Planning a shoot at The Bottle Yard Studios in Bristol? You've chosen one of the UK's premier filming locations, but getting the catering right can make or break your production day. As specialists in on-set catering at The Bottle Yard, we've learned exactly what works (and what doesn't) when feeding cast and crew at this unique facility.
Here's everything you need to know about catering your Bottle Yard production.
Why The Bottle Yard Studios Requires Specialist Catering Knowledge
The Bottle Yard isn't your typical filming location. With multiple sound stages, production offices, and a sprawling layout across the former bottling plant, catering here comes with its own set of challenges.
We've catered numerous productions at The Bottle Yard, and we've developed systems that work specifically for this venue. From understanding the best delivery routes to knowing which stages have the most convenient setup areas, local knowledge makes all the difference.
Understanding The Bottle Yard Layout for Catering Success
Multiple Stages Mean Multiple Considerations
The Bottle Yard houses several sound stages of varying sizes. Your catering setup needs to account for:
- Distance between stages and catering areas
- Cast and crew movement patterns throughout the day
- Quiet periods when sound is rolling
- Accessibility for hot food delivery
We position our service stations strategically so your team isn't walking half a mile for lunch when they're already exhausted from a long morning shoot.
Loading Bay Access and Timing
Getting equipment and food in and out of The Bottle Yard requires coordination. We know the loading bay schedules, the security protocols, and how to time our arrivals so we're never blocking essential production vehicles or causing delays.
Early call times? Night shoots? We've done them all at The Bottle Yard and know exactly when and where to arrive.
Menu Planning for Long Production Days at The Bottle Yard
Breakfast Service That Fuels Your Crew
6am call times are standard at The Bottle Yard. Your crew needs proper fuel, not just pastries and coffee.
Our breakfast service includes:
- Hot bacon and sausage baps
- Veggie and vegan breakfast options
- Fresh fruit and yogurt
- Proper coffee (not the instant stuff)
- Energy-sustaining options that last until lunch
We set up before your earliest call time, so crew can grab breakfast as they arrive and get straight to work.
Lunch That Doesn't Slow Down Your Schedule
When you're on a tight schedule, the last thing you need is a lunch service that causes delays. Our lunch service at The Bottle Yard is designed for efficiency without compromising quality.
We typically offer:
- Multiple hot main courses (always including vegetarian and vegan)
- Fresh salads and sides
- Grab-and-go options for crew who need to eat quickly
- Dietary requirement stations clearly labelled
Everything is ready precisely when you break, so your crew isn't standing around waiting. We know that in production, time literally is money.
Afternoon Snacks and Dinner Service
Long days at The Bottle Yard often mean 12+ hour shoots. Energy crashes around 3pm are real, and dinner service for evening shoots needs to hit differently than lunch.
Our afternoon service includes fresh fruit, healthy snacks, and energy boosters that keep your team alert without the sugar crash.
For dinner service on extended days, we provide hearty, comforting food that sustains crew through the final hours of filming.
Handling Dietary Requirements on Set
The Reality of Modern Production Catering
Gone are the days when "vegetarian option" meant cheese sandwiches. Modern productions have crew members with:
- Vegan requirements
- Gluten-free needs
- Halal and Kosher requirements
- Nut allergies
- Dairy intolerances
- Multiple other dietary restrictions
We've catered productions at The Bottle Yard with 50+ different dietary requirements on a single day. Our system ensures everyone gets fed properly, safely, and deliciously.
How We Manage Dietary Needs
When you book with Nomad Crew Catering, we request dietary requirements in advance. We then:
- Create clearly labelled stations for different dietary needs
- Prevent cross-contamination with separate serving utensils
- Provide allergen information for every dish
- Have backup options available
- Brief our team so they can answer crew questions confidently
Nobody should go hungry or feel like an afterthought because of their dietary requirements.
Logistics That Production Managers Actually Care About
Setup and Breakdown Times
We know you're juggling a million things. Here's what you can expect from our service:
Setup: We arrive and set up without disrupting your pre-production. Our team works quietly and efficiently.
