About Crab Apple Catering

 

Crab Apple Catering is a family-run catering company based in Swanage, Dorset. We create generous, flavour-packed food for weddings, private parties, corporate events and outdoor celebrations across Dorset.

 

Led by Matt and Julia Tillman, Crab Apple Catering combines years of catering, hospitality and local food experience with a friendly, hands-on approach. From your first enquiry through to planning, preparation and service on the day, you’ll deal with real people who care about getting the details right.

 

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Family Run catering in dorset

We’ve been catering together as a family team for over 12 years, building Crab Apple around quality food, friendly service and a genuine love of bringing people together.

Because we know each other so well, we work efficiently as a team. That means less stress for you and more attention on the things that matter: great food, smooth service and happy guests.

Every event is different, so we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you’re planning a relaxed garden party, a rustic wedding feast, a corporate lunch or a fully mobile outdoor event, we’ll help shape the catering around your plans, your venue and your guests.

Matt and Julia Tillman from Crab Apple Catering in their Dorset catering kitchen

Catering With a Personal Touch

Owner-led service
One of our experienced business owners will be involved from the early planning stages through to the day itself, so you always know who you’re dealing with.
Local knowledge
We’re based in Swanage and regularly cater across Dorset, giving us valuable experience with local venues, suppliers, outdoor spaces and event logistics.
Flexible Mobile Catering
With a fully equipped kitchen base and mobile catering equipment, we can prepare and serve food in all sorts of locations, from wedding venues to campsites and outdoor event spaces.
Food People Remember
From wedding feasts and hog roasts to cakes, desserts, grazing tables and private party menus, our food is designed to be generous, sociable and full of flavour.

Meet Matt and Julia from Crab Apple Catering

Crab Apple is led by Matt and Julia Tillman, a husband-and-wife team with years of experience in catering, hospitality, local food and events. Together, they bring a mix of practical kitchen experience, creative baking, event know-how and friendly, hands-on service.

They are supported by a trusted team who help bring everything together on the day, from preparation and setup to serving guests and keeping the event running smoothly.

Matt Tillman

Matt Tillman

Company Director

All things meaty, cheesy and full of flavour

Matt started catering at just 15 during a work experience placement in a kitchen. After being offered a job, he spent the next two years learning the pace and pressure of professional catering before moving to another kitchen, completing a college course and continuing there for a further 10 years.

He later worked alongside the family at Swanage Dairy, gaining valuable experience in sales, local food and customer relationships before buying Crab Apple and returning to his love of cooking.

Matt also started the Snack Shack at Burnbake Forest Lodges and Campsite, which has become a popular part of the local food scene.

Julia Tillman

Julia Tillman

Company Director

All things baking, desserts and sweet treats

Julia was born and raised in Austria before travelling to Swanage for work experience in 2012. What started as a temporary move soon became much more permanent after she fell in love with Dorset and decided to make it home.

After working front of house, Julia joined a local cake house where her love of baking, desserts and sweet creations really began. Today, she makes Crab Apple’s desserts, cakes and sweet treats, including the naked-style wedding cakes that have become a favourite with couples and guests.

She loves developing new recipes and creating those final touches that make an event feel extra special.

Local food, trusted suppliers and proper Dorset flavour

Wherever possible, we work with local suppliers and small businesses who share our values. Being based in Dorset gives us access to brilliant local produce, and we’re proud to support other independent suppliers in the area.

Our menus are built around food that feels generous, seasonal and well suited to the event. Whether it’s a wedding menu, a grazing table, a hog roast, handmade desserts or a relaxed outdoor feast, we focus on food that looks inviting and tastes even better.

Grazing table with local produce prepared by Crab Apple Catering in Dorset

We’ve worked with local suppliers, including 8 Arch Brewing Co. and Wareham Trout Farm, helping us bring real Dorset flavour into our menus.

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Wedding and Event Catering Across Dorset

Crab Apple Catering caters for weddings, private parties, celebrations, corporate events and outdoor gatherings across Dorset.

For weddings, we know how important it is for the food to feel personal, relaxed and memorable. With over a decade of wedding catering experience, we can help you create a menu that suits your day, from rustic sharing-style food to generous evening catering, cakes and desserts.

For private parties and events, we bring the same care and flexibility, helping you feed your guests without the stress of managing everything yourself.

Crab Apple Catering serving wedding food at an outdoor Dorset venue
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Guests enjoying private dining and event catering around a candlelit table
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Behind the scenes at Crab Apple Catering

Crab Apple Catering team preparing desserts for a Dorset event
The Crab Apple Catering HQ is based in the heart of sunny Swanage, where we have a well-equipped kitchen that gives us the space to prepare, test recipes and create food for events of all sizes.

Most of our preparation happens here, but our mobile catering setup means we can also create working kitchens in all sorts of places. From countryside weddings and marquees to campsites and outdoor events, we’re used to adapting to different locations and making things work smoothly on the day.

Trusted by couples, families and businesses across Dorset

47,000+
Number Of Meals Served
285+
Weddings Catered
13+
Years Family catering experience

What our Customers Say

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I’m so glad we chose Crab Apple Catering to cater for my birthday ‘festival’. You guys were so helpful and really got the vibe we were going for. And the food – so tasty and so much of it, everyone raved about you for months after. Thank you so much.

Ben Humphreys
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About Crab Apple Catering - FAQs

Are Crab Apple Catering based in Dorset?
Yes. Crab Apple Catering is based in Swanage and provides catering for weddings, private parties, corporate events and outdoor celebrations across Dorset.
Is Crab Apple a family-run catering business?
Yes. Crab Apple is a family-run catering company led by Matt, Julia and the wider Tillman family team.
How long has Crab Apple been catering for weddings and events?
The team has been catering together for over 13 years and has catered hundreds of weddings and events across Dorset.
Do you offer mobile catering?
Yes. Crab Apple has mobile catering equipment and can cater at a wide range of venues and outdoor locations, including marquees, campsites, private gardens and event spaces.
Do you use local suppliers?
Where possible, Crab Apple works with local suppliers and independent Dorset businesses to source quality ingredients and support the local food community.
Can we meet the team before booking?
Yes. Crab Apple offers a personal planning process, so you can discuss your event, menu ideas and practical requirements before booking.

Planning an event in Dorset?

Whether you’re organising a wedding, party, corporate event or outdoor celebration, we’d love to hear what you’re planning.

Tell us a little about your event and we’ll help you explore the best catering options for your guests, venue and budget.

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