The Cresset, in Bretton, Peterborough, has appointed local firm Chef De La Maison to provide top quality food to wedding parties and its corporate customers.

Cresset managing director Julian Stanley and Chef De La Maison directors Nathan Higgins and Charis Wedgwood signed their contract on Thursday, July 3 – marking what they hope will be an exciting new era for the Bretton venue, which plays host to thousands of wedding and special events guests as well as conference customers every year.

Mr Stanley said: "We are delighted to have formed a partnership with Chef De La Maison. The quality of the food they are producing for Cresset customers is mouth-wateringly impressive. They have designed a wonderful range of menus that are guaranteed to appeal to all tastes, while offering plenty of choice at very competitive prices. We are particularly pleased to have found a first class local business to work with, and one that has strong and very real links to Peterborough."

Chef De La Maison's association with The Cresset takes Nathan back to his roots as he used to work at the venue almost 10 years ago while in the process of setting up his business.

He said: "When I worked at the Cresset I was impressed by the quality of acts it attracted, not to mention its great facilities for functions as well as its fantastic kitchen. For wedding parties and special events I believe it is one of the largest venues in the city. I am pleased that as two local businesses we can support each other in this way.

"We are working with The Cresset to offer up to five different menu packages for clients. But we can also offer a bespoke service where clients tell us what they want and we will supply it. We offer a wide range of catering options, from sandwiches and baguettes to a full hog roast or the finest French cuisine."

Former Jack Hunt schoolboy, Nathan trained as a chef at Peterborough Regional College's Parcs Restaurant where he also studied business.

His flair for French cookery shone through, and in 1998 he was approached to cater for a wedding party.

He and waitress Charis teamed up to host the event and the business blossomed from there.

In their first year of trading, the pair catered for 30 weddings before branching out into corporate events and outside bars.

The business partners employ up to 50 staff at their sites in Peterborough, Cambridge, Fenstanton and St Ives.

nor more information about corporate, private or special events at The Cresset, call Alison Kinch or Amanda Shoemake on The Cresset's dedicated functions team hotline: 01733 842515.