Service: We're ready when you need us, not when it's convenient for us.
Breakdown: We clear away while respecting your afternoon schedule. No clattering dishes during important takes.
Working Around Your Shooting Schedule
Sound stages mean silence when cameras are rolling. We've learned to:
- Time our setup and breakdown around your shooting schedule
- Keep noise to an absolute minimum during takes
- Position our service areas to minimise disruption
- Communicate with your ADs about timing
Weather-Proof Solutions
The Bottle Yard's indoor stages are climate-controlled, but our studio catering setup areas might not always be. We come prepared with:
- Covered serving stations
- Temperature-controlled food storage
- All-weather equipment
- Backup plans for outdoor setups
Bristol weather can be unpredictable. We're not.
Budget Planning for Bottle Yard Productions
What Affects Your Catering Budget
Production managers need clear numbers. Your catering budget at The Bottle Yard depends on:
- Number of crew and cast
- Number of meals required (breakfast, lunch, dinner, craft services)
- Dietary complexity
- Length of production
- Service style (buffet vs. plated vs. grab-and-go)
We provide detailed quotes with no hidden costs. What we quote is what you pay.
Getting the Most Value
The cheapest caterer isn't always the best value. Here's what you're actually paying for with professional catering:
- Time saved (crew not leaving site for food)
- Energy and morale (well-fed crews work better)
- Health and safety (properly stored and served food)
- Reliability (we show up, every time, on time)
- Stress reduction (one less thing to worry about)
A hungry, frustrated crew costs you more in lost productivity than the difference between budget and professional catering.
Why Local Knowledge Matters at The Bottle Yard
We Know Bristol
As a Bristol-based catering company, we source locally wherever possible. This means:
- Fresher ingredients
- Supporting local suppliers
- Better prices (no long-distance transport costs)
- Flexibility if we need last-minute supplies
When a production manager calls us at 7am because cast numbers just doubled, we can handle it. We know which suppliers are open early, which ones deliver fast, and how to get what we need to The Bottle Yard quickly.
We Understand The Bottle Yard Specifically
Every venue has its quirks. At The Bottle Yard, we know:
- Which entrances to use for different stages
- Where we can park our vehicles
- The security sign-in process
- Which areas are available for setup
- The best routes through the building
- Who to contact if there's an issue
This knowledge means we integrate seamlessly into your production day instead of adding complications.
Case Study: Recent Production Success
We recently catered a three-week drama production at The Bottle Yard with a crew of 85 people. The challenges included:
- Multiple dietary requirements (vegan, gluten-free, halal, nut allergies)
- Varying call times (some crew at 6am, others at 10am)
- Night shoots in week two
- Budget constraints
- High expectations from cast
Our solution included staggered breakfast service, a flexible lunch buffet with clearly marked dietary stations, and afternoon snack service that kept energy levels high. We adapted our menu weekly based on crew feedback.
The production manager told us we were "the only department that never caused a problem." That's exactly what we aim for.
How to Book Catering for Your Bottle Yard Production
Timeline for Booking
The Bottle Yard is busy, and so are we. Here's our recommended booking timeline:
4-6 weeks before: Initial contact and quote request 3-4 weeks before: Confirm booking and deposit 2 weeks before: Finalize numbers and dietary requirements 1 week before: Final confirmation and any adjustments Day of: We show up and execute flawlessly
Rush bookings are sometimes possible, but advance planning gives you the best results and pricing.
What Information We Need
To quote accurately, we need:
- Shoot dates
- Estimated crew and cast numbers
- Meals required (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks)
- Dietary requirements (if known)
- Your budget range
- Any specific requests or concerns
The more information you provide, the better we can tailor our service to your production.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Bottle Yard Studios and Catering
What's special about Bottle Yard Studios?
