Brighton and Hove · England
Film Set Catering in Patcham
Film set catering in Patcham: fish and chips cooked fresh in the van, and served hot from the hatch.
- Ad shoots
- Crew morale days
- Photo shoots
Fresh fish and chips in Patcham
Why fried-to-order beats a buffet
Wrap parties add up. A van keeps it relaxed and simple. Comparing vans? Look at what each quote includes: hours, menu, travel, minimum charge and VAT. Our quotes spell it all out.
Why book with us
- Hot food handed straight over
- We cover Patcham and the whole of Brighton and Hove
- Rain does not stop the fryers
- Mushy peas, curry sauce and gravy on the side
Read our prices page or the cost guide.
How our film set catering works in Patcham
The van needs level, firm ground at the unit base, and a clear route in. We are frequently asked to cater location filming and seaside and period locations, with pie and chips, cod and chips and sausage and chips.
Near Patcham, base may be a field or yard, so ground conditions matter. Let us know about allergies and dietary needs in advance, and we will be straight with you about what we can do.
- Where
- Patcham (BN1)
- Region
- Brighton and Hove
- Menu
- Cod and haddock, chips, sausages and pies
- Sides
- Mushy peas, curry sauce, gravy
- Quotes
- Contact us for a quote
- Updated
- 24 October 2026
Location catering around Patcham
Patcham is about 2 miles north of Brighton, in Brighton and Hove. Across the BN1 area, we can bring the van to you. Patcham is one of 30 towns and villages in Brighton and Hove where we bring the van.
Patcham is about 44 miles from central London, within easy reach for London-based crews. Among the historic houses close to Patcham are Preston Manor & Gardens (1.5 miles south) and Royal Pavilion (2.9 miles south). Period locations like these generally keep vehicles well away from the house, so agree the base early. Patcham is within about 5 miles of the South Downs National Park, so check vehicle rules with locations. The coast is within about 4 miles of Patcham, and coastal unit bases can be exposed, so plan where crew will queue.
For shoots in BN1, we just need to know where the van can park and roughly how many crew. That could mean a shoot at a home on London Road, Vale Avenue and Eldred Avenue or the roads around them, as long as there is somewhere for the van. Nearby, we also serve shoots in Waterhall (1 mile north-west), Westdene (1 mile south-west), Hollingbury (1 mile east), Withdean (1 mile south) and Preston (1 mile south). Within a short drive, we also cover Carlton Hill (3 miles south), Hanover (3 miles south), Brunswick (3 miles south), Kemptown (4 miles south-east), Whitehawk (3 miles south-east) and Aldrington (3 miles south-west).
Well-known places in the area include Clayton Castle (3.1 miles north) and Brighton Transport Museum (1.8 miles south). The countryside around Patcham includes Ditchling Beacon and Ladies Mile.
- Schools near Patcham include Patcham High School (under half a mile south-east) and The Dharma Primary School (within half a mile east)
- Nearby, you’ll find Miller & Carter pub (less than half a mile north-west)
Food your guests will love
Haddock and chips
Haddock is a little sweeter than cod, with a finer, firmer flake. It is the traditional favourite in Scotland and much of the north.
Cod and chips
For many people, cod and chips is the definitive version. Fried to order in the van, it’s hot, crisp and generous.
How we price a fish and chip van for the crew
Here’s what makes the biggest difference to the price:
- Your choice of menu
- Peak dates such as summer Saturdays
- Parking and the way in
- How many people are eating
Larger groups generally cost less per head, since the van and set-up are much the same for any size. Give us your numbers and we’ll quote.
Getting an accurate quote
Here’s what makes a quick, accurate quote possible:
- Where the event is
- A picture of where the van would go
- Expected numbers
- Where you’d like the van to go
Still finalising the details? No problem: give us a rough idea and the date, and we will quote on that. Start when you are ready: fill in our quote form.
Before you choose a spot
The right spot keeps everyone safe and the service smooth. We need:
- A queue area clear of trucks
- A clear route to base
- A hardstanding spot at the unit base
If you are unsure, send a photo of the space and the way in, and we will say what we think before you book.
From the hatch
- Haddock and chips
- Cod and chips
- Sausage and chips
- Pie and chips
- Crew lunches
- Mushy peas
Towns and villages near Patcham
Other occasions in Patcham
Events we cater in Patcham
Service is quick from the hatch with a short menu.
We can help if you’re planning any of the following:
- Crew treats on long shoot days
- Crew lunches at base
- Event crews
- Stills shoots
Crew coming by rail can use the station: the closest railway station is Preston Park station, roughly 1.3 miles south of the centre.
Questions to ask before you book
- Whether VAT is included
- How many hours the van serves
- Any travel, parking or access charges
- How much space the van takes up
Common questions in Patcham
Do you come to venues in the South Downs National Park?
Yes, though some venues in protected landscapes have extra rules for vehicles; ask your venue. We’ll follow the site rules.
How far is Patcham from London?
About 44 miles from central London.
Do you fry it on site?
It is. We cook inside the van, so it is fried on the spot, rather than made in advance.
Where does the van go on location?
Generally, if there’s level, firm ground. Locations will decide where.
Can the van park on the street?
That depends on local parking rules. Off-road parking is normally simpler; if it has to be the street, check with the council.
Can you cook in the rain?
Rain doesn’t stop the fryers: the cooking is inside the van. It is worth planning some cover for the queue.
Can you feed visitors on set?
Yes. Just tell us who counts.
Do you bring everything you need?
Everything is cooked in the van. Let us know what’s available at the site and we’ll confirm what we need.
Cannot we just order from the chip shop?
Collecting fish and chips for a crowd yourself is possible, but it’s hard work. By the time you’ve queued, paid and driven back, the batter has gone soft. With a van, it’s fried on the spot.
A DIY buffet works for small groups. For larger numbers, or when you want hot food, a van takes the pressure off, and you get to enjoy the day.
Diets, allergies and planning
We need to know about dietary needs and allergies in advance, and we’ll be straight with you about what’s possible. To make it work smoothly:
- Give us a map or what3words for base
- Tell us about coeliac crew specifically
- Plan an alternative for anyone we can’t cater for
- Confirm numbers the day before
We work to the lunch time on the call sheet, with a contact for changes.
A dining area at base helps.
The process
If the plan changes on the day, a quick word is all it takes: we can start a little later or slow the pace. Long summer days in Patcham, with light until about 9:20pm, suit evening wraps outdoors.
- We start with a few details about your shoot.
- We check the date and where the van will park, then send a quote.
- Timings and the van’s spot are agreed in advance.
- On the day, we park up and fry fresh for the crew.
- Everything goes out hot from the hatch, and we pack up afterwards.
Getting ready for the day
- Give us a contact for the day
- Get permission for the van from the venue
- Confirm numbers and dietary needs before the day
Get a quote
Every booking is quoted individually, so the price fits what you actually need. For a quote, use our quote form.
Planning help
- 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