https://www.mobcater.co.uk/start-mobile-catering-uk-blog.html Discover Mobile Catering advice, news ideas, real stories and more.Catering trailers for sale, catering vans, equipment and more en-us start mobile catering Sat, 30 May 2026 10:59:24 -0400 Sat, 30 May 2026 10:59:24 -0400 mobcater.co.uk https://www.mobcater.co.uk/0f2cce205a5e4bfe25abacff19bb09f8Free, honest guidance on starting a mobile catering business in the UK. Real startup costs, licences, pitches, equipment and insurance - from David Hinton, 20+ years' experience.
Sat, 30 May 2026 10:59:08 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/mobile-catering-startup-costs.htmldc3f73e19a888bf85a2b1d9693ffb0e2Real startup costs for UK mobile catering. David's £750 trailer story, realistic budget breakdown, DIY method, equipment costs, insurance explained.
Fri, 29 May 2026 18:27:16 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/mobile-catering-licence-guide.htmld77a2719cbe6ed9333cafd6c60ff2e49Complete UK mobile catering licence guide. Street trading, EHO registration, food hygiene cert, and council fees explained.
Fri, 29 May 2026 18:25:46 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/what-happens-if-there-are-objections-to-my-street-trading-consent.html49f4ba20a9c79f272a68089d3f5d7eddI have applied to Manchester council for my street consent I have followed all guide lines and have every certificate needed in place I wasn't due to find
Fri, 29 May 2026 04:29:35 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/what-size-cooker-can-you-fit-in-a-catering-trailer.html61f8359404e4845047c8c27a4e94e3cdwhat size cooker can you put in a trailer
Thu, 28 May 2026 04:27:49 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/do-i-need-hot-running-water-for-hand-washing-in-a-catering-trailer.html23abd29d5de2180957f05d08b7958e16we have bought a catering trailer with no hot water facilities to hand wash, we need to have hot water to wash our hand I know. my question is. can I
Wed, 27 May 2026 04:28:07 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/can-i-put-wastage-down-as-an-expense-on-my-mobile-catering-accounts.htmlce0e64f156104f4764004267da5f65bfHi, i have been trading for 6 months now and really enjoy it. My question is can i put wastage down as an expense on the accounts? Some days i have hardly
Tue, 26 May 2026 04:27:34 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/do-i-need-a-street-trading-licence-on-private-land.html167c70a19c6b79f8f40d1b5b47d1dc90Hi I have a burger van witch is situated on a private road to a yard witch is on an industrial estate I have permission from the owner to trade from there
Mon, 25 May 2026 05:36:03 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/how-much-does-a-mobile-catering-pitch-cost.html827c8afda4a8ae95188b0785842f07c8How much is the average patch fee for a catering van?
Fri, 22 May 2026 04:32:52 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/catering-vehicle-insurance-quote.htmlb2b872d2f759855421a3026d104dd7e6Compare catering van and trailer insurance quotes from UK specialists. Tips on what to check, questions to ask your insurer, and how to get the best price for your mobile catering business.
Thu, 21 May 2026 13:18:14 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/catering-van-insurance.htmlf684537e53b7d7558b428b999b1d7c38Specialist catering van insurance explained. What a policy should cover, transit vs trading cover, how to compare quotes, and what mobile caterers actually pay. From 300 pounds a year.
Thu, 21 May 2026 13:01:29 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/ice-cream-van-insurance.htmlb29b0f505ae61e6cb56b867c7f273dc4Insurance for ice cream vans in the UK. Vehicle cover, public liability, stock spoilage, seasonal trading and chime regulations. Real costs and advice from 20 years experience.
Thu, 21 May 2026 13:00:02 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/mobile-catering-equipment-guide.html157c281fb75566f88099d74b22ff99f7Complete mobile catering equipment guide. The 4 essentials, CE mark requirements, generator specs, gas safety, and David's burned hand story.
