Now Taking Bookings for Spring & Summer 2026. Request a Quote or call 01869 345204

Shooting a commercial might not be the same as shooting a film or TV production. In fact, if we are honest, when you think about shooting a commercial, location catering probably isn’t the first thing that springs to mind. Most people picture cameras, lights, and actors. But if you have spent any time on location or on set, you will already know that the right food can make or break a production, and that might be even more of a consideration for a commercial shoot.

It’s not just about keeping people fed, though that’s where it starts. It’s about keeping them happy, energised, and ready to tackle whatever the script (or the production) throws at them.

That’s where crew catering comes in. If you are considering choosing a specialist like Rose Catering, it can be a game-changer for your next commercial shoot. Our reputation for exceptional commercial catering means your team is always in good hands, whether you’re filming in the heart of London or out in the wilds of Scotland. In fact, we are lucky enough to have worked all over the UK over the last 30 years, building ongoing relationships with production teams at ITV, BBC, Sky and Netflix, as well as with commercial teams.

The difference between a well-fed crew and a hungry one is the difference between a smooth, productive shoot and one that’s plagued by delays and low morale. 

The Unique Challenges of Commercial Shoot Catering

You already know that film and TV sets can be a world apart from the 9-5. Commercials are often more challenging than that. They’re temporary, mobile, and the schedule can change at the drop of a hat. Crew catering for a commercial shoot, therefore, needs to be flexible. Sometimes you’re serving breakfast before sunrise, other times you’re whipping up dinner long after dark. Here at Rose Catering, we are proud that our expertise can really shine in location catering, with our qualified, creative and knowledgeable chefs handling everything from last-minute menu changes to dietary requests with ease. Imagine a shoot where half the crew is vegan, a few need gluten-free options, and someone’s allergic to nuts. It might sound a bit far-fetched, but between allergies, preferences, and sustainability practices, Rose Catering won’t just give you a menu; we will become your culinary partner—a team who listens, adapts, and delivers, no matter how tricky the logistics. 

On location, production teams know that things can get even more complicated. Even the most experienced recce team can get it wrong, so when you are exposed to the temperamental British weather or stuck in traffic, you know we always have the production’s best interests in mind.

Rose Catering brings HGV mobile kitchens that can cook anywhere we can access water and power, safe food transport in a hotbox when it isn’t convenient to come back to base, and a chef team that has a knack for adapting to whatever the day throws at them. We can make great food happen wherever you are, always making sure the crew gets hot, fresh meals on time. Working with a catering team like Rose Catering, a team that has the experience to really ‘get it’, will give production managers one less thing to worry about as they work to keep shoots on schedule.

Budget and Cost: Walking the Tightrope

Let’s talk money. Every production has a budget, and catering should be a big part of it.

When things are stretched, it’s tempting to cut corners, but cutting food can lead to a tired, unhappy crew, and that’s never good for productivity.

The secret is finding an experienced and creative catering partner who understands the balance between quality and cost. Here at Rose Catering, we are known for commercial catering that’s both delicious and affordable. We don’t have rate cards on our website because we want to work with you to create packages that fit your budget. Making budgetary choices should never end in substandard catering, so we work with you to deliver as much as we can within the budget you have. We want to ensure you get great food without any nasty surprises when the invoice arrives. It’s about wise choices, not just cheap ones. 

Experienced production teams know that investing in the crew pays off. Team members who feel valued, seen, and looked after are more likely to go the extra mile, stay late if needed, and keep spirits high even when things get tough. If you want to keep costs down without sacrificing quality, you need transparent pricing from a catering partner that knows what they are doing and has decades of experience in doing it well.

 At the end of the day, we want every production to be able to say they know exactly what they are getting for their money.

Food as Fuel: The Link Between Catering and Productivity

Everyone on a commercial shoot needs to eat. But when it comes to getting stuff done, it is essential to remember that food isn’t just fuel—it’s motivation. It is hard to focus and give your all to anything if you’re hungry.

