When Anna and Alastair, owners of Mesh Coatings Ltd, wanted to host a relaxed yet professional “thanks for your support” for their building industry clients and customers, they had an idea about beer and pies.

Anna explained “We talked to three caterers and Ruth Pretty was the one who grasped the concept instantly, was very professional and gave us a lot of extra ideas.

“When we realised they would organise all the details down to chairs and tables, we were sold. Our Craft Beer and Pie Evening for 175 guests became the easiest function we’ve ever organised!” 

Mesh Coatings Ltd are a specialist external cladding and membrane company, providing practical and long term waterproofing solutions.  They work as subcontractors for some of the leading construction companies in Wellington and work closely with builders, architects project managers, quantity surveyors and home owners

“The Construction industry is male dominated, so we wanted something that would suit our client base where they would relax and enjoy,” said Anna.

 “We have very high standards, and we wanted our hospitality to reflect that. Ruth and her team did an amazing job; they are very organised. I met with Paul at our fantastic venue, The Boatshed, a month ahead, and we went through all the practical details to our satisfaction.

“We decided to work with Panhead Brewery from Upper Hutt, and their range of beers was impressive.  See the menu.

“Mike from Panhead spoke about the different beers, from Pilsners and Pale Ales to Stout. Then Ruth talked about how she matched the pies to the beers, and how although she’s more of a wine drinker, the tasting and matching techniques are very similar. Their expertise and interesting talks added something extra to the evening, and everyone enjoyed it,” Anna and Alastair reported.

Snapper pie and Panhead Port Road Custom Pilsner was the most popular combo in the night, although Anna says she loved the Chicken, Bacon and Prune Pie with Stout. There were vegetarian options for eight of the guests, and the whole thing flowed really well.

“It wasn’t a hard sell kind of night; more about building relationships and providing our clients with knowledge about our services. We organised the night with four of our very supportive suppliers – Equus, Sto, Ardex and Rockcote – and ever since people have been asking when we’re going to do it again!"

Let Ruth Pretty Catering come up with an interactive idea for your party.