Meet Cristina: A Fresh Take on Office Catering
Originally from Canada and now based in London, Cristina has spent years working across hospitality and business development. Now leading Table to Table as Director, she’s focused on growing an office catering business in London that brings something different to the market - combining the polish of high-end events with the everyday needs of the workplace.
We caught up with Cristina to talk about great food, workplace culture, the future of workplace catering and, naturally, her current ice cream obsession.
Meet Cristina, Director of Table to Table
For anyone who hasn’t met you yet, tell us a little about yourself and your role at Table to Table.
I’m originally from Canada but have called London home since 2012. Hospitality is in my blood! My grandad was the first person to bring Mister Softee trucks to Canada, alongside running a café called Snappy’s and a fleet of mobile catering vans called Ace Hot Coffee. My mum also ran her own catering company, so food has always been part of the family story.
I recently took on the role of Director at Table to Table, overseeing the business as a whole. It’s a really exciting time for us - building something from the ground up, working with an incredibly talented team and watching the business grow is hugely rewarding. I can’t wait to see what’s next.
What makes Table to Table different from other office catering companies?
I think it’s the combination of exceptional food and our roots in event catering, having been born out of Rocket Events. We’re not just delivering lunches; we’re creating an experience.
We have a strong food development team, so every meal is researched, refined, seasonal and delicious.
On the account management side, we really know how to make things happen. We add value by becoming a true partner to our clients - an extension of their team, not just a supplier. We’re the ones bringing ideas to them, not the other way around. That’s built into our DNA.
Above all, we’re creative. It shows in the food, the ideas and the way we work with our clients.
You’ve spent years in hospitality. What excites you most about bringing great food to the world of London office catering?
What I love about workplace catering is that we’re cooking for people in what is, in many ways, their second home. We spend a huge chunk of our lives at work. We make friends there - we even have work wives and work husbands! So why shouldn’t it feel as warm, welcoming and comfortable as home?
Food plays a big part in creating that feeling. A great lunch can lift the mood of an entire day, bring people together, make someone feel looked after or simply give them ten minutes to switch off and enjoy something delicious. If we can help create a workplace where people feel happy, comfortable and cared for, I think we’re doing something pretty special.
What’s the biggest misconception people have about office catering?
I think it’s the idea that it’s somehow sub-par. But it’s not! Workplace food can be so much more than boring sandwich lunches or an attempt to compete with the high street (don’t get me wrong, I’m partial to a Pret Jambon Beurre).
Good office catering is well-developed, chef-led and interesting. I’ve eaten some truly delicious food at work. Contract catering may be seen as the less glamorous side of the industry, but its talented chefs are determined to prove otherwise - and that results in some outstanding food.
"A great lunch can lift the mood of an entire day."
If you could transform one thing about the modern office lunch, what would it be?
No more “al desko” lunches! Even if it’s only for ten minutes, taking a proper break can make such a difference. It’s a chance to recharge, have a chat and bond with colleagues - or, if you’re not feeling social, simply enjoy some good food away from your inbox.
Companies that invest in office catering and encourage people to step away at lunchtime are getting something right. Lunch isn’t lost time; it’s a moment to reset. Let’s make taking it the norm.
What’s one dish or food trend you’re particularly excited about right now?
I’m a bit obsessed with ice cream right now. More specifically, I’m into really good soft serve. I recently had a verbena, honey and crème fraîche soft serve from Soft & Swirly. Love!
Otherwise, summer for me is all about the interesting produce you don’t see as much in winter, like heritage tomatoes, an unusual variety of cucumber or a really good green bean. I also think the growing awareness of ultra-processed foods is encouraging people to seek out more natural alternatives and have a go at making things themselves, which can only be a good thing.
What do you think the future of workplace catering looks like?
I think workplace catering will become much more about the experience. If people are swapping their kitchen table for a commute into the office, there needs to be something worth coming in for, and a great lunch certainly helps! Food brings people together, gets them talking and can completely change the feel of a working day.
People also know and care more about what they’re eating now. They want fresh, seasonal food with plenty of flavour, lots of choice and a story behind where it comes from. Menus need to keep changing too, because no one wants to eat the same thing all year round. That’s what makes the future of office catering exciting: there’s always room to try something new and give people a lovely surprise.
Finally, the important question… what’s your ultimate lunch?
If time and money were no object? A long lunch in the garden at The River Cafe.
On a normal working day, I’d happily have a crunchy slaw, grilled fish or chicken, something to soak up the dressing and plenty of hot sauce.
Soft & Swirly ice cream and lunch at The River Cafe.
Quickfire round
If you were feeding a team for the first time, what’s one thing you’d always include?
Lots of toppings, sauces and condiments. Everyone loves making a dish their own.
What’s one ingredient you couldn’t live without?
Fresh herbs. They make everything taste brighter.
Sweet or savoury?
Crisps over chocolate every time… although my current soft serve obsession is definitely testing that loyalty.
Coffee order?
Flat white.
Looking for office catering in London? Talk to Cristina about creating a food experience your team will look forward to.