The Bottle Yard Studios is the largest dedicated film and TV production facility in the West of England. What makes it truly special is its unique history and modern capabilities. The site was originally a winery and bottling plant that produced Harvey's Bristol Cream Sherry for over 50 years. When Bristol City Council transformed it in 2010, they created 11 BAFTA-accredited stages across two sites (TBY1 with 8 stages and TBY2 with 3 premium soundproofed stages).
The Studios offer floor areas up to 22,000 sq ft with heights reaching 34ft, perfect for ambitious set builds. TBY2, which opened in 2022, is powered by one of the largest community-owned solar rooftop arrays in the UK (comprising over 2,300 panels), making it one of the most sustainable filming facilities in Britain. It's this combination of converted industrial heritage, state-of-the-art facilities, and commitment to sustainability that makes The Bottle Yard truly unique.
What makes Bottle Yard Studios unique?
Beyond its size and facilities, The Bottle Yard's uniqueness lies in its Bristol location and integrated support ecosystem. It's situated in a UNESCO City of Film with access to highly skilled local crews, 20+ on-site specialist service companies, and seamless coordination with Bristol Film Office for location filming across the city.
The Studios are run by a small team with professional industry backgrounds who understand producers' needs inside and out. This personal, responsive approach sets it apart from larger, more corporate facilities. Productions consistently praise the Studios' flexibility, problem-solving attitude, and deep integration with Bristol's creative community.
What kind of productions use Bottle Yard?
The Bottle Yard hosts an incredibly diverse range of productions. Recent high-profile TV dramas include The Outlaws (BBC/Amazon), Rivals (Disney+), The Crow Girl (Paramount+), Industry (BBC/HBO), and Boarders (BBC Three). Major feature films like Hellboy, The Wasp, and Stan & Ollie have filmed there.
The Studios also host long-running game shows including Tipping Point (ITV), which moved its entire production there in 2018, complete with its iconic machine in an 8,000 sq ft studio. Children's programming like Malory Towers (CBBC) and various Andy's Adventures series from the BBC Natural History Unit have made it their home. From high-end drama to indie features, commercials to documentaries, the Studios accommodate productions of all scales and budgets.
What is the history of Bottle Yard Studios?
The site operated for more than 50 years as a winery and bottling plant, most famously producing Harvey's Bristol Cream Sherry. At its peak, the production line bottled over 3 million liters of sherry annually. After the winery industry departed, these vast warehouses sat empty and unused.
In 2010, Bristol City Council took the innovative step of transforming the abandoned industrial site into a creative hub for film and TV production. The Bottle Yard Studios opened that same year, retaining the distinctive industrial architecture while creating professional filming spaces. The name honors this heritage. In its first year alone, the Studios brought an estimated £8 million in investment to Bristol. In November 2022, TBY2 opened at a neighboring site, expanding from 8 to 11 stages total and adding premium soundproofed facilities with cutting-edge sustainability features.
What has been filmed at Bottle Yard Studios Bristol?
The Bottle Yard has an impressive roster of productions. Major TV dramas include all three series of The Outlaws starring Stephen Merchant and Christopher Walken, Rivals (Disney+), The Crow Girl (Paramount+), Down Cemetery Road (Apple TV+), Poldark (BBC), Sanditon (ITV), The Spanish Princess (Starz), Fortitude (Sky Atlantic), Industry (BBC/HBO), Alex Rider (Amazon), Rain Dogs (BBC/HBO), and Wolf Hall (BBC).
Feature films include Hellboy, The Wasp, Stan & Ollie, The Trial of Christine Keeler (BBC), and various independent British films. Game shows Tipping Point and The Crystal Maze film there regularly. Children's shows include Malory Towers (CBBC) and multiple Andy's Adventures series. More than 50 major productions passed through the Studios in its first decade alone, with that number growing significantly year on year.
What is filmed at Bottle Yard Studios?
Currently and recently, The Bottle Yard has been home to Rivals series 2 (which began filming in Bristol in 2025), The Crow Girl series 2 (Paramount+), and continues to host Tipping Point's ongoing production. Productions change regularly as shoots wrap and new projects begin, with the Studios typically hosting multiple simultaneous productions across different stages.
