Get To Know Us
Jacaranda was created by Bee, Jon & Ian in 1998 with the collective aim to establish a catering company with a reputation for exceptional food and service, attention to detail and value for money. Now well known throughout Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire, we are proud to say along our journey we have reached all our aims (and more!) and continue to grow and develop as a business.
You’ll find the team in the heart of the beautiful South Downs at Cowdray Park, between the sea and the city where our passion for planning sees us bring special occasions to life: From dream weddings to elegant parties, inspirational events and intimate dinner parties.
Whatever you are planning, we can’t wait to meet you!
Contact UsMeet The Team
Our team here at Jacaranda is filled with a range of dynamic personalities who are passionate about what they do.
Every member of the team has their own bit of magic that they bring to the mix, meaning life here at Jacaranda is most certainly nothing less than lively.
Ian Director
Ian
Having grown up with the family business Ian knows it inside out and from top to bottom. Over the years Ian has seen the team go from strength to strength and with Jacaranda now approaching its 24th Anniversary we are delighted to say the company remains as vibrant and progressive as ever.
Ian has always had a passion not only for fabulous food but also for bringing together the best people in order to achieve our collective goals of delivering the best events, food and service to our region.
Jamie Director & Executive Chef
Jamie
Jamie is our Director of food and has been with us for 14 years. Jamie loves creating new menus and especially enjoys spending a couple of days in the office with the Managers. At home Jamie has a lovely wife, Justine and three daughters who often come to help at events. Jamie likes to keep active and enjoys cycling, running and the gym! He loves to walk his dog, Peanut, who is a valued member of the office.
Q. What's your favourite cocktail?
A. Whisky sours or anything with whisky!
Q. What's your favourite Jacaranda dish?
A. King prawn and salmon won ton, warm king prawn, leek and tarragon salad,
tom yum broth
Nigel Director & Operations Manager
Nigel
Nigel is our Operations Director and looks after the events team. He has been with the company for over 13 years after spending the previous 10 years working for event caterers in London. Since leaving the Capital he has embraced the country lifestyle and enjoys long walks, pub lunches and always carries his golf clubs in the boot of his car just in case there is time for a cheeky round of golf.
Q. What's your favourite cocktail?
A. Cold lager after a long walk
Q. What's your favourite Jacaranda dish?
A. ‘Coffee and Cake’ cappuccino semi-fredo with warm brioche chocolate
pudding and bitter chocolate sauce
Phern Senior Event Manager
Phern
Phern has been a Manager at Jacaranda for over 8 years. Her ‘baby’ is Cowdray House and she is now excitingly planning her own wedding there for next spring with her fiancé Johnny, who she met at Jacaranda! In the office known as the Queen of cocktails, she is always on hand to help with quantities and recipes – she likes to drink them too! Outside of work Phern likes to spend time with her friends in the garden with an Aperol spritz in hand.
Q. What's your favourite cocktail?
A. Espresso martini
Q. What's your favourite Jacaranda dish?
A. White chocolate and dehydrated raspberry parfait with pistachio crumb, caramelised white chocolate, raspberry jelly and fresh raspberries
Jenni Office Manager
Jenni
Jenni is Jacarandas’ office Manager and also runs our Staffing Department. Jenni has been with Jacaranda for 5 years and is the first smiley face you see when you walk into the office. Outside of the office Jenni spends time with her family and walking her lovely dog, Bertie. Jenni is always hungry and on the lookout for snacks and has somehow managed to introduce ‘Wine Wednesday’s’ to the office which we all enjoy.
Q. What's your favourite cocktail?
A. Porn star martini
Q. What's your favourite Jacaranda dish?
A. Tomato tart tatin with creamed mild Sussex goat’s cheese infused with basil, wild rocket salad and rocket pesto
Hannah Event Manager
Hannah
Hannah is our Marquee Event Manager and has been with Jacaranda for nearly 8 years; starting off as a waitress and then joining the office in 2018. Hannah is the table top hire guru and loves to design your wedding with you. Outside of work Hannah spends most of her time down the yard with her horses and competing. She also loves to sing and travels to London for lessons. Hannah is always looking to be outside and will do as much work as possible in the sun!
