In 2023, Port of Aberdeen completed its expansion of the Aberdeen South Harbour, catalysing a multi-billion pound economic and jobs boost for Scotland. Completed in August 2023, this £420 million expansion project was the largest marine infrastructure project in Trust Port history.
In order to celebrate this triumphant event, a number of fellow local businesses applied to supply the catering for the official opening, however, in collaboration with Katrina Dunbar from Dunbar Events & Marketing, Hudsons won the application in January 2023. Having catered for Aberdeen Harbour Board in the past, this was not our first time working with the fantastic team at Port of Aberdeen.
Event overview
The event itself took place over Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd September 2023 at Nigg Bay. 250 VIPs alongside Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal attended the official opening on the 22nd, while Saturday’s event was a more intimate occasion which celebrated the staff who worked on the project alongside their friends and families.
For the entirety of the weekend, fellow local businesses collaborated to celebrate the special occasion, with the likes of Esslemont Marquees providing the marquees to house the attendees and special guests.
Given the event’s stature, the client requested a completely bespoke menu composed of dishes that showcased the best local flavours and ingredients. The menu was designed by Ann Milne, Hudsons’ Executive Chef and Director, who possesses more than 35 years’ industry experience.
An additional requirement was sustainability, so this was kept at the forefront of our minds when planning decorations, cutlery and tableware. Suki Hudson, Founder and Owner of Hudsons Catering, thoughtfully chose the decorations and ensured that the sustainability requirements were adhered to.
Menu breakdown
On Friday, the menu consisted of modern takes on local classics such as seared Aberdeen Angus beef with garlic aioli, North Sea haddock and chip cones, miniature Aberdeen rowie ‘grilled cheese’, and roast tomato with whipped goats cheese on focaccia supplied by local baker, The Breadmaker. Desserts included local berry fruit tarts, millionaires shortbread and more, while a grazing station was also provided.
On Saturday, the menu similarly hosted many local dishes and seasonal ingredients such as McWilliam haggis balls with whisky dip, Cove Bay heather honey glazed crispy chicken, braised featherblade of Aberdeenshire beef with caramelised shallots, and more. On both occasions, vegan and vegetarian options were available for guests to enjoy.
Over the weekend, Hudsons supplied 15 front of house staff and 5 chefs to ensure the attendees received the highest quality food and service to mark such a special occasion.
Hudsons is proud to have been chosen to contribute to such a memorable and historic event, and is grateful to have worked alongside Katrina Dunbar of Dunbar Events & Marketing who generously provided us this testimonial:
“I was delighted when they were selected from the tender process for the Port of Aberdeen launch weekend, which I project managed. A bespoke menu, spectacular floral displays from Suki - they even came up with personalised gin bottles using the launch branding unprompted. They go the extra mile every time and I would heartily recommend working with the lovely team there.”
The North-east’s premier choice for corporate and event catering
Are you interested in partnering with Hudsons Catering for an upcoming corporate event? Whether you’re looking to host VIPs such as this event, or are looking to cater for a more relaxed environment, we encourage you to get in touch with our experts today.