Buying a Mobile Catering Van: Where Do I Start?

by Dan

Mobile catering van with serving hatch ready for business

Mobile catering van with serving hatch ready for business

Afternoon All,

I'm looking to set up a mobile catering van selling a range of ice cream, smoothies, coffees, etc. I'm torn between getting an old ice cream van that needs work and making a few changes, getting a plain van (like a Luton) and starting from scratch or going to a company that do bespoke ones (very expensive).

Any advice on how to get started? The temptation is to buy something cheap and cheerful for £2k on e-bay and spend £10k doing it up inside and out.

Thanks

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Apr 06, 2026
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by: MobCater

Hi Dan,

You've got the right idea thinking about this carefully before jumping in, because the vehicle you choose will shape everything from your startup costs to your daily setup.

Of your three options, I'd say buying a second hand van that already has some of the equipment in it is the smartest starting point. A bespoke build from a company will easily set you back £50,000 to £200,000, and like a new car it loses value the second you drive it away. Starting from scratch with a plain Luton is possible but you'll spend a lot of time and money fitting it out, and you still need everything done to EHO and Gas Safe standards before you can trade.

What I've always done, and what I teach people, is what I call the DIY method. You find a decent second hand van or trailer that already has the basics fitted, the serving hatch, stainless steel surfaces, a sink setup, and the gas pipework in place. Then you go to a sign company, tell them your concept and your menu, and get the exterior wrapped professionally. I bought a trailer for £750 once, did exactly this, and sold it years later for £8,500. The signage alone transforms it from a tired old van into something that looks like a proper brand.

For ice cream, smoothies, and coffees specifically, an old ice cream van could work well because the refrigeration is already built in. The key thing to check is whether the gas and electrical systems are certified and whether the interior layout will pass an EHO inspection. You need two separate sinks as a minimum, proper hand washing facilities, and stainless steel work surfaces. If the van already has these or can be adapted without major work, that's your winner.

Whatever you buy, make sure it comes with a valid LPG gas safety certificate. If it doesn't, getting one fitted from scratch is expensive and the right engineers are hard to find. You want someone who is Gas Safe registered with qualifications specifically in commercial mobile catering, not just domestic or caravan gas work.

Before you spend anything on a vehicle, get your Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate done (it's about £25 online) and register with your local council's Environmental Health department at least 28 days before you plan to start trading. Those two steps cost almost nothing and they need doing regardless of which van you choose.

Good luck with it

David

Disclaimer: This is based on my experience in UK mobile catering. Rules and costs can change, so always do your own research and check with the relevant authorities before committing.

Try the free MobCater App — our startup cost calculator and 12-step guide walks you through every step: https://www.mobcater.co.uk/mobile-catering.html

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