Of course, on location, the stakes can be even higher. Health and safety, while not the responsibility of the catering team, is balanced using well-timed, nutritious meals designed keep everyone sharp and energised. We take crew catering seriously, offering everything from hearty breakfasts to tasty snacks and tea and coffee stations. We know that a happy, well-fed crew is a productive crew. The best production teams know that in most cases it is the little things—like fresh fruit in the afternoon or a hot meal after a long morning of shooting—that keep spirits high and mistakes low. 

When people know they’ll get a good meal, they’re less likely to get distracted, irritable, or make mistakes. Getting a good breakfast before anyone has to work is the perfect start to the day, and makes the countdown to lunch much less of a challenge. We will always pay attention to meal timing, ensuring breaks are efficient and everyone gets what they need, when they need it. We cater to the individual to make the whole better.

Maintaining Morale and Happiness Through Food

Morale, both for the individual and the team as a whole, can be fragile when filming a commercial. Long hours, tight deadlines, and creative pressure can wear people down, especially when you are working with executives who might know more about marketing than they do about producing.

If you want to make a difference, then creative and thoughtful catering will set you apart. Tell the team that you want to go beyond the basics, adding special touches like themed lunches, surprise treats, and excellent coffee to the menu, and our production liaison team will be there to make sure it happens. When people feel appreciated, they work better, collaborate more, and bring their best selves to the job. 

Our team truly understands that food is more than just sustenance. When it is done right, it’s a way to build community, boost morale, and keep everyone motivated.

Dietary Needs and Inclusivity

Every crew is different, and so are their dietary needs. There are some that we know will need to be catered for almost every time, though, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free. Inclusive catering isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about making everyone feel welcome and safe. When we say we are creating inclusive menus, we mean we use the same craft, attention to detail, and taste to make meals, whether they are vegan, gluten-free, or meat and two veg. Of course, this only works if they are in it, and requires the production set to have some natural downtime. It’s this level of care that builds trust and confidence on set. 

Nothing kills morale faster than feeling left out. Choosing a catering partner like Rose Catering ensures every crew member feels included, regardless of dietary restrictions. Our production liaison team gather information before the shoot. At the same time, the chefs plan menus that accommodate everyone, and we clearly label meals with ingredients and allergens so there’s no confusion. We want our commitment to inclusivity to mean you never have to worry about someone going hungry or feeling excluded.

Building Confidence Through Catering Excellence

For a production team working on a commercial shoot, confidence on set comes from knowing everything is under control. And that should include the food. Reliable, consistent catering means fewer worries and more focus on the job. We want to help you build that confidence, drawing on our track record of excellence in commercial catering.

When you choose Rose Catering, you’re choosing peace of mind. Our reliability and consistency are born of experience, and we will work with you to make sure you never have to worry about the food. You can trust us to ensure that meals arrive on time, dietary needs are met, and the crew is happy. It’s one less thing to worry about, and it shows in the quality of the production.

Case Study: The Impact of Thoughtful Catering

Here’s a real-world example: a recent commercial shoot brought us in for our crew and location catering expertise. We made sure to create a simple yet diverse menu that covered every dietary need. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, as it usually is when we are on location.

One crew member commented, “It felt like the catering team really cared about us. The food was amazing, and the personality of the chefs made a tough shoot so much easier.”

Catering may not be the first thing you think about when planning a commercial, but it should be high on the list when the impact can be this enormous.

From morale and happiness to productivity and teamwork, the right food can really make all the difference. As a production coordinator who spends too much time managing and balancing the challenges of budget, logistics, and dietary needs, you need a partner who gets it. Here at Rose Catering, we believe we are that partner, bringing expertise, care, and a personal touch to every shoot. 

Want to find out how we can help you with crew catering and location catering? Call the production liaison team on 01869 345204 or send an email to office@rosecatering.co.uk, and let us know when your next commercial shoot is.