Here is some of our review of what customers are saying about us! To see some pictures of the dishes cooked visit our gallery page. To see all the reviews on Facebook please visit our Facebook page here.

Reviews

Sonia Raymond 8th January 2019

I booked Steve a year in advance as I wanted something special for my 40th Birthday (December 2018), about 2 months before I met with Steve and we discussed ideas and Steve prepared a lovely menu of 5 course for my 14 guests. Steve arrived on the party evening and everything was stress free, the food was fabulous, and the evening ran like clock work and my friends haven’t stopped talking about how excellent the food was. Thank you Steve for helping making my party fabulous.

John Ford 14th November 2018

Karen and I enjoyed this Asian fusion evening so much, the food was outstanding from the canapes through starters of Miso chicken, pork belly skewers and sesame noodle salad and a main course which included beef cheeks (my favourite) ,chicken katsu and rice. I am not normally a dessert person but the panna cotta with yuzu jelly and black sesame ice cream was amazing. Thanks Steve for a great evening.

Karen Trimby 13th November 2018

Many , many thanks to Stephen and Rob for a fantastic Asian fusion evening last Friday. The whole evening was fantastic and the food amazing. Stephen has a real talent for creating imaginative, flavoursome dishes that test your taste buds. A special mention to the pork and prawn dumplings, and the marinated beef cheeks. If you are looking for that extra something special this is the man to go to.

Jacks McDonnell 11th November 2018

Myself, husband and six friends had the most amazing food prepared and cooked by Steve.
James. We requested Fusion style food and Wow were we blown away.
Fabulous canapés were served with chilled fizz. Crispy lotus root topped with crispy ginger and quails egg. Melt in the mouth marinated chicken thigh with dipping sauce. My taste buds were buzzing! Then a delicious starter included Thai noodle salad, slow cooked belly pork which just melted in the mouth. Prawn and pork wraps all with delicious dressings, drizzles and dips. Gorgeous main courses of fusion style, slow braised aromatic beef cheek, sticky rice, pickled cucumber and radish salad and Katsu chicken with spicy gravy. Superb choice of puddings too. Vanilla Panna cotta with Yuzu jelly, black sesame ice cream and a matcha tea tulle. Followed by a heavenly tart of crisp, sweet pastry filled with cream, lychees and topped with rose flavoured meringues, raspberries, raspberry sauce and white chocolate. Mmmmmm was the sound around the table all evening. It was a true feast of flavours.

Lizzie Somerset 24th October 2018

Steve cooked for the Love for Somerset team at his B&B in Tintinhull. We were thoroughly spoilt with 5 sumptuous courses and were able to focus on catching up as a team which is so important. Rob served perfectly!

The food was superb, with each course bringing a ‘wow’ or ‘that looks amazing’ or general yummy noises! We recommend Steve James for all personal dining briefs. A party for family next I think! See our blog post for more loveforsomerset.co.uk and click on Blog

Alison Tierney 17th August 2018

Steve has been and catered for my mother and father in law’s golden wedding. We are staying at Upton Grange near Weymouth and he was recommended by the owner of the cottages. He came and cooked an amazing meal just for them and it was wonderful.
The food he cooked was in the words of my mother in law “simply the best food I’ve ever tasted, it was out of this world”
The entire experience from the initial inquiry via email to the meal tonight has been faultless. I cannot recommend him enough.
Thank you again for making the anniversary so special!

Suzanne Raymont 13th June 2018

Steve and his wonderful team catered our wedding in May. Everything was absolutely perfect. The food was incredible. The flavours and presentation were gorgeous. Several of our guests required gluten and dairy free food so it was decided to make the trio of deserts all dairy and gluten free. They were absolutely delicious. Several guests asked for the recipes.

I did not have to be bothered or involved in anything to do with the catering on the day. I was able to enjoy the reception along with all the guests. I definitely recommend Steve to everyone looking for a high standard of catering from an excellent chef who will make your event very special indeed.

Thank you very much Steve for helping my husband and I to have a perfect wedding day.

Jackie Mintern 17th June 2018

Oh my goodness I can barely move, my family and I have filled ourselves with the amazingly tasty and beautifully presented delights provided for a birthday party by Stephen James.
I cannot recommend highly enough!!!

