Ovenu

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 Elliott Robinson of oven valeting service Ovenu Solihull.

However, these days dinner parties are much less formal – less Downton Abbey, and more Come Dine With Me – and often involve guests chipping in to keep costs down.

According to Elliott, who has operated the business for 15 years, while clients continue to enjoy socialising with friends and families in their homes and outdoor spaces, guests are contributing to the dining experience.

He said: “People in the area 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.

“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.”

The Ovenu process involves dismantling key components such as the door, interior panels, fan, and shelves and placing them in design-registered tank equipment, which uses safe, non-caustic and biodegradable products to clean the oven parts. The whole process leaves the oven in a near showroom condition.

As well as Solihull, the business also covers Olton, Dickens Heath, Shirley, Dorridge, Hillfields, Tidbury Green, Chelmsley Wood, Elmdon, Meriden, Balsall Common and surrounding areas.

For a free quote, call Elliott on 0121 7066652, email solihull@ovenu.co.uk or visit www.ovenu.co.uk/oven_cleaning/solihull/

1970’s dinner party menu

Starters

Prawn Cocktail or Honeydew Melon

Mains

Steak and Chips with Garden Peas or Scampi in a Basket

Dessert

Black Forest Gateau or Sherry Trifle

2022 dinner party menu

Starters

Halloumi, Pomegranate & Walnut Salad or Tomato Bruschetta

Mains

Carbonara or Slow Roast Pork Shoulder

Dessert

Chocolate Brownies or Summer Pudding

ENDS

NEWS RELEASE: ISSUED ON BEHALF OF OVENU

For further information contact Andrew Douglas 01325 363436

Photo caption: Elliott Robinson of Ovenu Solihull

Editors’ Notes:

Ovenu is the leading UK and international domestic oven cleaning and valeting specialist. All cleaning products used by Ovenu are environmentally friendly, bio-degradable and conform to the latest government REACH regulations. Ovenu’s Carbon Remover is also approved by the Vitreous Enamel Association. The Ovenu valeting process involves dismantling key components of an oven and placing them into design-registered equipment, which uses non-caustic, non-toxic and biodegradable products to clean the oven parts. Ovenu is a full member of the Approved Franchise Association (AFA.)