters to say a personal ‘thank-you’ to them for a delicious meal.

Catering for royalty is, however, nothing new for Jane, David and staff. Just last year they presented their delicious fare at both Kilkeel and Gracehill for the visit of Prince Charles and Camilla.

It has to be said, however, for this family firm, each and every client is given VIP status.

Owners David and Jane are proud to be joined in their catering success story by son James (20) who is Logistics Manager, and by daughters Katherine (21), who is studying Events Management and Marketing at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, and Sara (17) during their summer breaks.

They are also justifiably proud of their six full-time staff, many of whom have been with them since inception, and their highly reliable bank of casual workers.

The support the business continues to enjoy from Broughshane and surrounding area has not gone unnoticed either - and it’s not going to go unrewarded!

To show their appreciation and to coincide with The Queen’s Jubilee celebrations, Jane’s Kitchen is hosting a ‘Pop Up’ Jubilee Afternoon Tea at their beautifully refurbished premises in the village, on Saturday, June 9, from 2pm. The event, which will feature such fitting entertainment as 50s music and a Victoria Sponge Cake competition, has no admission but any voluntary donations given on the day will go to the Broughshane Village Improvement Committee.

If you would like to find out more about the Jubilee Tea or about Jane’s Kitchen catering services email [email protected] or via Jane’s regularly updated Facebook page.

If you’re planning a wedding or other event why not get in touch on 25861010 for a meeting in her new Consultation Room which is by appointment only.