Member Article

Oven cleaning expert Drew kept busy by the rise in popularity of post-pandemic dinner parties

The rising cost of foodstuffs and an ongoing sense of post-pandemic freedom has triggered a resurgence in the popularity of dinner parties, according to Drew Bennett of oven valeting service Ovenu Taunton.

However, these days, he says, dinner parties are much less formal – less Downton Abbey, and more Come Dine With Me - with an added twist created by the cost-of-living crisis.

According to Drew, while clients continue to enjoy socialising with friends and families in their homes and outdoor spaces, guests are also contributing to the dining experience.

He said: “People are continuing their love of cooking that many rediscovered during the pandemic, but the cost of living crisis has seen guests chipping in to reduce the overall expense by making a culinary contribution, whether that’s bringing along a starter, dessert or part of the mains.

“The cost of takeaways and eating out is spiralling, but people still want that social experience, which is why dinner parties are making a comeback.”

Drew, who qualified as an oven cleaning expert in 2008, added: “However, it’s less Downton Abbey and more Come Dine With Me, partly because people enjoy a relaxed get together and partly because modern homes are more open plan and lend themselves to people ‘grazing’ rather than sitting down at a dining table.

“I’ve continued to see an increase in demand for oven cleaning, which reflects the fact that more people are cooking and baking regularly, and clients appreciate that a clean oven not only produces more flavoursome food, devoid of contamination by grease and carbon, but that it operates more efficiently.”

Rik Hellewell, founder and managing director of the Ovenu franchise, said: “Anecdotally, Ovenu technicians across the UK are reporting that dinner parties are back. The 1970’s versions were synonymous with cheese and pineapple on a stick, prawn cocktail, and scampi in a basket, but fortunately, modern tastes are more varied and adventurous.

“In addition, the rise of social media and messaging services like WhatsApp, means it’s much easier to arrange and organise a get together.”

Ovenu Taunton also covers Minehead, Chard, Wellington, Tiverton, Cullompton and surrounding areas.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by News Gathering .