England

Fish and chip van hire in Reading

We take a fish and chip van to weddings, parties, staff days, fêtes and wakes in 34 towns and villages across Reading.

A chip van across Reading

Occasions in Reading

Each service has its own list of towns in Reading. Choose one, or find your town further down.

Biggest towns

Fish and chip van hire across Reading

Queuing at the hatch is half the experience. People gather, catch up and get their food straight from the fryer. We serve cod and chips, gravy and curry sauce, and we are often booked for visits to care homes and day centres and birthday celebrations.

Nothing is cooked before it is needed. Each portion is battered and fried as it’s ordered, which is why it tastes like it does at the seaside.

Send us your date, numbers and address.
We check the route in and send a price.
We arrive early to park and heat the fryers.
Fish goes into the batter and straight into the fryer, to order.
Service is straight from the hatch, then we pack up.

Cost

Distance and any road charges make a difference, so tell us exactly where your event is.

Why book our van

Fish and chips fried fresh on site
The classic sides: peas, curry sauce and gravy
No kitchen needed
A quote that spells everything out

How to get a price

Still finalising the details? That’s fine: tell us the basics about your event, and we’ll firm it up nearer the time. Start when you are ready: fill in our quote form.

Landmarks near Caversham

Bookings here are often close to Eldon Square, Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre and Chiltern Nursery Nurse Training School. Other local landmarks include The Hill Primary School (less than half a mile north-east), Grace Church (less than half a mile east) and The White Horse pub (less than half a mile north). The closest station to Caversham is Reading station, roughly 1.3 miles south. Other landmarks nearby include Royal Berkshire Hospital (1.9 miles south) and Broad Street Mall (1.6 miles south). Green spaces within easy reach include South Lake and Sonning Hill.

A fish and chip van across Reading: what to know

From Caversham, Norcot and West Reading to 18 villages and hamlets, bookings across Reading range from town-centre sites to farmyards, and the van works in all of them. Town bookings mean planning parking; village bookings mean planning access.

Caversham: For anyone arriving by rail, Reading station is about 1.3 miles away. Nearby historic houses include Mapledurham House (3 miles west) and Greys Court (4.7 miles north). Historic venues frequently limit vehicles, so ask early if you’re booking one. Evening events need a little planning for light: around Caversham, it stays light until about 9:25pm at midsummer, while in December the light goes at about 3:55pm.

Should I sort the food myself?

You could do a chip-shop run for everyone yourself, but it rarely works for a crowd. By the time you’ve queued, paid and driven back, the batter has gone soft. With a van, it’s fried on the spot.

Ordering from a local shop? Call ahead and collect at the last minute. For a crowd, a van is typically simpler.

Why fried-to-order beats a buffet

Plated meals need a kitchen and a bigger team. A fish and chip van needs a level spot and permission to park.

Questions to ask before you book

The deadline for final numbers
How allergens are handled
The van’s size and access needs
The deposit and payment dates

Before you choose a spot

The van has to be able to get in and park safely, so a few things need checking. These are the things we check:

A short walk from the party
The site’s agreement to a catering van
A level, firm spot the van can drive onto

Diets, allergies and planning

A little planning makes sure everyone is looked after. Try these:

Count children separately
Tell us about vegetarian and vegan guests early
Flag any coeliac guests, not just gluten-free preferences
Plan something for guests whose needs we cannot meet

Fish and chips is at its best fresh from the fryer, so we fry to order as the queue moves.

A gazebo by the van keeps the queue dry.

Food your guests will love

Cod and chips

Cod and chips is the meal most people picture when they think of a chip shop. Cooked fresh at the hatch, it is hot, crisp and generous.

Mushy peas

Mushy peas are made from dried marrowfat peas, soaked and cooked until soft. They’re the classic side with fish and chips.

Reading: your questions answered

What happens when we hire the van?

The van parks at your venue, we fry fresh and serve from the hatch.

Can we choose cod or haddock?

Let us know which you’d prefer and we will confirm what we can offer.

Can you feed plenty of people?

It can be. Tell us your numbers and how long you have for food, and we will tell you honestly how service will work.

Do you need power or water?

Tell us what’s available at the site in your enquiry, and we will say what we need.

Is there a non-fish option?

Sausage and chips and pie and chips are on the menu. Tell us about other diets and we’ll tell you what we can offer.

What does the van need?

Level, firm ground the van can reach, near your guests, and space for a queue. Mention any narrow gates or soft ground.

Can fish and chips be the only food?

It can be. A portion of fish, chips and peas is a proper meal, and you can add your own cake or desserts.

Fried fresh to order in the van at your event
Cod, haddock and chips, sausages and pies
The van comes to you: homes, venues, workplaces and fields
Served at the time you choose, from the hatch

See the menu · How it works · Get a quote