Thu, 21 May 2026 12:59:17 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/mobile-catering-pitch-guide.html5b8bfe38626b9b7f86b3d9eeef892217Find the best mobile catering pitch. Real costs (£0-£300/week), where to look, how to approach landowners, and David's pitch progression story.
Thu, 21 May 2026 12:58:31 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/can-i-drive-my-catering-van-with-the-fryers-on.html87ce74cf80d523fe8c7bfd2f0d92fd10I'm starting a mobile burger van but I won't be on a pitch I'll be on the move. Am I allowed to travel with the fryers on?
Thu, 21 May 2026 04:30:37 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/can-i-park-my-catering-trailer-on-a-public-road-in-the-uk.html2ddd42746474b0d541ed9bb61eaa9618I’ve just lost my pitch and now need to store my trailer, is it against the law to park my trailer on the main road, the road in question has no parking
Wed, 20 May 2026 06:53:57 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/mobile-bus-bar-licences-premises-licence-ten-or-traders-licence.htmlaa7805a7f8decaf5a9ed3408bd0070f8Converting a vintage double decker bus in to a bar to be used at events/fairs/festivals etc. Can I get a permanent alcohol licence or do I need to apply
Mon, 18 May 2026 08:36:27 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/catering-liability-insurance.html46476006a1084d6f32800fb5cfd67febPublic liability, product liability and employers liability insurance for mobile caterers. What each one covers, who needs it, legal requirements, and UK costs from a 20-year veteran.
Fri, 15 May 2026 10:01:52 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/catering-trailer-insurance.html8209c5860aa3ff1e0f946ddcc2e2280eWhich insurance do you need for a mobile catering business? Public liability, product liability, employers liability, vehicle and equipment cover explained with real UK costs from 150 pounds a year.
Fri, 15 May 2026 04:43:09 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/do-i-need-planning-permission-for-a-mobile-burger-bar-on-private-land-in-the-uk.htmlf4044fcc8fc9dd35b1ddbc7eedd38f3aI have a mobile burger bar trading for 4 years on private land do I need planning g permission the local council. Have recently decided I do need it is
Tue, 12 May 2026 08:30:13 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/what-do-i-need-to-convert-a-horse-box-into-a-burger-van.htmlba66d3a05fc4ec9347adeb64d7b72d16Hi I have an idea of converting an old trailer style horse box into a burger van. I haven't bought the van yet or got any certificates eg. food and hygiene
Mon, 11 May 2026 10:41:05 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/what-certificates-do-i-need-to-start-a-mobile-gin-bar.htmlef48527fad6c74a26614d4dda62d25e4It would like too know what certificates I would need too start up a mobile gin bar. I will be only attending private fairs festivals and weddings where
Mon, 11 May 2026 10:13:07 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/converting-an-old-van-for-a-burger-or-fish-and-chip-catering-business.html3727937e6dd1814d77ea7bef572d60c5I am thinking of converting a vintage van into either a Gourmet burger van (all homemade) or fish and chip van. I would like to hire it out at weddings,
Mon, 20 Apr 2026 16:41:15 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/can-i-use-a-petrol-diesel-or-lpg-generator-for-my-catering-van.html5a1afdf95d0707b785b02ffdea3c99d2Hi there, I'm almost ready to start out into the mobile catering world. Most of my equipment is LPG, however, I do have a few electrical bits of equipment.
Mon, 20 Apr 2026 16:33:11 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/how-much-lpg-gas-would-i-use-up-in-a-day.html78274f27a5750a45ceca2c85792492d7Hi David, I'm in the midst of putting together my business plan for a coffee and sandwich van, I think powering it of a LPG generator would be the most
Mon, 20 Apr 2026 13:12:27 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/how-to-find-building-site-contacts-for-your-snack-van.htmla437ec6e278f2e6d9abed7ba2aaa67daI have a snack van ready and available to visit building sites. What is the best way to find contacts?
Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:44:45 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/how-to-approach-a-farm-shop-about-a-mobile-catering-pitch.html4d411c21fb604e451bb7c4f8d89f317eHiya, I have been thinking for quite a while about setting up a mobile catering trailer/van and been looking for a suitable pitch. The local farm shop
Tue, 14 Apr 2026 07:12:56 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/how-do-i-store-chilled-and-frozen-food-overnight-for-my-catering-van.html717650b75eb31140a8d8908426607508is it safe to remove power overnight from fridges and freezers with chilled/frozen food in them?
Wed, 8 Apr 2026 08:41:58 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/can-i-use-a-motorhome-as-a-mobile-catering-unit.html205745df144a19cc3a08393b6f841618Hello David, I`m preparing everything for start in my food van business. But I have a big question: Can I prepare my motorhome for use it for selling food?
Wed, 8 Apr 2026 07:15:38 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/how-do-i-convert-a-van-into-a-catering-van.html1959fc374e4a48380123f1be8f4d1357Hi I've just purchased a ex education van approx 20 ft by 10 ft and i am looking for a company to do the conversion. I live in south Yorkshire and the
Wed, 8 Apr 2026 07:00:54 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/is-there-any-restriction-on-what-fuel-i-can-use-in-a-catering-van.html5bf8353d9d3c31feaa60a9e2afde9b4cDear All, I would love some help from you with regards my question. I have a pizza trailer with a wood fired oven. Couple of months ago I have injured
Wed, 8 Apr 2026 06:55:55 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/should-i-set-up-a-permanent-pitch-or-stay-mobile.html48ca032e4f279779a59910aaa14d0ef5Hi, I'm looking to launch a business selling milkshakes, smoothies and barista style coffee from either a converted van / ice cream van or a trailer.
Wed, 8 Apr 2026 06:53:55 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/what-is-the-vat-rate-on-catering-vans.html6a5b599668289f3564860e8e13126fd8What is the VAT rate on used catering vans?
Mon, 6 Apr 2026 18:00:55 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/buying-a-mobile-catering-van-where-do-i-start.htmle5b5ece3f301b7bc113751ed846e5618Afternoon 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
Mon, 6 Apr 2026 18:00:02 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/do-i-need-to-register-with-the-council-to-start-mobile-catering.html33e5ee49676d3fa951c11fb1a2911466I'm thinking about starting my own Caterpot business and I was wondering what is the process in Regards to letting government know about the new business.
Mon, 6 Apr 2026 17:30:22 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/what-do-i-need-to-start-a-pizza-catering-trailer-business.htmlb834f2a2b430d4dc6ca1392ea6473cd5Hello Iam new to the catering business, and just have an opportunity to rent a space at our local market which is an open area. I am looking to start
Mon, 6 Apr 2026 17:27:29 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/how-do-i-find-building-site-catering-work.html35eeafc89e86bd11452c92bba5f75719I have a snack van ready and available to visit building sites. What is the best way to find contacts? Mon, 6 Apr 2026 17:23:31 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/can-the-council-move-my-catering-van-off-an-industrial-estate.html254ab4d303e5638fe0a2e1f266850d80I am loooking to buy a catering van on an industrial estate. Its bin there for four years. It's parked on the pavement. Thay have a licence to sell food.