The venue's booking slate extends well into 2025 and 2026, showing the continued demand from UK and international productions. The mix typically includes high-end drama series, feature films at various budget levels, game shows, children's programming, and commercials.
What films have been filmed in Bristol?
Bristol has hosted numerous major films beyond just those at The Bottle Yard Studios. Recent notable films include Stan & Ollie (2018) starring Steve Coogan, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society starring Lily James, Starter for Ten with James McAvoy, Hellboy (2019), The Wasp, and independent films like The Undertaker starring Paul McGann.
Sherlock specials including The Abominable Bride filmed extensively in Bristol. The city's diverse architecture allows it to double for other locations – from Georgian elegance in Clifton to industrial grittiness, harbor settings, and distinctive street art. Bristol's rich production history also includes classic films and continues to attract both British independent cinema and larger studio projects.
Was Harry Potter filmed in Bristol?
No, Harry Potter films were not shot in Bristol itself. However, some Harry Potter filming did take place in nearby locations that are easily accessible from Bristol. Most notably, scenes were filmed at Gloucester Cathedral (about 30 miles from Bristol), which served as Hogwarts corridors in several films. Lacock Abbey in Wiltshire (roughly 30 miles from Bristol) was used for various Hogwarts scenes.
One film website notes that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 filmed some scenes in "London & Bristol," though the specific Bristol locations aren't documented in major location guides. The main Harry Potter filming took place at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, various locations in London, Oxford, Scotland, and other parts of England. Bristol is close enough to these West Country filming locations that Harry Potter location tours from Bristol are popular.
What BBC drama was filmed in Bristol?
Multiple BBC dramas have filmed in Bristol. Most prominently, The Outlaws (BBC One/Amazon Prime Video) starring Stephen Merchant and Christopher Walken filmed all three series extensively in Bristol and at The Bottle Yard Studios from 2020-2023.
Other significant BBC dramas include Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light, which based production at the Studios while filming on location across England and Wales. Am I Being Unreasonable starring Daisy May Cooper filmed at the Studios and Bristol locations. The Trial of Christine Keeler used Bristol locations to recreate 1960s London. Malory Towers (CBBC) has filmed five series at the Studios. Casualty was based in Bristol for 25 years before moving to Cardiff in 2012. More recently, Towards Zero (2025), an Agatha Christie adaptation, filmed in Bristol, and Dope Girls (BBC One, 2025) also filmed in the city.
Where is the bottle yard in Bristol?
The Bottle Yard Studios main site is located at Whitchurch Lane, Bristol BS14 0BH, in the Hengrove area approximately 4-5 miles south of Bristol city center. This puts it in South Bristol, easily accessible from the M5 motorway and about 7 miles from Bristol Airport.
The second site, TBY2 (opened 2022), is at Hawkfield Way, Bristol BS14 0BD, very close to the main site. Both facilities are in the same general area of Hengrove, which was historically an industrial part of the city – fitting for the Studios' heritage as a former bottling plant. The location provides good transport links while being slightly removed from the busy city center, ideal for large-scale production needs.
Where is the Bottle Yard Studio in Bristol?
The Bottle Yard Studios is in Hengrove, South Bristol. The main address is Whitchurch Lane, Bristol BS14 0BH. It's situated on a seven-acre site (equivalent to more than five football pitches) in what was historically an industrial area.
The Studios are well-connected: approximately 4 miles south of Bristol city center, 7 miles from Bristol Airport (which offers international connections via Amsterdam, Paris, and Brussels), and about two hours from London. The location offers the best of both worlds – close enough to Bristol's city center for location filming and crew access, but spacious enough for major studio operations including large set builds, vehicle parking, and multiple simultaneous productions.
Where in Bristol is Outlaws filmed?
