
First and foremost, you’ll need to decide early whether you want to hire a professional hog roast caterer or rent a machine and DIY. Both have their perks — a caterer will handle everything from roasting to serving, while a DIY setup offers flexibility and cost savings if you or a friend are confident on the grill.
Next, think carefully about your venue and how many guests you’re expecting. Hog roasts are known for their generous portion sizes — a single whole hog can usually feed around 100 to 120 people, depending on portion size and whether you’re serving additional sides. If you’re expecting more than
that, it’s not a problem. We offer the option of roasting a second hog or supplementing with other meats, such as pork shoulders, lamb legs, or even barbecue-style joints. This ensures that every guest is well-fed and that you won’t run out.

When choosing your venue, make sure there’s ample space for the roasting setup, whether it’s indoors or outdoors. Modern hog roast machines are self-contained, but they do require a bit of room — especially if you’re serving buffet-style. Check with your venue in advance to confirm that gas-powered roasting equipment is allowed and that there’s enough ventilation and access for setup and service.
A hog roast takes usually around 6 to 8 hours depending on the size of the pig. If you want to serve by 5pm, the roast might need to start as early as 9am. It’s slow cooking at its finest, and the longer it roasts, the better the flavour. So, in Hog Roast Newbury’s humble opinion, is well worth it.
Do you want a tailored hog roast experience for your event? Then feel free to get in touch with us here at Hog Roast Newbury to make an initial enquiry.