The Swan, West Malling, Kent

When the Swan opened its doors in 2000 under new owners, Peter Cornwell and Diccon Wright, of Fishbone, there was an immediate demand for the pub to offer outside catering. Swan About was launched in 2002 and is now the fastest-growing sector of the Swan's operation. A dedicated team organises a variety of events, and last autumn won the tender for the Globe Theatre in London. Managing director Peter Cornwell says the most important lesson for the business has been learning when to say no. "If you overstretch yourself you end up doing everything badly," he explains. "We have been invited to tender for other very high-profile contracts, but at the moment we feel it is important to consolidate and deliver really high standards across our existing operation." Customers travel up to 20 miles to dine at the Swan's Michelin-listed restaurant but the outside-catering arm has enabled the business to expand its reach to cover London and the south-east. Run in-house, great emphasis is placed on providing bespoke menus and, depending on pressures in the restaurant, head chef Scott Goss and his team cater for the off-site functions.