Carl Mintern 17th June 2018

Thank you for great food at my 40th birthday- it was all a pleasure to eat

Harriet Portia Davies 5th June 2018 

Steve catered my parent’s 40th wedding anniversary. We enjoyed a delicious 5 course meal, tailored towards our tastes and food intolerances- perfectly executed by Steve. Correspondence and organisation was simple, dinner was cooked seamlessly around our evening timetable and the kitchen was spotless afterwards. Thanks Steve

Review by Kim Millard 10th March 2018 

Steve cooked for me and my work colleagues a 3 course dinner. Such a professional service, amazing food I have never tasted anything so good so many different flavours. I will without a doubt be using Steve again. Highly recommend him to everyone.

Review by Katie Hopkins 15th January 2018

We are a party of six who had the absolute pleasure of Steve cooking for us on Saturday night – What an amazing experience! Steve had been so good with his communications in the run up to the event, all the usual stresses of arranging a dinner party had been completely removed. My preparation consisted of nothing more than putting a few bottles of bubbly in the fridge. Steve turned up and is so friendly he just felt like one of us. The food was amazing – cooked to perfection and plenty to go round. The night was a roaring success and I do not believe I can give it full justice in this review. To be able to enjoy high end, restaurant quality food served with a smile in the comfort of your own home really is a unique experience -being able to share a glass of wine or two afterwards with the chef that made it for you makes it even more special. Thank you Steve for such a memorable evening.

Lloyd Brown rated us 5* on Facebook 11th January 2018 

Review by Liv Vince 11th January 2018 

I am not sure where to start with how amazing this evening catered by Steve was! I booked a private dining evening as a surprise for my boyfriend whilst we stayed in a holiday cottage near Crewkerne.
The correspondence with Steve to organise it was seamless and he was extremely helpful and quick to reply – even giving me recommendations on the wines we should have with our dinner.
He arrived promptly so we could eat at 7pm, bringing everything (and I mean everything!) with him. We had the game terrine to start, duck for main and caramel panna cotta to finish – all of which were absolutely incredible and we cannot fault at all. My other half and I have agreed that it is one of the best meals, if not THE best meal we have ever eaten – cooked by a very professional chef in front of us. He even cleared up at the end so the place was spotless!
The whole evening was perfect and exactly what I wanted it to be. I hope to organise future dining experiences with Steve James!

Scarlett Woodruff rated 5* on Facebook 7 December 2017

Review by Toine Toomer

I wanted to treat my nan to a early birthday treat so we hired Steve James to cook for us all.
Nan enjoyed the evening. Steve done an absolutely fabulous job his food was amazing would highly recommend his services. Thank you very much Stephen.

Review by Emma Boyall, Dorchester, 6th November 2017

We had steve cater for my mum’s 50th birthday party Saturday afternoon. He came round a few hours before the party started and brought with him a whole variety of food. We gave him a few suggestions beforehand but most of it was his idea and everyone was impressed with what choices were there. He laid it all out with labels stating what each thing was and if it was suitable for vegetarians, he also prepared things like sandwiches at our house and everything else was also fresh. There were things there to meet everyones needs. The spread looked lovely and everyone complimented the food. There was also plenty there even though we’re all big eaters and we had some left over! Definitely good for money! He also supplied paper plates and wooden cutlery so we didn’t have to worry about a thing. Steve himself was really nice and friendly and professional. Would recommend to anyone and would use him again!

Review by Andrea Moran, Poundbury, 10th August 2017

Utterly delicious ! The meal was utterly delicious !!! The courses kept coming…with immaculate presentation and so many different flavours and tastes which complemented one another… I was in heaven, probably was not much company as I was lost in all of its ‘deliciousness’ …. You would be exceptionally fortunate to be able to experience Steve James’s modern dining experience

Review by Nancy and Steve Lowe, Lytes Cary Manor, Somerton, Somerset 29th June 2017 

We were more than delighted that Steve James helped us with the catering for a large family celebration at Lytes Cary, a National Trust property in Somerset which we hired for the week.

