A Cook-Off to Remember
Crossroads Catering at The Cemetery Hotel, Rochdale
Joe’s curries — bold, bright, and made from scratch.
There’s something quietly magical about old pubs — the kind with stories in their floorboards and charm seeping from the walls. The Cemetery Hotel in Rochdale is one such gem, and recently, it became the delicious setting for a food photography shoot I won’t soon forget.
The dream team — friendly faces, warm welcomes, and plenty of northern charm.
The man behind the culinary magic? Joe — the powerhouse who took over the catering in April with his business, Crossroads Catering Ltd. He’s a one-man marvel, making everything from scratch in a kitchen that’s small but mighty. It was a summer menu cook-off, and I watched in awe as he worked through dish after dish, never cutting corners and never losing steam. I genuinely couldn’t believe how much he achieved in a single day. Hats off, chef!
Plating with precision — every dish a labour of love from Joe at Crossroads Catering.
The Shoot
As a food and branding photographer, I came in with a vision: to reflect not only the flavour and texture of Joe’s food but the heart behind it. I styled and photographed over 40 dishes using a mix of vintage and modern props from my Wild & Plated collection — think hand-embroidered linens, rustic ceramics, and soft light that flatters both food and faces.
My setup included:
A flat lay station positioned near the window, featuring a boom arm and neutral styling that allows the food to speak for itself.
A second table lit with Citi300 strobes and white umbrellas, festhered for those softly directional, inviting shots.
Environmental images, including behind-the-scenes prep, staff portraits, and the beautiful old pub interior.
The result? A full gallery that celebrates Crossroads Catering's new summer menu in all its vibrant, hearty glory. From golden onion rings and crispy wedges to zingy prawns, buffalo bites, burgers piled high, and rich curries served with seasoned rice — every image was made with care (and a bit of drool control).
Telling the Whole Story
What I love most about photographing food is that it’s never just about the dish. It’s about the hands that make it, the people who enjoy it, and the environment that brings it all together. This shoot was packed with those little stories — a napkin laid just so, a server laughing with a regular, Joe giving his plates a final flourish.
There’s real craft in Joe’s cooking. It’s not ‘just pub food’ — it’s soul food. The kind that’s unpretentious, generous, and full of flavour. And photographing it in a place like The Cemetery Hotel, with its old-world charm and friendly welcome, was a true privilege.
Want Food Like This on Your Menu — and in Your Marketing?
If you’re a chef, restaurant, or food brand with a story to tell — let’s talk. My work through Wild & Plated focuses on authentic, personality-rich food photography with styling that feels intentional but not overly polished. It’s about capturing food in its best light … and the people who make it sing.
This shoot with Crossroads Catering was a joy from start to finish — and I’m already looking forward to what Joe serves up next.
The Cemetery Hotel, Rochdale — great food, lovely people, and an atmosphere you’ll want to bottle. And if you're craving scroll-stopping food photos of your own? You know where to find me.
A trio of cheesecakes — handmade, heavenly, and gone in a heartbeat.
