HOW TO SERVE COFFEE AND TEA FOR BANQUET?

OBJECTIVE

To be served hot and fresh tea and coffee, fast and discreetly

POLICY

Coffee and Tea, this is something that re-boosts people and makes it a little easier for them to get through the day/night. There is nothing more frustrating than having to wait a long time for a cup of coffee, going to take a drink and it being cold. This is why it is very important for the service to be done fast and discreet. Coffee and Tea service needs to be done with a partner.

PROCEDURE

Serving/clearing

Get your partner and decided who will be carrying the tray and who will be serving. If you are serving please read section 2

If you are carrying then continue on

Set the tray

You will need to find a black waiter tray make sure it is clean before using

Get 10 saucers and cups. Stack the cups in groups of two around the tray so that the weight on the tray is even. Place the stack of 10 saucers at your anchor point so that it balances the tray

Next fill up a milk jug and place on the edge of the tray so that its easy to reach during service

Obtain 10 teaspoons and place in one of the cups with the handles facing up

Fill up sugars and place on tray near the milk so it’s easy to reach

Service

You should place yourself on the right hand side of your partner with the tray facing them. Follow them around slowly in your section. Making sure you are not standing to close

Once you have done the first table you then repeat the steps until you have finish

Pre heating

You will need to pre heat the coffee pots while your partner is getting ready. To do this you will fill up the pots half way with hot water and let them sit until you are ready to use them. Make sure you put them down with the handle facing out so if someone comes to use it, they then grab the handle not the base of the pot.

Then you should go back to your section until your partner is ready to go with service.

Filling

To fill the coffeepot you should empty out the water you used to pre-heat. Then you need to fill one pot of coffee and one pot of tea. To make the tea you will need to use tea bags. You may need to use more than one depending on the size of the jug.

And only fill to a weight that you fill comfortable to carry.(remember that you will be holding it for quite a long time)

Service

You will start by taking the pot of coffee with your partner to your section. To begin service you will stand on the right hand side of the guest and in a clear and friendly voice you will ask if they would like coffee or tea. If they ask for tea politely tell them that you will bring that back for them ASAP. If they ask for coffee you will then turn to your partner and take a coffee cup and place it on a saucer and laying a teaspoon under the handle on the right. You will then lift the saucer off the waiter tray and pour the coffee into the cup. Slowly you will then place in the saucer in front of the guest. Directing them to help them self to the milk and sugar.

Continue on until you have finished.