Steve prepare 3 evening meals and a lunch, with three or four courses each, at various points during the week, with a “home cooking plus plus” approach served “family style” by Steve at the large dining table which seated all 14 of us (Some willing helpers from our various groups of family and friends helped with the serving up). From the outset Steve was extremely flexible and imaginative in helping design the menus (various intolerances, allergies and vegan requirements had to be taken into account for each meal) and helped us think through what standard of presentation and dish was appropriate. He helped create a friendly intimate family style we were aiming for, which was a challenge at such a large formal table. On the four days when he was with us Steve would arrive in good time, having prepared as much of the food as possible in advance, and he worked efficiently and calmly on his own to prepare the meals in the kitchen of the property where we stayed. The quality of the food quite simply was excellent throughout, with many imaginative dressings and ingredients and always beautifully presented. Quantities were never a problem either, Steve catered in a generous way on all occasions.

We and all our family and friends were hugely impressed by Steve and really enjoyed his catering. We have no hesitation in recommending Steve James and would very gladly ask for his help on similar family occasions in the future. Thank you once again, Steve, it was a real pleasure

Review by Sophie Gay, Beer, Seaton, Devon 27th June 2017

Steve catered for a hen party we held on Saturday night. We had many different dietary requirements, and yet Steve worked it so that we all had the same canapés (they were incredible – full of flavour and visually stunning!), only 2 different choices for main and the same dessert. This went down so well with our guests who usually have to miss out on such meals. Steve was fantastic to deal with the whole way through, professional, efficient & wonderfully clean and tidy! And above all the food was on point.

Rob who was serving on the night was great fun and really helped to make our evening special.

I cannot recommend Steve & Rob enough, they made our night such a success – thank you!

Review by Clare Trevillion, Stawley 3rd June 2017 

We just had Steve come and cook for a family birthday in Somerset and it was a truly amazing experience .
Steve did a selection of canapés all of which were great but my personal favourites were the squid ink flat breads topped with beetroot hummus and mackerel and the confit lamb neck spring rolls were to die for.
The beef for our main was delicious , tender and flavoursome .
We had two desserts -raspberry, vanilla and rosemary tart with rose water syrup & black sesame meringue Yuzu curd white chocolate and roasted apricots . They both looked so stunning we all agreed to have half each and were glad we did as both tasted divine.
After the meal Steve and Rob cleared everything away and the kitchen looked like they had never even visited .
This is the second time we have had Steve cook for us and I can’t wait for the next time !

I would like to thank Steve for an amazing meal on Thursday evening celebrating my parents birthday at Stawley Wood Farm House. Everyone was blown away by the food and the warm friendly and professional service we received. I can’t recommend him highly enough! Thank you once again.

Review by Hattie Crockett 27th March 2017

Such an amazing chef! Last weekend I organised a hen do for my best friend in Weymouth. We asked Steve to cook for all 13 of us a three coursed meal. From the beginning it felt like being in a private hotel. The food preparation was flawless, the food was exceptional both the taste and presentation. It really was fine dining at your house with such a personal touch too. Also a little gift for the hen herself! When Steve left and we returned to the kitchen you would never of known he had been. It was cleaner than before he has started! A perfect combination of fine dining in the comfort of your own home! My only regret is we didn’t opt for the five courses!

Review by Helen Ellingham 22nd February 2017

Had a wonderful meal prepared and cooked by Steve for my 40th birthday family get-together. Steve was easy to communicate with beforehand and was very helpful …sorting out our menu. On the day itself he was friendly, efficient and very tidy. The food was delicious and well presented inspiring excellent comments from all guests. It made a perfect evening for us to relax and enjoy top quality food with good company. Thank you so much Steve 🙂

Review by Lesley Waters 18th January 2017

I have known Steve James for quite a while now from when he started with us as a student at the cookery school. Over the years he has really impressed all of us at the school with his professionalism, passion for food and of course his cookery skills.On one memorable evening spent tasting his dishes,… I had the pleasure of tasting the best panna cotta that I have ever eaten. It was served with a chilled compote in a glass teapot and it blew me away. Stephen James is a very talented chef with an eye for great detail. His menus are both stylish and modern and are truly delicious.

