Serving feasts in the middle ages took hard work, careful planning and organisation. They were held in the great hall of the castle and were prepared by cooks. Before you were shown to your seat, you had to wash your hands at the front of the castle before you entered. The medieval feast usually contained one to five courses although sometimes there were six.
Entertainment
A feast usually had some form of entertainment. Singing, music, juggling, acrobatics and more were types of entertainment were performed for guests. A feast was a big occasion on the manor, where people enjoyed gathering and a well cooked meal.
What would be on a traditional menu?
Feasts would have several courses. These courses regularly included:
saltwater fish/freshwater fish
beef fritters
pastries
boiled meat
roast
crisps
broth with bacon
a meat tile
jellies
Many other different varieties were also included and served in the menu.
This example illustrates the chefs preparing the feast.
In this example, guests of the feast are helping themselves to a buffet.