Kelmsley Catering is based in the coastal village of Pagham, near Chichester, surrounded by delectable local produce. We are a small, family run business; a friendly bunch of food-obsessed, organised and outgoing individuals. We really love what we do. Since our first event nearly a decade ago, every member of our dedicated team shares our passion for exceeding expectations.
We believe good food makes people happy!
Classically trained at Tante Marie Culinary Academy, Head chef and Founder Jacqueline Wise, holds the prestigious Cordon Bleu Diploma and Level 4 Diploma in Professional Culinary Arts.
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Jacqueline has worked at Buckingham Palace, The Ritz and Michelin Star restaurants, as well as private homes and traditional pubs before setting up her own business in 2013. She now runs a portfolio of food businesses including @Positivelydeliciousfood, a Nomadic Fire-Cookery and Foraging School @Jacqueline Wise Chefs, a leading service in luxury fine-dining at home, and of course, @Kelmsleycatering for Weddings.
Jacqueline won TV Cookery Show 'Win it Cook it' on Channel 4 and is a regular on BBC Radio. An experienced Pit Master, she also cooks on stage at the UK’S biggest BBQ festivals.
When she isn’t cooking, or thinking about cooking, you’ll find Jacqueline sailing, surfing or wandering the hedgerows in search of foraged goodness with her daughters, husband and golden retriever named Dill. She works with a female-led team of fellow foodies, who cook with love, care and attention to every detail. We thank all those who support our small family business and hope to welcome you into our community.
Karleen
Whether cooking, running front of house or the behind the bar, Karleen is at the beating heart of Kelmsley Catering. From prepping, packing and setting up to running the show on the day, she is highly organised, efficient and conscientious. An Aussie with a love of BBQ, and an excellent sense of humour, she is also known for her ‘looks,’ ensuring the team is always on track “How do you make a sausage roll? Push it...”
Sam
With over 25 years of experience in the culinary world, Sam has worked in leading head chef roles across the South in high end restaurants and award winning establishments. He is organised, professional and always ready for a quick joke and a smile to keep the kitchen atmosphere tip top. His cooking is creative, with excellent presentation and we are lucky to have someone with his knowledge and wisdom as part of our team.
Tom
Having been brought up in a family of caterers, working events both front of house and in the kitchen, is second nature to Tom. Whether it be designing the perfect set up solution or expertly searing steaks, he is always on hand, to lend a hand. He is known for his unflappable nature, and penchant for Guinness at the end of a long shift. Good man. “Sometimes the best ideas, are the simplest ones”
Tim
With a strong background in hospitality and events, Tim transitioned from management to cheffing, acquiring a wealth of culinary skills working alongside top chefs in London. Specialising in bespoke catering for high-profile clients, he has catered over 600 events, including for celebrities and dignitaries. Known for his calm demeanor and innovative approach, Tim's reputation is built on quality, variety, and logistical excellence.
Mike
Also known as ‘Spreadsheet,’ Husband to Jacqueline, Mike is is a Quantity Surveyor by trade. His skills support chef Jacqueline and the team in logistics, organisation, efficiencies and procedures for the business. As financial director he is not only excellent with numbers, but we have also yet to find something he can't fix! “Always check, and then check again”
Izzy
An experienced chef, our cheeky ‘Frizzy Izzy,’ has creative flair for vegan and vegetarian food as well as cooking for those with dietary requirements, ensuring no one feels left our or goes hungry. She is also an award-winning ceramics designer, allotment holder and is always thinking of creative ways to display our food and keep our menus current.
Lou
A hard working and enthusiastic Lou is a permanent fixture front of house for Kelmlsey and we value her many years of experience working in events and passion for the business enormously. A smiley and fun loving person, she is the ultimate team player and is always the first to step up to any challenge.
“Always ready to go boss!”
Nicky
With us from the beginning, working front of house and as our bar manager, often with her twin boys Oscar and Archie, Nicky is always a bit sassy. She loves anything sparkly and is a fun and friendly asset to our team, as are her charming sons. Her many years of experience in events and hospitality are always be relied upon, and nothing is too much trouble for our glamorous gal, the ultimate grafter whose positive attitude never fails to keep us all smiling. “Team work makes the dream work darling”
David
From designing fabulous cocktails for an intimate celebration to event managing the team on our biggest events, David’s many years of experience managing hotels and working on private jets means he knows what needs to be done and when. Always looking dapper with impossibly perfect hair, David’s welcoming nature and genuine care for others makes him a very important member of the Kelmsley Team. “Service and style, delivered with a smile”