Review by Alison Black 18th January 2017

Had the most amazing evening hosted by Stephen, food was absolutely  delicious.  Blue Stilton brioche, Ox Cheek and Panna cotta.  Ox cheek is not something I would

normally choose off the menu but this was cooked to perfection and full of flavour. I would definitely choose it again. Can’t wait for the next time Steve thank you so much.

Review by Blaine Carey, Taunton, 7th January 2017

Steve was absolutely fantastic throughout the whole time dealing with him. He was extremely responsive to messages initially to understand our requirements and was also very forthcoming with offering options for a bespoke menu. Based on this professionalism I was hopeful of a good meal, but I could not have expected just how fantastic it was. All eleven of our group were raving about the quality of the dishes and still are 3 weeks later. I thoroughly recommend Steve, his professionalism, service and food are exceptional.

Review by Juhi Juhi and Gary Neyland 3rd January 2017

We had Steve cater for our party of 12 on New Year’s Eve 2016. With a former newspaper food critic and two committed foodies this was going to be a tough audience. From the start Steve and his able assistant got us onside. A soufflé to die for and a flavour packed meat terrine, followed by a pork belly or homemade pie, then a delicious cheesecake or dreamy chocolate fondant to round the meal off. Everybody was raving about the food for the rest of the evening.
Book Steve now before he get’s his first Michelin star!!

Review by Emma and Paul Harvey 4th December 2016

Steve and Rob catered for my husband’s 50th party last night. They cooked for 40 guests, including 13 children. The food was amazing and the service faultless. In fact, they went well beyond what we expected. Lovely guys and very capable. Highly recommended

Review by Chris S 26th November 2016

Excellent evening with superb tasting menu dishes paired with lovely locally produced wine. Our host was very informative and passionate about their wine.(for the wine tasting menu at Melbury Vale Winery)

Review by Paul Seamans 3rd October 2016

Thank you Stephen James for hosting a very special Dinner party in our home. Myself, my partner and guests were spoilt with your amazing menu and cocktails…!!! Congratulations on your brilliant food critique review by ‘Crumbs’ food magazine. If your ever looking to host your own dinner party and not have to worry what’s on the menu, then contact Stephen James. The guy is a Food Magician

Review by Lisa Jayne Freeman 2nd October 2016

Thank you to Steve who catered a dinner party I attended, the food was of the highest standard and each course was well thought out and accompanied by a cocktail that complemented each dish perfectly. If I was going to recommend anything off the menu the pork belly is insanely delicious with Steve’s own home grown veg as an accompaniment. Thank you again

Review by Rachael Pennington 12th September 2016

I was a dinner party guest where Steve was doing the cooking. All 3 courses, canapés and bread were absolutely fantastic. Restaurant quality food in your own home and one of the best meals I’ve ever eaten. I would highly recommend.

Review by Abigail Warne and Simon Warne Poundbury 17th August 2016

Steve came to our house at the weekend to cook a three course meal for myself, my husband and 2 friends and I can hand on heart say it was one of the best meals I have EVER had. It was fine dining quality without the hassle of having to get ready to go out and even more of a luxury no one having to drive especially with the gorgeous cocktails that were produced to go alongside each course. The food was all excellent and beautifully presented but with my sweet tooth I can’t recommend the panna cotta that we had enough… I would order that time and time again, it was stunning.
The one thing we were both nervous about was having somebody else cook in our kitchen and then the clearing up afterwards but Steve respected the kitchen and left it just as he found it… A night off washing up in our home, a rare luxury!
If you want a night in with the same quality food as you would expect from a top quality restaurant we would definitely recommend that you book Steve, you won’t regret it. We look forward to booking you again soon, thank you so much.

Review by  Reed Nykiforuk London 1st July 2016

Quite literally… Hand on Heart… Just had one of the best meals we have ever had. Ever. Impeccable. Delicious. Amazing. Thank you so much!

Review by Imogen Grace, Yeovil, 1st August 2016

Steve’s food is incredible! Absolutely stunning presentation from canapés through to dessert and amazing tasting food. The gin cured salmon was to die for and the tenderest beef that cut like butter. It was finished with a perfectly scrumptious chocolate parfait. He is amazing and a genius with flavours! I’d highly recommend him to anyone.

Braised and pressed pork belly with apple puree, celeriac remoulade, celeriac puree, spinach and red wine sauce