The Lowdown
Everything you need to know before the fire is lit.
Planning an event comes with plenty of questions, but the practical side of working with The Wild Oven is refreshingly simple. From access and setup to timings and venue requirements, here's everything you need to know before your gathering.
At A Glance
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Vehicle Access
2.2m wide x 3.1m high
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Setup Area
6m x 6m
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Prep Area (Seated Sharing)
4.5m x 4.5m
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Power
Standard 13A socket
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Water
Only if serving teas & coffees
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Arrival
2–4 hours before service
Getting To You
If you're having a Defender Kitchen, they're are built for adventure, but do need a little room to arrive safely.
To access your venue, we require:
- A clear route with a minimum width of 2.2 metres
- Minimum height clearance of 3.1 metres
Not sure if your venue is suitable? Send us a few photographs or a site plan and we'll happily advise. We rarely need a site visit and can usually confirm everything remotely.
Space to Work Our Magic
Once we're in position, we'll take care of the rest.
Our Defender Kitchens require approximately 6m × 6m for setup.
If you've chosen a Seated Sharing Feast, we'll also need a covered prep area (approximately 4.5m × 4.5m) with trestle tables close to the dining space for plating and clearing between courses.
Festival Style or Grazing station experiences usually don't require any additional catering space.
Power & Water
Our kitchens are largely self-contained, but there are a couple of essentials.
We'll usually require:
- A standard 13-amp power socket (or 3kVA generator)
- Additional power and access to fresh drinking water nearby if we're serving teas and coffees
We'll confirm everything well in advance of your event.
The Ground Beneath Our Feet
Grass, gravel or hard standing - we're happy.
Our Defender Kitchens don't require hard flooring and can comfortably operate on most outdoor surfaces.
If we're working inside a catering marquee or temporary kitchen, hard flooring is required to ensure safe and efficient service.
Festival Style or Grazing station experiences usually don't require any additional catering space.
Wet Weather
A little rain has never stopped a Wild Oven gathering.
Our Defender Kitchens are designed to operate in all weather conditions and include cover for our preparation and service area.
If additional cover is needed for your guests, we'll work with your venue or marquee provider to make sure everyone stays comfortable.
What We'll Need
A few simple things help us deliver the best possible experience.
We'll need:
- Suitable vehicle access
- Space to set up
- Power (where required)
- Water (for teas and coffees)
- Access to toilet and handwashing facilities for our team
That's it. We'll coordinate everything else directly with your venue or planner.
Working With Your Venue
We love working as part of the team.
Whether you're planning at a family home, marquee or established wedding venue, we'll liaise directly with your venue coordinator, planner and other suppliers to make sure everyone is working from the same plan.
Our aim is simple: you enjoy the day while we take care of the details.
Arrival Times
Great food starts long before your guests sit down.
Depending on your chosen experience, we'll usually arrive between two and four hours before service to light the fires, prepare your menu and ensure everything is ready when your guests arrive.
We'll confirm exact timings during the planning process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have a practical question?
Our Frequently Asked Questions cover everything from dietary requirements and service styles to crockery, children, timings and bookings.