UGANDAN COFFEE FESTIVAL CASE STUDY
UGANDAN COFFEE FESTIVAL AFTERPARY AT SECOND HOME SPITALFIELDS
The Ugandan Coffee Festival Afterparty at Second Home Spitalfields brought together industry professionals, cultural ambassadors, and special guests to celebrate Uganda’s rich coffee heritage in a stylish, East London setting. Following a day of immersive tastings and trade showcases, the afterparty provided a relaxed space for networking, conversation, and cultural exchange — all against the backdrop of one of London’s most creative venues.
The London Kitchen was proud to cater the event, delivering a menu that honoured Ugandan. Working closely with the Ugandan High Commission and event organisers, our team curated a bespoke offering that reflected the warmth and vibrancy of Ugandan hospitality. With a focus on flavour, presentation, and seamless service, we helped create an evening that was both culturally authentic and thoroughly memorable.
THE GOALS
The goal of the Ugandan Coffee Festival Afterparty was to extend the celebration of Uganda’s world-class coffee in a relaxed and engaging environment. As an extension of the main festival, the afterparty continued to spotlight Ugandan-grown coffee — bringing together guests, roasters, and cultural representatives to enjoy it in a more informal setting. The focus remained firmly on the coffee, with every element of the evening designed to complement and elevate its unique character.
The London Kitchen was tasked with creating an authentic Ugandan-inspired menu that would enhance the flavour journey of the coffee being showcased. Our chefs carefully developed the menu in collaboration with the Ugandan High Commission, then brought in a specialist Ugandan chef to ensure the flavours, ingredients, and presentation remained true to tradition. We worked alongside him on the day of the event to deliver a food experience that was culturally respectful, flavourful, and perfectly paired with the coffee at the heart of the celebration.
THE CHALLENGE
The main challenge was achieving authenticity while working within the logistical constraints of an external venue and a one-day event setup. Sourcing specific Ugandan ingredients in London required careful planning, and ensuring that the dishes remained true to their roots — while still suitable for a contemporary catering environment — demanded close collaboration with our guest chef. Balancing cultural integrity with seamless delivery in a fast-paced service setting was key to the success of the evening.
GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND
To ensure the menu was not only inspired by Uganda but truly representative of it, The London Kitchen brought in a specialist Ugandan chef to collaborate on the final dishes. While our team designed the initial concept, we knew that authenticity couldn’t be compromised — so we worked hand-in-hand with him to refine recipes, source culturally accurate ingredients, and bring the true spirit of Ugandan cuisine to life.
Our chefs didn’t just replicate flavours — they immersed themselves in the process. From adjusting seasoning to match regional preferences, to adapting traditional techniques for large-scale service, the collaboration was hands-on and detail-driven. On the day of the event, we worked side by side with our guest chef in the kitchen to ensure each dish honoured its origins while maintaining the high standards of execution The London Kitchen is known for.
LOGISTICAL EXPERTISE
Delivering an authentic, high-quality experience within a one-day setup required careful logistical coordination. From transporting specialist ingredients to managing a full kitchen build at Second Home Spitalfields, our operations team ensured everything was in place — on time, and to spec. The venue’s creative layout meant that thoughtful space planning was essential for both back-of-house flow and front-of-house service.
We also managed the balance between live food preparation and timed service, ensuring dishes were delivered fresh without disrupting the flow of the event. With precise scheduling, experienced staffing, and a mobile catering setup designed to adapt to any environment, we ensured that the service felt effortless — allowing the coffee and culture to take centre stage.
THE RESULTS
The response to the event was overwhelmingly positive. Guests praised the seamless service, beautifully presented dishes, and the authenticity of the flavours delivered throughout the evening. The collaboration with the Ugandan chef was widely acknowledged as a highlight, with the food playing a central role in the atmosphere and guest experience.
OUTCOME
The catering was described as one of the most memorable aspects of the event, with the High Commissioner of Uganda personally praising the menu for bringing “a true taste of home” to the celebration. The success of the evening has strengthened our relationship with the Ugandan High Commission and affirmed our ability to deliver culturally sensitive, high-standard catering in a dynamic live setting.
