Our culinary journey started with a chocolate cake fit for a princess.

Thirteen years ago, the Rural Housing Trust wanted someone to cater for one of their conferences, and we were sought out by the organisers following a recommendation.

The patron of the Trust was in attendance, HRH Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, and her bodyguard was detailed to retain the Sachatorte – which was duly taken back to Gatcombe Park.

After that, the trickle of requests became a torrent, and Croxfords was born.

Now regular events include society weddings and a large number of faithful clients who return to us again and again for consistently wonderful food served with style.

I have lived in the Middle East, India and Africa, and use a colourful and creative palate when creating our culinary experiences.

We are fortunate that our clients include numerous celebrities and titled dignitaries, and one or two chefs who are well known in their own right.

Croxfords are also preferred caterers at Rousham House, an honour.

Our stylish cuisine is perfect for every occasion, but weddings have become something of a speciality. No two are the same and each venue has its own challenges, especially in the planning stage and the logistics of running of the day.

Attention to detail is a must, staff thoroughly trained, timing is of great importance and a strict agenda has to be adhered to, to ensure the day is perfect. We love a creative challenge and see the entire event as a performance.

We were proud to be regional finalists in this year’s Guides for Brides Award and have every intention of winning next year!

We spend our summers catering for society weddings and functions and once the final canape has been served, we get back to our kitchen at Upper Heyford and start work on Christmas hampers and this year our Pickled to Perfection range.

It is most definitely the season of the preserve-jams, jellies, chutneys and sauces. Kitchens across the county are filled with the unmistakable autumn aroma of pickling of one sort or another.

The kitchen here at Croxfords is no exception – in fact the whole autumn pickling season has taken our love of all things preserved to a new level this year with the launch of our own range of preserves and pickles.

Handmade in small batches from freshly sourced, local ingredients the range contains nothing but the bounties of Mother Nature and lots of love. Our new range contains no preservatives, E-numbers or other nasties and is totally vegetarian and vegan friendly.

The range includes Grandad’s Apple Chutney, Jezma’s Muddy Onions, Proper Piccalilli, Chipotle Molasses BBQ Sauce and Zucchini Relish.

Getting the look and feel right was paramount for us and the range includes three very British pillars of the condiment club as well as two American recipes as a nod to our American cousins who resided at Upper Heyford USAF military base from 1950-1994.

The Pickled to Perfection range is available on 01865 232616 and from carefully selected local outlets.

croxfords.com