Frequently Asked Questions
A few things Coco is asked rather often. If yours isn’t covered below, simply get in touch - we’re always happy to help.
How do the canapés arrive?
Our canapés are freshly prepared in our kitchen and delivered chilled in insulated Woolcool packaging, designed to keep everything cold for up to 48 hours.
Once they arrive, unpack and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. Everything is carefully packed and clearly numbered, ready for the finishing touches at home.
How much fridge space will I need?
Each quantity of 15 canapés is packed in a large sushi-style box measuring approximately 20.5cm x 12cm x 4cm.
So an order of 120 canapés would usually be 8 canapé boxes, plus a small amount of additional space for the sauces, garnishes and finishing touches packed alongside them.
If fridge space is tight, let us know what you’re ordering and we can help you work out roughly how much room you’ll need.
How much preparation is involved?
Very little. Coco has already seen to the difficult bit.
Cold canapés usually need little more than a sauce, garnish or sprinkling of herbs. Hot canapés are warmed briefly in the oven before adding their finishing touches.
Each canapé is numbered to match its assembly card, with clear instructions showing exactly what to do. No professional equipment - or professional catering skills - required.
When should I have my canapés delivered?
Coco recommends delivery the day before your occasion.
Simply refrigerate everything as soon as it arrives and it will be ready for you the following day. It also means your canapés are safely in hand before the party starts - always preferable to watching a tracking page while the first guests arrive.
How long do the canapés keep?
Our canapés keep for two days refrigerated - the day you receive them and the following day.
Once prepared and served, they should be enjoyed within two hours.
Can I freeze them?
We don’t recommend freezing our canapés.
They are freshly prepared and designed to be enjoyed within two days of delivery. If you have two occasions on different dates, separate deliveries will give you a much better result.
How many canapés should I order?
It depends on the occasion and what else you’re serving.
As a guide:
Drinks reception or before dinner: 3-4 per person
Drinks party or lighter food: 6-8 per person
If the canapés are replacing a meal: around 10 per person
For longer evening drinks parties, some customers serve the canapés alongside something simple such as a charcuterie or cheeseboard. It keeps things relaxed while making sure nobody leaves hungry.
Tell us your guest numbers, timings and whether anything else is being served and we’ll suggest a sensible quantity.
How substantial are the canapés?
Our canapés are generously sized rather than tiny one-bite morsels.
Most are around two bites each, although this varies slightly by canapé. This is why our quantity guide tends to be lower than you might expect for very small cocktail canapés.
Can you help me choose which canapés to order?
Very happily.
Tell us a little about the occasion, your guest numbers and any dietary requirements and we can suggest a balanced selection of meat, fish and vegetarian canapés.
Or you can choose entirely for yourself. Coco will not be offended.
Can I work to a particular budget?
Of course.
Tell us roughly what you would like to spend and how many people you’re feeding, and we’ll suggest a selection that works comfortably within it.
For larger orders of 120 canapés or more, our canapés are £2.70 each.
Do you cater for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free guests?
We have vegetarian and vegan choices, as well as a number of canapés that do not contain gluten-containing ingredients.
If you have dietary requirements, let us know when ordering and we can help you choose suitable options.
Our kitchen handles all major allergens, so we cannot guarantee a completely allergen-free environment and traces may be present.
Where can I find allergen information?
Allergen information is available with our menu and product details found here: https://cocoscanapes.co.uk/pages/the-menu
Our allergen statement can be found here: https://cocoscanapes.co.uk/pages/allergen-information
For allergies or intolerances, please get in touch before ordering and we’ll happily talk you through the most suitable choices.
Can I order just one type of canapé?
Certainly.
You can build your own selection from the menu and choose exactly which canapés you would like, subject to the minimum quantity shown for each variety.
There is no compulsory set menu.
Do you offer a tasting selection?
We do.
Our Tasting Selection contains 12 canapés and is a lovely way to explore the menu before a larger occasion. The cost of the tasting is £50 and can be fully redeemed against a future order. The Tasting Selection can be found here: https://cocoscanapes.co.uk/products/sample-box
For smaller gatherings, some customers simply order several tasting boxes so they can enjoy a little of everything. If there is a particular canapé from the main menu that isn’t normally included, let us know and we may be able to include it for you.
Do you deliver nationwide?
Yes. We deliver our chilled canapés across much of the UK.
Available dates are shown when ordering, and someone must be available to receive the delivery so that everything can be refrigerated promptly.
Because the contents are perishable, we don’t allow deliveries to be left in a safe place or with a neighbour.
How much is delivery?
Our standard chilled UK delivery is £9.95, with morning, Saturday and same-day local delivery options also available.
You can find all our delivery options, charges and available days on our Delivery Information page.
Do you deliver on Saturdays?
We do.
Saturday delivery carries a £10 surcharge in addition to the usual delivery charge. Available Saturday dates will be shown when ordering.
Will I know when my order is arriving?
Yes.
Tracking is sent the day before delivery, with a more specific delivery window available on the day.
For important occasions, we still recommend arranging delivery the day before. It is simply one less thing to think about.
Can I collect my order?
Yes.
Collection is available from our kitchen in Bourne End, Buckinghamshire, Monday to Friday between 8am and 3pm, by arrangement.
Do you provide waiting staff or full event catering?
Coco concerns himself with the canapés.
We don’t provide waiting staff or full-service event catering. Your order arrives prepared for you to finish and serve at home, so you remain completely in control of when everything comes out.
Can my canapés arrive fully assembled?
We can arrange same-day courier delivery with the canapés fully assembled.
Send us your date, location and what you have in mind and we can let you know what is possible.
How much notice do you need?
We generally require three days’ notice, subject to availability.
Popular Saturdays, Christmas and other particularly sociable dates can fill sooner, so booking ahead is sensible where possible.
What if I’m not sure what I need?
That is precisely what we’re here for.
Tell us what you’re celebrating, how many people are coming, what time you’re serving and whether there will be any other food. We can take it from there and suggest a selection and quantity that makes sense for your occasion.
You can send us an enquiry, email us, call us or WhatsApp us.