Yepoda Korean Vegan Pop-Up Catering in London

A beauty launch where presentation mattered

Yepoda’s rose-toner pop-up in London needed more than a routine office platter. The hospitality had to sit comfortably within a minimalist Korean beauty environment, be visually appealing to press and visitors, and offer food that could be enjoyed while standing and moving through the store. The agreed brief put vegan-only Korean-inspired catering at the centre of the experience. Pearl Lemon’s responsibility was food, refreshments and hospitality support; it did not develop Yepoda’s skincare products or manage the wider launch campaign.

A brief refined from 40 guests to 30 food covers

The early proposal used 40 guests, but the operational brief was explicitly revised to cater for 30 while allowing for an expected audience of 30–40. That distinction matters: 30 was the food-production target, not a verified attendance figure. The shorter canapé service window also meant food could not rely on a full kitchen or lengthy finishing at the venue. The plan called for prepared, safe-to-serve items, an early set-up and a compact roaming team.

A Korean-inspired vegan menu

The final menu in the supplier brief comprised mini vegetable-and-tofu kimbap rolls, gochugaru potato croquettes with vegan garlic mayonnaise, strawberry tanghulu and mini croffles finished with vegan cream and strawberries or edible rose petals when obtainable. The drinks list paired a raspberry-garnished Prosecco option with a non-alcoholic hibiscus-and-rose lemonade. These were the selections in the final brief.

Roaming service instead of a buffet

Two smart-casual servers were specified to circulate food on trays. That was a practical choice for a beauty pop-up: it avoided using up valuable display space with a buffet, allowed guests to continue exploring the activation, and put the focus on the brand experience rather than queueing for refreshments. Compostable or recyclable serviceware and end-of-service waste removal formed part of the brief. The supplier instructions called for set-up from 3:30pm ahead of a 4:30–7:00pm service.

Working with a distinctive visual identity

The food and service concept was built around Yepoda's rose-led, restrained aesthetic. That requirement informed portion sizing, plate presentation and the choice of lighter refreshments. By matching hospitality to the tone of the room, a roaming service can strengthen the welcome without competing with the products on display.

What a retail brand can take from this

Food is most valuable at a product launch when it supports, rather than interrupts, what guests came to see. Define the number of food covers independently from expected footfall, choose items that remain attractive during circulating service, verify food safety and allergens, and plan exactly how the team will work around the venue’s retail layout. These considerations transfer to beauty launches, fashion openings and media previews.

Frequently asked questions

Can you cater a fully vegan Korean-inspired brand activation?

Yes. A vegan-only menu can be scoped around Korean-inspired savoury and sweet items. We agree the final recipes, ingredients and allergen handling for each booking rather than assume that an entire cuisine or kitchen is automatically free from cross-contact.

Is a buffet necessary for a store launch?

No. Roaming tray service can suit retail launches where displays and guest circulation take priority. Staffing and portion quantities depend on service duration, venue access and the expected number of food covers.

How should guest numbers be handled for a public-facing pop-up?

Separate anticipated visitors from guaranteed catering covers. In this brief, catering quantities were reduced to 30 despite a wider expected guest range. We would establish a service cap and the process for any additional demand before the event.

Can drinks and non-alcoholic options be included?

Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks can form part of an event-specific plan, subject to the venue’s permission and any licensing requirements. Alternative drinks should receive the same attention to presentation and allergens.

What should a beauty brand supply before requesting a quote?

Share the launch date, city, service window, expected catering covers, floor plan, dietary brief, brand guidelines, access rules and whether staff should circulate or serve from a fixed station.

How do you avoid over-ordering food at a pop-up launch?

Work from a confirmed number of catering covers rather than expected footfall. Establish whether additional visitors can receive refreshments and agree replenishment responsibility before the event.

What does food presentation need to match for a beauty or skincare event?

The brand palette, portion format, dress code, serviceware, guest circulation and food safety rules. Our brief for Yepoda called for minimalist, rose-led presentation and tray service rather than a buffet.