Thu, 2 Apr 2026 13:42:20 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/best-undercounter-fridge-and-freezer-for-a-mobile-catering-van.html2dc6544a8c15e46fad5d2292e0c5f993Hi Everyone, Looking for any tips on good under counter fridge and freezers. I have a mobile van selling fish and chips and am looking into upgrading
Thu, 2 Apr 2026 13:39:26 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/do-you-need-a-food-hygiene-certificate-to-sell-tea-and-coffee-at-a-car-boot-sale.htmld356b44220254b55e0295a9384f27ea8we run a carboot fortnightly and a camper van on site, we only serve teas and coffees. Does the operator need a food hygean certificate Or a licence from
Thu, 2 Apr 2026 13:36:33 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/what-are-my-rights-if-i-lose-my-burger-van-pitch.htmlcb9b514709573149570a197dc12d8a16Hi, I have been renting a pitch in a wickes car park for almost 2 years, and have just been informed that within the next two days the land is being bought
Thu, 2 Apr 2026 13:33:37 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/what-licence-do-you-need-to-cook-from-home-and-deliver-food.htmlc1ebacb7fba726b1315c9babfab273c6hi, i have a catering trailer , i park outside of my house and i want to cook in the trailer and after i make delivery with another car. what licence
Thu, 2 Apr 2026 13:21:19 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/do-you-need-a-licence-to-sell-coffee-in-the-street.html5320235ea82c0979dd65f731206d7660i work in construction so i have ignorance on my side :- to sell coffee or tea from a back pack do i need any food or hygiene qualifications other than
Thu, 2 Apr 2026 12:22:44 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/what-licence-do-you-need-to-sell-sandwiches-from-a-mobile-van.htmld6b13b70a7c97255c73dd65ce0426e76What type? Off Licence. Do I need? 2. Sell. Sandwiches. From. A. Mobile. Sandwich van
Thu, 2 Apr 2026 11:36:35 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/can-i-set-up-a-catering-van-on-my-drive.htmlf7e9196d2e05cd4c99532f5bd713d0a7I have been given a mobile catering van by a friend (on my request) because she wasn't using it. I have a car drive that would fit it on and then face
Sat, 28 Mar 2026 18:30:12 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/do-i-need-a-licence-for-a-catering-trailer.htmlbde49db3cb839f9b04b550edb19853aehi I would like to know if I need to have a licence for catering trailer? kind regards naci
Sat, 28 Mar 2026 12:47:54 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/what-permits-do-i-need-for-a-mobile-bar-van-at-events.html728f2726d28c68af3b6fef49660db327Me and my business partener would like to buy a van, turn it into a bar and provide services at private events,weddings, festival, parties exc..we will
Sat, 28 Mar 2026 12:46:05 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/which-london-borough-gives-permission-for-roadside-catering.html079213fdcf12e097f368790996f56d84I am planing to set up mobile catering business trading on road side such as sandwiches, drink, coffe and snacks. Is anyone can help which borough/council
Sat, 28 Mar 2026 12:43:25 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/can-i-use-gloss-paint-inside-my-food-trailer-and-what-can-i-legally-tow.htmlc6993e92db774146b7ffa57b42f4e762Hi Could I gloss inside my food trailer. Also i have had my licence for 10 years what is the legal weight that i can tow on. Thanks
Sat, 28 Mar 2026 12:42:20 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/can-i-open-a-tea-and-cake-shop-on-rented-land-at-my-garden-centre.html1b0f01588476f2c357bc34dfba604c0eMy brother and I run our own garden centre from a piece of land we rent from somebody we know. We got planning permission for it from the council six months
Sat, 28 Mar 2026 12:41:13 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/what-certificates-do-i-need-to-cater-at-a-festival.htmla2c010c9a33b38b390019cac23b7aea8what sort of certificates do i need to to cater at a festival?
