North Yorkshire couple's wedding saved as 'superhero' caterer steps in

Dom O'Connor, from Dom's Kitchen, based in Malton said he had seen the post from Lorraine and Mark desperately trying to find a caterer for their wedding the following day and offered to help (Image: Lorraine)

A COUPLE whose wedding caterer cancelled at the 11th hour had their special day saved by a 'superhero'.

Mark and Lorraine Norwood, from Norton, were faced with finding an alternative firm to provide the food for their wedding after they were informed the day before that their original caterer, Baba Ganoush, had gone into liquidation.

Lorraine said: "Mark received a text message from our venue to inform him that Baba Ganoush had gone into liquidation at 7am on Friday, October 2.

"At that point I hadn’t seen that the owner, Ashley Hyde, had sent me an email to say they were liquidating at 23.30 on October 1, with our wedding due to take place on October 3.

"We were in total shock and both of us verified that this information was correct.

"In light of the short notice I made a social media post telling people what had happened and asking for help.

"We had lots of offers to help and recommendations for people, however Dom from Dom's Kitchen had personally messaged me with his phone number.

"He was fantastic stepping in to the breach as he did. Dom has informed me since that he has had a number of brides in tears on the phone trying to sort out alternative arrangements after being let down by Matthew and Ashley from Baba Ganoush.

"We are currently out of pocket by thousands but at least we got the chance to have the wedding we dreamt of with absolutely no thanks to Baba Ganoush.

"We consider ourselves very lucky that Dom was able to rescue our special day with less than 24 hours. Not all superheroes wear capes, some wear aprons."

Dom O'Connor, from Dom's Kitchen, based in Malton said he had seen the post from Lorraine and Mark desperately trying to find a caterer for their wedding the following day.

He said: "We felt awful for them. Weddings take so much time and planning, and we couldn't imagine how stressful it must have been to find themselves in that position with less than 24 hours to go.

"We knew it would be a challenge to pull everything together at such short notice, but we were in a position to help and just wanted to do what we could.

"Thankfully, our team and local suppliers were brilliant and everyone pulled together to make it happen.

"We're just so pleased we could help take some of the worry away and make sure the couple could enjoy their wedding day.

"We've taken on a considerable amount of enquiries and bookings for couples who have been caught up in this fiasco. It's heartbreaking to think of all the other couples who've been affected. We really hope they're able to get everything sorted."

Dining by Matthew Hyde Ltd, which legally traded as Baba Ganoush – Dining by Matthew Hyde Ltd, will enter liquidation on Friday, October 30, according to a company spokesperson.

They said Baba Ganoush – Dining by Matthew Hyde Ltd ceased trading on Friday, October 2, and has instructed a company to assist with putting the business into liquidation.

Baba Ganoush – Dining by Matthew Hyde Ltd operated for 10 years and undertook catering for weddings, corporates and events.

The Baba Ganoush – Dining by Matthew Hyde Ltd spokesperson said they would be working with couples, staff, venues and suppliers to make "the necessary arrangements moving forwards".

They told the Gazette & Herald's sister paper, The Press: "We are genuinely devastated for everyone we have been working with – our couples, staff, venues and suppliers.

"Now, we’re working hard with all of them to make the necessary arrangements moving forwards.

"As a family business, Baba Ganoush has been so close to our hearts as we continue to raise our young family.

"We've always aimed for the absolute best for customers, and we find ourselves in a very tough position, as sadly so many hospitality organisations are."

Chris Cox, director at financial and real estate advisory group BTG, said: "BTG is unable to comment at present.

"In the event of a formal appointment, it will take some time to investigate the circumstances and establish the relevant facts before any further comment can be made."

The Press reported in May that Baba Ganoush – Dining by Matthew Hyde Ltd moved from York to the Thorpe Arch Trading Estate.

At the time, the company, previously based in Rose Avenue in York Business Park, said the move to a larger premises would allow it to offer more and better services to a wider area while saving money.

Baba Ganoush has been contacted for a comment regarding Lorraine and Mark's wedding.