Our Story
About Us
The Artisans’ Street Food Company offers specialist catering within Oxfordshire and the Home Counties. Everything we provide is sourced locally, utilising our knowledge of local producers and genuine artisans, who are experts in their field and passionate about their produce.
Our talented and knowledgeable team of specialist chefs and drink gurus prepare, cook and present every tasty dish- using recipes and methods that have been developed over many years honing their skills, collaboration and tastings with their peers and mentors.
Our story started when two industry professionals met. The original Artisans both have a passion for their specialist area and a desire to bring their expertise, knowledge and vision to large events. Any event or party where large numbers of food lovers are looking for great street food, without compromising on: provenance, taste, environmental ethics, hygiene or presentational quality. We offer amazing food, but with a clear conscience, because we care more than anyone about the whole food chain process- from sourcing to service, through environmentally conscious products and recycling.
The Original Artisans
Richard Eckley
Richard has worked within the fish and seafood industry for over 20 years- originally working at the famous Oxford Covered Market, where he learnt most of his fish handling skills. He has more recently worked with Kingfisher as their business development manager, but ultimately, Richard’s passion is for being hands on- he always spent 4 days per month at his clients venues, regularly teaches seafood and fish masterclasses for many kitchen teams, clients and colleagues. Richard loves to share his knowledge and demonstrate his skills. It wouldn’t be overstating it to say that he likely knows more about seafood and the fish market than most chefs or caterers. Richard’s absolute passion for all things from the sea are obvious to anyone who knows him, and he wants to bring his brand of seafood delights to major events and festivals in the south of England.
Christopher Ashton
Christopher’s background is equally as interesting. Christopher worked for Oxford’s leading fine dining and specialist event catering company- Elegant Cuisine- for over 16 years, working his way up through the ranks to become Head Chef. His passion was to cook. They say that when you find a great chef, they have it in their fingers and Christopher really does. His experience of catering large events, as well as intimate fine dining parties, is second to none. Christopher looked after many regular customers events over many years with Elegant Cuisine, leading to his exceptionally good logistical and planning skills. In 2017, Elegant Cuisine acquired Hedges Butchers, who had been their supplier for over 40 years. Appreciating that Hedges were an exceptionally talented butchers- with skills built up over 120 years in the market, that were in danger of being lost to the industry- Elegant Cuisine wanted to retain and develop these artisan skills, to survive and thrive in today’s market. Hedges now supply Oxfordshire’s most discerning and demanding clients with truly locally sourced meat and game. Christopher took a keen interest in Hedges and expanded his knowledge of meat, the industry and butchery, helping to develop further links with local farms, produces and customers. All who are keen to work with a team of highly skilled butchers, they trust to know the trade and provide only the finest produce from the best local sources. Christopher’s knowledge of meat, cooking and logistics is his passion. He saw the growing trend for quality street food and wanted to bring this to major events, festivals and parties across the south of England.
Environmental Ethics
We believe that our impact on this world should be kept to a minimum therefore, the whole food chain process- from sourcing to service- is environmentally conscious. We commit to upholding high standards for sustainable practices, through:
Working with local producers to keep our carbon footprint as low as possible
Using sustainable products and packaging
Minimising waste
Exceptional Service
The Artisans are supported at every event by an experienced senior events manager and our fantastic fully trained staff- who make certain that all of our customers and their guests have a wonderful experience at every event, every time. It is a prerequisite that they are all passionate about customer service, the environment and food safety, in equal measures. Also ensuring that we comply with the best practices in food safety, food hygiene and health & safety.
When you need exceptional and exciting street food for your event and don’t know where to start, contact us. We organise it all for you. We know the best in the business, and work only with tried and tested true artisan food and drink producers. People like us, who have a passion for food and drink, know what people love, what works and how to serve in large numbers to the very highest quality.