The Art of Location Catering: How We Serve Up Fresh Food Anywhere

April 14, 2025

In the world of film and TV production, long hours, demanding schedules, and ever-changing locations mean that reliable, high-quality catering is an absolute must. Whether on a sprawling countryside set or inside a bustling studio, location catering for Film & TV plays a crucial role in keeping cast and crew energized, focused, and ready to deliver their best work.

At Rhubarb Rhubarb Catering, we specialize in providing fresh, chef-prepared meals no matter where the production takes place. From TV drama to remote catering, we bring exceptional food and service to every set. Here’s how we master the art of catering for studio productions and outdoor locations alike.

1. Bringing the Kitchen to Any Location

Film and TV productions can take place anywhere—a remote beach, a historic castle, a bustling city street, or a high-tech studio. The biggest challenge of location catering for Film & TV is ensuring fresh, high-quality food is available wherever the production is based.

How We Overcome It:

  • Fully Mobile Kitchen Units – Equipped with everything needed to prepare meals on-site, from ovens and grills to refrigeration.
  • Pop-Up Dining Setups – Whether it’s a studio lot or an outdoor film shoot, we help create comfortable dining areas for cast and crew.
  • Prepped & Fresh Ingredients – We source fresh, seasonal produce and prep meals efficiently to maintain top quality, even in challenging locations.

Our catering for outdoor film shoots ensures that even the most rugged locations get the same top-tier service as a high-end studio.

2. Delivering Nutritionally Balanced, Delicious Meals

A well-fed crew is a happy and productive crew. Film sets demand intense concentration and physical effort, making meal quality a key factor in keeping energy levels high.

How We Overcome It:

  • Chef-Crafted Menus – We create a balance of hearty, comforting dishes and lighter, nutritious options.
  • Adaptable Serving Styles – Whether it’s buffet-style dining, plated meals, or quick grab-and-go options, we tailor our service to the production’s needs.
  • Hydration & Snacks – We provide healthy snacks and hydration stations to keep energy levels steady throughout the day.

With remote catering for productions, we understand that every production is unique, and we create menus that match the specific demands of long shoot days.

3. Adapting to Different Production Needs

Not all productions have the same catering requirements. A large-scale TV drama catering setup differs from catering for studio productions, which in turn differs from an outdoor action film shoot.

How We Overcome It:

 Studio-Based Catering:

  • Permanent or semi-permanent kitchen setups in soundstages or production lots.
  • Flexible meal service throughout the day to accommodate varying call times.

Remote Catering for Productions:

  • Self-sufficient kitchen units that travel to any location.
  • All-weather setups to handle extreme temperatures, wind, and rain.

 Catering for Outdoor Film Shoots:

  • Portable food stations for easy access on expansive locations.
  • Lightweight but nutritious meal options to suit high-energy, action-heavy productions.

We customise our approach to location catering for Film & TV, ensuring that every set gets exactly what it needs.

4. Meeting Tight Schedules with Efficiency

Timing is everything in film and TV production. Crews work under strict schedules, meaning meals must be ready precisely when breaks are scheduled—without delays or disruptions.

How We Overcome It:

  • Advance Coordination – We work closely with production teams to plan meal times down to the minute.
  • Rapid Service – Our catering team is trained to serve large groups efficiently, ensuring everyone eats within the allotted break time.
  • Flexible Adjustments – If schedules change, we adapt quickly to avoid impacting production.

With catering for studio productions, we understand the need for flexibility—whether it’s serving early call times or providing late-night meals after an extended shoot.

5. Catering to All Dietary Requirements

Modern productions include a diverse range of dietary needs, from vegan and vegetarian to gluten-free and high-protein meals. No one should be left without a satisfying meal option.

How We Overcome It:

  • Comprehensive Menu Planning – We ensure there are delicious options for every dietary preference.
  • Allergy Awareness – Strict protocols are in place to prevent cross-contamination.
  • Customisable Orders – We offer meal personalisation so crew members can request modifications when needed.

By making location catering for Film & TV inclusive, we keep everyone on set well-fed and happy.

6. Maintaining Sustainability on Set

Sustainability is becoming a key focus in the film industry, and catering is no exception. Reducing food waste, cutting down on single-use plastics, and sourcing locally are all vital elements of modern film catering.

How We Overcome It:

  • Local & Seasonal Ingredients – Supporting local farmers while ensuring freshness.
  • Eco-Friendly Packaging – Compostable and recyclable materials to reduce environmental impact.
  • Food Waste Reduction – Thoughtful portioning and donation of surplus food when possible.

With remote catering for productions, we bring sustainability wherever the production goes, ensuring minimal environmental impact.

Why Rhubarb Rhubarb is Your Best Choice for Location Catering for Film & TV

At Rhubarb Rhubarb Catering, we understand that great production catering is about more than just providing meals—it’s about creating an experience that enhances the production process.

Here’s why productions choose us:

  • Unmatched Experience – We’ve catered for productions of all sizes, from small indie shoots to major TV dramas.
  • Flexibility & Reliability – Whether in a city studio or a remote outdoor location, we always deliver.
  • Commitment to Quality – Fresh ingredients, balanced meals, and professional service every time.
  • Sustainability-Focused – Eco-friendly catering solutions for modern productions.

Contact us today to discuss how we can support your next film or TV production with top-tier location catering for Film & TV!

The Secret to Seamless Location Catering

Providing high-quality catering for studio productions and outdoor film shoots requires a mix of experience, adaptability, and precision. At Rhubarb Rhubarb Catering, we bring all of these elements together, ensuring that no matter where a production is based, we serve fresh, delicious, and energizing meals that keep the crew at their best.

Need expert location catering for Film & TV? Get in touch today!

Adam Little Chef

Adam Little

Chef & Owner Adam Little boasts a 17-year career, gaining extensive experience across various catering sectors and shaping his unique style. His dedication to quality food and excellent customer service led him to Location Catering, where he served as Chef Manager on numerous productions. Adam and his team are committed to delivering great food, exceptional service, and a welcoming environment, always on time.