Q. What's your favourite cocktail?
A. Spicy margarita
Q. What's your favourite Jacaranda dish?
A. Orecchiette with tomato fondue, pine nuts, basil sauce, shaved parmesan
Chermain Event Manager
Chermain
Chermain or Cham as she is known to the team, is our most recent Event Manager to join the Jacaranda family. Having worked in an array of different events and industries, Cham was keen to take on a new challenge. She manages all of our weddings at the stunning Northbrook park as well as a few other venues. Outside of work Cham leads a very active life with her fiancé and dog, Ozzie, who all love to run and explore. Cham also enjoys trips to London to visit her friends and family.
Q. What's your favourite cocktail?
A. Aperol sprtiz
Q. What's your favourite Jacaranda dish?
A. ‘KFC’ Korean fried cauliflower, kimchi slaw, spicy miso dressing
Lorna Accounts
Lorna
Lorna has been running the Accounts Department at Jacaranda for the last 9 years. She may not be customer facing but is a much valued member of the team, and keeps the wheels turning! Lorna is our excel expert who we always go to when we are stuck. Outside of work Lorna has two lovely daughters and two cats who keep her busy. She has just completed Couch to 5K, and loves park runs on a Saturday morning.
Q. What's your favourite cocktail?
A. A classic G&T
Q. What's your favourite Jacaranda dish?
A. Burrata, peach, pomegranate seeds, pomegranate reduction, honey, basil,
sourdough toast
Jago Head Chef
Jago
Jago is our Head Chef who has been with us for 13 years. Jago loves being in the prep kitchen and ensuring everything is done to the highest quality to then going out on events and presenting beautiful plates of food. Jago met his wife, Jane at Jacaranda and together they love to travel the world and go on lots of adventures. In his spare time he enjoys fixing cars and mechanical issues!
Q. What's your favourite cocktail?
A. Pina colada
Q. What's your favourite Jacaranda dish?
A. Mexican spiced polenta with sweet potato and halloumi enchilada,
tomatillo salsa, black beans and avocado
Dan Sous Chef
Dan
Dan has been with Jacaranda for 12 years and is one of our Sous Chefs. Dan loves the energy of an event and also loves to create new street food ideas for our sister company ‘Coco Dining’. At home Dan spends time with his family – Ayse, and their three daughters. He also loves to play football and enjoys golf but only in the sun!
Q. What's your favourite cocktail?
A. Peroni (it's actually a woo woo!)
Q. What's your favourite Jacaranda dish?
A. Duck breast, braised leg, red cabbage puree, heritage carrots, potato and
thyme galette, jus
Pete Sous Chef
Pete
Pete is one of our Sous Chefs and has been with Jacaranda for 8 years. Pete loves designing new dishes for our menu and trying new combinations – which are always delicious. Outside of work Pete loves to catch some sun in the garden with his wife, Julie. Pete’s son Leon or mini Pete as we call him, also comes to help us whenever he can, and we absolutely love them as a team.
Q. What's your favourite cocktail?
A. Espresso martini
Q. What's your favourite Jacaranda dish?
A. Beef carpaccio, pickled daikon, radish, shallot, wasabi mascarpone,
yuzu vinaigrette
Chas Office Security
Chas
Chas is our office security, he takes his role very seriously and has been in this position for 8 years. Chas enjoys clearing up snacks and going on long walks with his friend Peanut. However his favourite thing is going on adventures in the van with Ian, to deliver and collect our Coco Vans.
Likes: sardines
Dislikes: cucumber
Kind Words
Jacaranda are absolutely amazing! We could not have wished for better on our day. They are outstandingly professional and go above and beyond to make sure your day is spectacular. The food is just stunning and we have received the most amazing compliments from all of our guests who reported that it was the best wedding food they had ever had! Minty is absolutely wonderful and allowed us to fully relax and enjoy our day as we knew she had everything covered!