The roast copes; guests need shelter
A hog roast cooks under cover, so a shower doesn’t stop it. The roast takes hours either way. The real question is where your guests will be: queuing in the rain and eating standing on a soggy lawn isn’t much fun.
Where people eat
Plan somewhere covered: a marquee, barn, hall, garage, conservatory or a few gazebos. The food can usually be carried from the roaster to a serving table inside, if the venue agrees.
Ground conditions
Heavy rain turns lawns and fields soft. That matters for vehicles getting in and for the roaster standing level. Have a firmer back-up spot in mind, such as a patio, drive or yard, and tell your caterer about it.
Wind
Wind is often more of a nuisance than rain, especially on coastal and exposed sites. A sheltered cooking spot helps, as do secure gazebos for guests.
Cold and dark
In autumn and winter, it’s dark by late afternoon. Plan lighting for the cooking area and the path to it, and somewhere warm for guests.
A simple checklist
- A covered place to eat
- A firm back-up cooking spot
- Lighting for evenings
- A contact for the day who can make decisions
Tell everyone the plan
If you have a wet-weather plan, tell your caterer, your venue and your guests. Knowing there’s a marquee or hall to retreat to means guests come dressed for it and nobody panics if the forecast is bad.
Hiring cover
Gazebos and marquees can be hired at short notice in some areas, but not always in peak season. If the forecast looks doubtful a week out, act early.
Summer heat
A wet-weather plan is also a hot-weather plan. On a very hot day, shade matters as much as shelter does in the rain, and cold drinks help. The roaster gives off heat, so keep the queue in the shade where you can.
Wind on exposed sites
On hilltops, coastal sites and open fields, wind can be a bigger problem than rain. Gazebos for guests need weighting or pegging properly. Choose a sheltered cooking spot if you can.
When to decide
Decide your wet-weather plan in advance, not on the morning. Agree a deadline (say, the day before) to put up extra gazebos or move eating indoors, and tell your caterer which option you’ve chosen.
Footpaths and mud
After rain, the route from the car park to the party can become muddy. Think about mats or a firmer path for guests, and let the caterer know if their route in is likely to be soft.
Before you book
When you ask for a quote, tell us your wet-weather plan: where guests will eat, whether there’s a firmer back-up cooking spot and what lighting there is. It helps us plan the day properly.
Quick answers
Will you cancel if it rains?
No. We roast under cover. Plan shelter for guests.
Can the roast move indoors?
No, the roaster stays outdoors, but serving can usually move inside.
Planning an event? Tell us about it and we’ll check the date and send a quote.