Catering Van Conversions

How do I get my catering vehicle pitched?

To pitch up your catering vehicle, start by obtaining the necessary permits and licences, including food hygiene certificates and local authority approvals.

Choose a suitable spot with high visibility and good access while complying with local regulations.

Set up efficiently by positioning your vehicle to maximise visibility and arranging your serving counter and signage to attract customers.

Plan for logistical needs like waste disposal, water supply, and electricity, ensuring you have the necessary facilities or sources nearby.

Safety is crucial when operating a catering vehicle. Stabilise the vehicle using wheel chocks or blocks to prevent movement, particularly on inclines, and ensure it is level before setting up.

Secure all internal equipment with straps or brackets to prevent shifting during transit. 

Install fire extinguishers and keep them accessible and maintain your vehicle’s electrical system to prevent fires.

Ensure proper ventilation for cooking equipment that generates fumes and maintain high standards of cleanliness and food hygiene.

Keep an emergency first aid kit and contact list on hand and consider additional security measures such as locks and an alarm system to prevent theft when the vehicle is not in use.

Where should I pitch my catering vehicle?

In the UK, there are hundreds of prime locations are ideal for pitching up your catering vehicle. 

Food markets and festivals, such as Borough Market in London, the Manchester Food and Drink Festival and The Big Feastival offer high foot traffic and a customer base interested in food.

Events and fairs, including music festivals like Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds Festival, and more local carnivals such as Hull Fair, attract large crowds and diverse clientele.

Popular tourist areas like the South Bank in London or the Lake District provide consistent visitor flow and opportunities to serve tourists. 

Business districts and office parks, such as Canary Wharf or MediaCityUK, present chances to cater to office workers.

University campuses, like those at the University of Oxford or the University of Edinburgh, offer regular customer influx from students and staff.