The Outlaws filmed at The Bottle Yard Studios for interior sets and extensively across Bristol for location filming. Key locations featured across all three series include:
- Sea Mills Community Centre (the main community payback location, decorated by Bristol graffiti artist 'Inkie')
- St Werburgh's City Farm (featured prominently in series 3)
- The Galleries shopping center in Broadmead
- Bristol Harbourside and Floating Harbour
- College Green and Park Street
- Clifton (including Clifton College)
- Stokes Croft
- Redcliffe and Temple areas
- Various streets across Easton, Speedwell, Shirehampton, Lockleaze, and Bedminster
- Weston-super-Mare (the nearby seaside town, used for series 2 and 3)
Bristol Film Office has created a special Outlaws Movie Map showing filming locations across the city. The production was notable for showcasing Bristol as itself, with the city's distinctive character, street art, and architecture becoming a central part of the show's identity.
Is Tipping Point filmed in Bristol?
Yes! Tipping Point has been filmed at The Bottle Yard Studios since spring 2018 when it was in its eighth series. The ITV quiz show, hosted by Ben Shephard, relocated its entire production to Bristol from its previous location.
The iconic Tipping Point machine sits in an 8,000 sq ft studio at the site, with control rooms and all backstage production elements also based there. Production teams work out of RDF West's Bristol offices. The show films in intensive blocks – typically recording 165+ regular episodes and 10-15 Tipping Point Lucky Stars celebrity specials over a 2-3 month period. Ben Shephard bases himself in Bristol during filming days (Monday-Wednesday) before returning to London for Good Morning Britain. The show has filmed its 1,000th episode at The Bottle Yard and continues production there with major multi-year commitments.
What is being filmed in Bristol in 2025?
Based on recent announcements, 2025 productions in Bristol include:
- Rivals series 2 (Disney+) – began filming in Bristol in May 2025
- The Crow Girl series 2 (Paramount+) – filming at The Bottle Yard Studios and Bristol locations
- The Forsytes series 2 (ITV/MASTERPIECE) – began filming in June 2025, with 75% of crew from the South West
- Down Cemetery Road (Apple TV+) – completed extensive filming in Bristol in late 2024/early 2025, premiered October 2025
- Towards Zero – Agatha Christie adaptation that filmed in Bristol for BBC One, aired March 2025
- Dope Girls (BBC One) – filmed in Bristol for 2025 broadcast
- Landscape Artist of the Year series 11 (SkyArts)
- Boarders series 2 (BBC Three)
- Ongoing production of Tipping Point
Bristol Film Office reported that 29 major productions filmed in the city in 2024, contributing over £30 million to the local economy, with strong momentum continuing into 2025.
What show is being filmed in Bristol?
Multiple shows are typically filming in Bristol simultaneously. Currently (as of early 2026), active productions include Rivals series 2 and The Crow Girl series 2. Tipping Point continues its regular production blocks throughout the year.
The nature of TV and film production means the lineup changes constantly as productions wrap and new ones begin. Bristol Film Office and The Bottle Yard Studios' social media channels and websites provide the most up-to-date information about current filming activity, though specific production details are often kept confidential until closer to broadcast.
What is the new drama set in Bristol?
Recent new dramas set and filmed in Bristol include:
Down Cemetery Road (Apple TV+, premiered October 2025) – a contemporary thriller starring Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson, shot predominantly in Bristol with studio work at The Bottle Yard
The Crow Girl (Paramount+, 2025) – a contemporary psychological thriller set in Bristol, now filming series 2
Towards Zero (BBC One, aired March 2025) – Agatha Christie adaptation filmed in and around Bristol
Dope Girls (BBC One, 2025) – new series filmed in Bristol
The Forsytes (ITV/MASTERPIECE, premiered October 2025) – though set in London, extensively filmed in Bristol which doubled for the capital
These join established Bristol-set shows like The Outlaws (all three series set and filmed in the city) and Industry, which films regularly in Bristol and at The Bottle Yard Studios.
How do I find out what's filming near me?
