Wedding caterer cancels: couple serves fish and chips to 110 guests

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• Unexpected cancellation, rapid response
• How a local business stepped in
• Practical takeaways for couples and planners

Hours before their ceremony in Exmouth, England, an engaged couple faced a near-disaster when the caterer for their 110-guest wedding fell ill with E. coli and canceled at the last minute. A neighborhood fish-and-chip shop answered the call, delivering hot meals in time and turning what could have been a ruined reception into a neighborhood rescue story.

Unexpected cancellation, rapid response

According to the local news agency SWNS, Immie Teed and Josh Titmouth had just arrived at the venue when the caterer rang to say he was too sick to work. The couple says the caterer had felt unwell for days and was unable to attend the event on the morning of the wedding.

With guests already gathering, the wedding party scrambled to find food for everyone. A bridesmaid offered to cook a large dish, and Teed’s mother reached out to a nearby takeaway known as Krispies, a small local fish-and-chip shop.

How a local business stepped in

The shop’s owner, Kelly Barnes, drove to the venue and organized staff to prepare and deliver 110 meals. Staff members reportedly stayed after their shifts to help complete the order, providing primarily fish and chips alongside children’s chicken nuggets and a vegetarian burger option.

Guests later praised the quick solution, and the couple expressed gratitude that a local vendor was able to step in on short notice. The incident highlights how small businesses can play a critical role in community events.

• What happened: Last-minute caterer cancellation due to illness (reported as E. coli).
• Immediate response: Family and friends sought alternatives; a local fish-and-chip shop delivered 110 meals.
• Menu delivered: Fish and chips, chicken nuggets for children, and vegetarian options for non-meat eaters.
• Result: Reception proceeded with food served on time; guests were satisfied.

Practical takeaways for couples and planners

Last-minute vendor failures are rare but disruptive. Event organizers and couples can reduce risk with a few straightforward steps:

• Contingency plan: Identify a backup caterer or local eateries that can scale up on short notice.
• Contract terms: Include cancellation and emergency clauses in vendor agreements.
• Health and safety checks: Confirm vendors’ food-safety practices and insurance before the big day.
• Local relationships: Keep a list of reliable neighborhood vendors who can mobilize quickly.

There is also a public-health angle: food handlers who are unwell should avoid preparing food to prevent transmission of bacterial infections such as E. coli, which can cause severe gastrointestinal illness. That underscores why transparent communication from vendors is important for guest safety as well as logistics.

In the end, what could have become a high-profile wedding mishap became a demonstration of local goodwill and quick thinking. The couple, their guests and the shop owner all said they were relieved the celebration could continue — and the episode serves as a timely reminder to plan for the unexpected.