Hampshire · England
Fish and chip van hire in Houghton, Hampshire
We bring a fish and chip van to Houghton and nearby, frying fresh at your venue and serving from the hatch.
- Garden get-togethers
- Work Christmas parties
- Staff lunches and team days
Fish and chip van hire in Houghton
Fish and chip van hire in Houghton, cooked to order
Because the cooking is in the van, the weather does not stop us. It’s a dependable choice for events in any season. For garden parties and summer get-togethers and community events and fairs, we will put together a menu of gravy, curry sauce and pie and chips for your guests.
In a rural place like Houghton, fish and chips in a field feels just right. Let us know about access and ground conditions. We serve from the hatch, so it is hot and generous, and the queue keeps moving.
Why choose a fish and chip van in Houghton?
With a barbecue, somebody ends up cooking all afternoon. With a van, nobody misses the event. Many fish and chip vans set a minimum, because the van, fuel and travel cost the same for a small group. Ask us what applies to your event.
Why book our van in Houghton
- A menu almost everyone likes
- Mushy peas, curry sauce and gravy on the side
- Events in Houghton and across Hampshire
- Nothing for you to cook or clear
Read our pricing or our guide to van hire costs.
DIY versus a fish and chip van
Not sure whether to order in or book a van? Think about numbers, timing and how hot you want the food. We’re happy to send a quote so you can compare.
Ordering in from a local chip shop is an option. The problem is timing: big orders take a long time, and the food is cooling while it travels. A van cooks in front of your guests instead.
How it works
Changes on the day are fine: we’ll adjust start times and pace. In Houghton, the sun sets at about 9:25pm in late June and about 7:10pm in late September, so summer evening service is normally in daylight. For winter events, when it’s dark by about 4:00pm, the van and the queue need lighting.
- You share your date, numbers and address.
- We check access for the van and quote.
- 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.
Getting ready for the day
- Confirm numbers and dietary needs before the day
- Share the timings for the day
- Name one person we can call on the day
Ask for a quote
We only need a few details to quote: date, address, numbers and serving time. You can send us your details through our quote form.
Related guides
Occasions we serve in Houghton
People book a chip van because it’s food and a bit of fun at once. The van becomes a focal point, and the food is hot and plentiful.
In Houghton and nearby, the van turns up at all sorts of events. Some of the most common are:
- Weddings and evening receptions
- Village fêtes and school fairs
- Work Christmas parties
- Company team days
Churches such as Church of All Saints rarely have room for a van, but a hall or home close by typically does.
Comparing caterers
- Exactly what’s included in the price
- If the price includes VAT
- Any travel, parking or access charges
- How much space the van takes up
Allergies and dietary needs
Allergies are taken seriously. Help us by following these steps:
- Keep the menu short to keep the queue moving
- Let us know if anyone has coeliac disease
- Put allergy details in writing
- Mention any vegetarian or vegan guests
A short menu keeps service quick.
Bunting or festoon lights around the van make it part of the decorations.
Questions from Houghton
Is Houghton too small for a chip van?
Not at all. We serve villages and hamlets as well as towns. Tell us about lanes, gates and the ground.
What’s the nearest station to Houghton?
Mottisfont & Dunbridge station, about 3.8 miles south of the centre.
What does it cost to hire the van?
The price depends on numbers, menu, service time and travel. Send us the details for a quote.
How quickly can you serve everyone?
It depends on numbers, the menu and how people arrive. Tell us your numbers and how long you have for food, and we will plan service around it.
Is the fish gluten-free?
Standard batter is made with wheat flour, so battered fish contains gluten. Let us know about coeliac guests in advance, and we will tell you honestly what we can offer.
Is there something for children?
Of course. Children normally love sausage and chips. Include children in your numbers.
What if the weather’s bad?
The weather does not stop the van, because the fryers are inside. Very soft ground can be a problem, so plan a back-up spot on a hard surface.
Do you clear up afterwards?
We take the van and everything with it, and leave the spot tidy. It helps to have bins near the hatch.
For event organisers in Houghton
Many venues set rules for catering vans: where a van can park, access times and the paperwork they want. Send us your venue’s requirements and we’ll work through them with you.
Hosting at home? Send us a photo of the drive or the spot and the way in, and we’ll let you know if the van will fit.
Bringing the van to Houghton
Houghton is about 6 miles north of Romsey, in Hampshire. Bookings in Houghton come in all shapes and sizes, but the plan is always the same: a level spot for the van, a time to eat and food fried to order. We cover 683 places across Hampshire. You can also see our page for Southampton, about 13 miles away.
For guests coming by train, Mottisfont & Dunbridge station, about 3.8 miles south, is the nearest station. School fairs and fundraisers, for a school such as Test Valley School, can book the van as a food stall.
We take the van to events all over SO20. That could mean an event at a home on Kents Orchard, Houghton Farm Close and Stevens Drove or the roads around them, as long as there’s somewhere for the van. Nearby, we also serve events in Horsebridge (1 mile south-east), Broughton (2 miles west), Stonymarsh (3 miles south), Mottisfont (3 miles south) and Michelmersh (4 miles south). Within a short drive, we also cover Winchester (9 miles east), Eastleigh (11 miles south-east), Andover (9 miles north), Totton (12 miles south), Chandler's Ford (9 miles south-east) and Hedge End (15 miles south-east).
- Nearby, you will find The Boot Inn (within half a mile north)
Prices and what affects them
Two events with the same numbers can cost different amounts, because of:
- Peak dates such as summer Saturdays
- Service time
- Numbers
- How easy the site is to reach
When you compare quotes, check what each one includes: hours, menu, travel, minimum charge and VAT. Our quotes spell it all out.
What to tell us
Good planning starts with a few facts. Please include:
- Anything awkward about the way in
- Your date and serving time
- Where the event is
- Roughly how many people, including children
Send us the date, the address or SO20 postcode and rough numbers, plus when you’d like to eat, and we will reply with a quote. Just send us your details through our quote form.
Before you choose a spot
A good parking spot makes the whole thing easier. We look for:
- Space for people to queue at the hatch
- A lit spot if service runs after dark
- A level hardstanding, drive or firm lawn
If in doubt, send us a picture of the spot and we’ll advise.
From the hatch
- Sausage and chips
- Curry sauce
- Chips
- Cod and chips
- Gravy
- Pie and chips
- Mushy peas
- Haddock and chips
Nearby places to Houghton
Other occasions in Houghton
- 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