Earlier this month, the Hog Roast Lancaster team loaded up the van, set the sat nav for Bailrigg and headed off to be part of something pretty special.
Grizedale College – known by many as the social heart of Lancaster University – was turning 50, and they were keen to celebrate it properly. If you’ve seen it recently, then you’ll know it’s a lively, modern space with plenty going on – but back when it first opened in October 1975 things were a lot more low-key.
Fast forward half a century and this big milestone felt like the perfect excuse to gather students, staff and alumni together for a proper celebration.
And with a boar as their mascot, well the food choice pretty much made itself.
Hog Roast Lancaster was brought in to cater for around 260 guests, which included plenty of familiar faces returning to campus for the occasion. Our catering manager, Sam, made sure everything kicked off smoothly by getting the team set up early that afternoon. That gave us plenty of time to get the hog roasting slowly – after all, perfection isn’t something you can rush.
As the hours ticked by, the pork went from fresh pink to beautifully golden with crispy crackling forming on the outside and that rich, savoury smell doing its job of drawing people in. Alongside it, Hog Roast Lancaster had whipped up our famous homemade applesauce and sage and onion stuffing – simple touches, but they make all the difference.
At the same time, we made sure our meat-free options were just as tempting. The BBQ pulled jackfruit buns were a big hit – sticky, smoky and topped with a bit of crunch from the plant-based ‘slaw. For those after something a little lighter, our grilled vegetable kebabs (with optional halloumi) and a side of tzatziki, sweet chilli sauce and flatbreads kept things fresh and easy.
By the time service got going, there was a steady flow of guests, plenty of chat and that relaxed, happy buzz you want from an event like this.
We even got lucky with the weather. For a 7pm start, the sun stuck around and it really added to the atmosphere.
All in all, a brilliant way to mark 50 years – and Hog Roast Lancaster was glad to be part of it.
