Planning a Hog Roast in Cornwall? 5 Questions You Need to Ask First

There’s nothing quite like a traditional hog roast to create a "wow" factor at a Cornish event. It’s a full sensory experience—the amazing smell, the impressive sight of the hog, and, of course, the delicious taste of perfectly cooked pork and that all-important crackling.

But if you're planning one for the first time, you probably have a few questions. As Cornwall's hog roast specialists, we believe you should know exactly what to expect. Here are the 5 questions you should ask any caterer before you book.

1. "How many people does one hog really feed?"

This is the most common question we get. People are (rightly) worried about running out of food, or over-ordering for a smaller gathering.

A typical full-sized hog can generously feed around 80-100 people. But what if you only have 40 guests?

A good caterer won't force you to buy a whole hog. We offer flexible options, like half-hogs or large, slow-roasted pork shoulder joints, all cooked and served in the same spectacular hog-roast style. We'll work with your exact guest count to make sure everyone is well-fed and nothing goes to waste.

2. "What’s actually included in the price?"

"Price per head" can mean very different things to different companies. You need to know what you're really getting. Does the price just include the meat, or is it the full experience?

Make sure to ask for an all-inclusive quote. Our hog roast packages, for example, always include:

• The hog (or pork) itself, sourced from a trusted local butcher.

• A professional, uniformed chef to cook, carve, and serve.

• The hog roast machine and all equipment.

• Fresh, soft bakery rolls.

• Our signature homemade apple sauce and stuffing.

• Plenty of crispy, perfect crackling.

• Serving tables, high-quality disposable plates, and napkins.

There should be no hidden fees or surprises on the day.

3. "What happens if it rains?"

Ah, the famous Cornish weather! This is a crucial question for any outdoor event in Cornwall. A downpour shouldn't mean a disaster.

A professional caterer is always prepared. We cook the hog in a dedicated, self-contained roasting machine, which is completely covered. We serve from under a high-quality, sturdy gazebo (which we provide) to create a dry, comfortable service area.

This means we can set up on a lawn, a patio, or a driveway, and your guests can get their food completely dry—even in a proper Cornish mizzle!

4. "What about my vegetarian and vegan guests?"

This is no longer an afterthought—it's essential. A hog roast shouldn't mean your non-meat-eating guests are left with just a plain roll.

Ask what vegetarian and vegan options are available. We pride ourselves on making sure all guests get a delicious, thoughtful meal. We always offer fantastic alternatives, like our popular grilled halloumi and mushroom burgers or spicy 'no-hog' bean-based options, served with a full range of fresh, vibrant salads, pasta, and potato dishes.

5. "What happens to all the leftover food (and the machine)?"

The last thing you want to be doing at the end of your own party is trying to figure out what to do with a half-carved hog.

Ask about the clean-up process. After the service, our chef will professionally carve all the remaining meat, place it onto platters, and hand it over to you—it's perfect for your guests to nibble on later or for you to enjoy the next day.

Once that's done, we discreetly and tidily clear everything away. We take the roaster, the carcass, and all our rubbish with us. We leave your event space exactly as we found it. Your only job is to enjoy your party.

A Hog Roast Should Be Easy and Impressive

Planning a hog roast should be a stress-free experience. At Salt Wind Catering, we've thought of everything so you don't have to. We're proud to offer a fully managed, professional service that guarantees a spectacular (and delicious) centrepiece for your event.

Ready to get a no-obligation quote for your party? Check out our BBQ & Hog Roast page for menu details or contact us today!