To find out what's filming in Bristol specifically:
- Follow Bristol Film Office on social media (Twitter/X, Instagram, Facebook)
- Subscribe to the "Filming in Bristol" e-newsletter through the Bristol Film Office website
- Follow The Bottle Yard Studios on social media for production announcements
- Check Bristol Film Office's website (filmbristol.co.uk) which posts news about current and upcoming productions
- Visit Bristol's UNESCO City of Film website
For the UK more broadly, websites like The Knowledge Online, Production Intelligence, and Screen Daily track productions in pre-production, production, and post-production stages. Some productions also post casting calls through Spotlight and other industry platforms. However, note that many productions keep their filming locations confidential for security and logistical reasons, especially during active shooting.
Frequently Asked Questions About Catering at The Bottle Yard Studios
How far in advance should I book catering for a Bottle Yard shoot?
Ideally, book 4-6 weeks in advance, especially for larger productions or peak filming periods. However, we can often accommodate shorter notice bookings. Contact us as soon as you confirm your Bottle Yard dates to secure our services.
Can you handle last-minute changes to crew numbers?
Yes. Productions are unpredictable, and we build flexibility into our service. We ask for final numbers 48 hours before, but we can usually accommodate same-day adjustments of up to 20% increase in crew size. Larger changes need as much notice as possible.
What's your minimum crew size for Bottle Yard catering?
We typically cater productions from 15 people upwards. For smaller crews, we can discuss options that might work for your budget and needs.
Do you provide equipment like tables, chairs, and serving stations?
Yes. Our service includes all necessary serving equipment, tables, and setup. If you need additional seating for crew, we can arrange that too.
How do you handle dietary requirements and allergies?
We take dietary requirements seriously. We request detailed information before your shoot, create clearly labelled serving stations, use separate utensils to prevent cross-contamination, and provide full allergen information. Our staff are briefed on all dietary needs and can answer crew questions.
Can you cater night shoots at The Bottle Yard?
Absolutely. We've catered numerous night shoots at The Bottle Yard. Our menu planning adjusts for night shoots, providing food that sustains energy through unusual hours without causing fatigue.
What happens if our shooting schedule changes during the day?
We stay in contact with your production team throughout the day. If lunch gets pushed back an hour, we adjust. Our food is prepared to maintain quality even if timing shifts, and we're flexible enough to adapt to your changing schedule.
Do you source ingredients locally?
Yes. As a Bristol-based company, we source from local suppliers wherever possible. This ensures freshness, supports the local economy, and gives us flexibility for last-minute needs.
What's included in your pricing?
Our quotes include food, equipment, setup, service, and breakdown. There are no hidden costs. We provide a detailed breakdown so you know exactly what you're paying for.
Can you accommodate specific cultural or religious dietary requirements?
Yes. We regularly cater halal, kosher, and other culturally specific dietary needs. Let us know your requirements when booking, and we'll ensure appropriate options are available.
Do you provide craft services as well as meals?
Yes. We can provide continuous craft services throughout the day, including snacks, drinks, fruit, and energy-sustaining options. This keeps your crew fueled between main meals.
What if we need to cancel or postpone our shoot?
We understand that productions can be unpredictable. Our cancellation policy is fair and clearly outlined in our booking terms. The earlier you notify us of changes, the more flexible we can be.
Have you worked with major productions at The Bottle Yard?
Yes. We've catered various productions at The Bottle Yard, from independent films to larger commercial projects. We maintain confidentiality about specific productions unless we have permission to share details.
Can you provide references from other production managers?
Absolutely. We're happy to provide references from production managers who have used our services at The Bottle Yard and other Bristol locations.
Ready to Book Your Bottle Yard Catering?
Good catering isn't just about food. It's about understanding production, respecting schedules, solving problems before they happen, and making sure your crew has one less thing to worry about.
We've done the work. We know The Bottle Yard. We understand what production managers need.
Contact Nomad Crew Catering today to discuss your Bottle Yard production. Let's make sure your crew is well-fed, energised, and ready to create something amazing.
Nomad Crew Catering - Professional film and TV catering in Bristol and beyond. Specialists in on-set catering at The Bottle Yard Studios and locations across the South West.