Sat, 28 Mar 2026 12:40:01 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/do-i-need-hot-and-cold-water-at-the-same-sink-on-my-coffee-cart.html9729f64706438877be998082985ff6c6I only serve coffee so can my hot water from the coffee machine and my cold water is on a sink? With I have a issue with environmental health?? The size
Sat, 28 Mar 2026 12:37:49 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/legal-requirements-for-setting-up-a-mobile-wet-fish-van.html95638fc3552a3e02e1a4ff3dcb58867eI am the secretary of the National Federation of Fishmongers and have a member who is looking to set up a mobile wet fish van. He lives in Somerset and
Thu, 26 Mar 2026 08:59:54 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/do-i-need-planning-permission-for-a-mobile-catering-van.html1acd3216e9d32ca40306a0ad7a7137d6Liz asked: I own land which has a farm shop and mini industrial site. I want to put a mobile catering van on the land to serve our customers and workers
Thu, 26 Mar 2026 08:18:50 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/do-i-need-a-licence-to-sell-coffee-in-the-street.html209d673e6c54801022c4ed2fa85c131cAndy asked: To sell coffee or tea from a backpack, do I need any food or hygiene qualifications other than applying for a street traders licence? I am
Thu, 26 Mar 2026 08:16:33 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/what-certificates-do-i-need-for-a-mobile-food-cart.html0ac7e1c5f8748e1acb1bc8b7e40438d7Alex asked: I am starting a sweet cart business providing sweets only. Do I need certificates as I am handling the food? Hiya Alex, good question — and
Thu, 26 Mar 2026 08:14:22 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/what-licence-do-i-need-for-a-burger-van.html53ad17e4fa265dea562017703a728fe7Mark asked: If I buy a burger van what licence do I need and who do I talk to about getting permission? Hiya Mark, great question — this is probably the
Thu, 26 Mar 2026 07:51:22 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/mobile-catering-checklist-uk.html4eb26ae19a248acc29cfa56ea6175a72Starting a catering van or food truck in the UK? This mobile catering checklist explains the licences, safety checks and equipment you need before trading.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026 11:01:59 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/storing-a-unit-when-not-in-use.htmlf1c4feb8a7d8bcd11715fcd59d219f74Can you please advise what restrictions there are / aren't to where you can park a fish and chip van overnight and when not in use? I am not a trader
Tue, 17 Mar 2026 09:23:47 -0400 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/can-i-have-fryers-whilst-driving-food-van.html6ebef961ed7daa885dbd6700bb03eb66I'm just about to buy a catering van and am hoping to go around the streets in my small village. I just wanted to know what to do about fryers/ gas etc
Fri, 12 Dec 2025 08:27:20 -0500 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/what-size-generator-do-i-need-to-buy.html3de3781016485839c5f006ba844a0bbdI am starting up my own catering business which is a pop up i only have electric equipment including a large griddle two single fryers one small under
Thu, 11 Dec 2025 17:04:08 -0500 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/help-needed-please-power-issues.htmlffe31c3edd68c5311ce741b748e09cc4Hi there can anyone help me I am trying to set up a mobile crepe stall from gazebo I need a hand wash I have seen some which are 12v, I know they can be
Thu, 11 Dec 2025 12:16:55 -0500 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/is-all-electric-a-good-choice.html6684ba5299df9c3b6f0a1ea9e4e3f45aHi David, My husband and I are going to view a second hand catering trailer today, my concern is, it's all electric. My husband isn't to sure as he thinks
Thu, 11 Dec 2025 11:52:12 -0500 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/storage-of-refillable-lpg-in-motorhome-to-sell-coffee.htmlece4bddec20b7d62d688f5033b666d67Hi all, I hope you're well. I am very grateful for this wonderful website with is a great reousrce for people just starting out. I am in the process
Thu, 4 Dec 2025 06:24:31 -0500 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/carvery-trailer-equipment.htmlcc65e4deeff59cf1629240f06594b9e7Hi I'm thinking of starting up business doing Carveries from a trailer, has anyone got any suggestions on what equipment I may need and how do you cook
Thu, 4 Dec 2025 05:49:50 -0500 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/mobile-fridges.html2f13d94a3d8f7b8152d9c26b8775baa9Hi All I have bought a mobile catering van and intend to install a fridge unit capable of holding 400 by 600 mm pizza dough trays with a granite top
Wed, 3 Dec 2025 12:30:01 -0500 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/converting-a-caravan.htmld0de6a0810e8b77d31be2709599c5b0fWanting to start a waffle and ice cream van and was wondering what I need in the van ie the walls and units do they need to be stainless steel or can you
Wed, 3 Dec 2025 12:14:58 -0500 https://www.mobcater.co.uk/generator-size.htmle0f483e089dfd1f68e405ac59c69c944Hi, I started cake and coffee trailer in my local park with permission of the local council, however, somebody reported me to environmental health regarding
Wed, 3 Dec 2025 11:58:29 -0500