West Sussex · England
Fish and Chip Van Hire in Mackerel's Common
From the smell of the fryers to the last chip in the paper, a fish and chip van turns food into part of your event in Mackerel's Common.
- Wakes and gatherings after a funeral
- Work Christmas parties
- Garden get-togethers
Book the van in Mackerel's Common
Fish and chip van hire for your event in Mackerel's Common
Queuing at the hatch is half the experience. People chat, the smell drifts across, and the food arrives hot. For milestone birthday parties and christmas parties, we can cook cod and chips, haddock and chips and mushy peas and more.
Somewhere like Mackerel's Common, a yard or firm field frequently works. Mention gates and soft ground when you contact us. The menu is short on purpose: fewer choices means fresher food and shorter queues.
- Location
- Mackerel's Common (RH14)
- Area hub
- West Sussex
- From the fryer
- Fish and chips, sausages, pies
- Extras
- Gravy, mushy peas, curry sauce
- Quotes
- Ask us for a quote
- Updated
- 24 October 2026

Should I sort the food myself?
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.
Weighing up a takeaway order against booking a van? Think about numbers, timing and how hot you want the food. We’re happy to send a quote so you can compare.
For event organisers in Mackerel's Common
If you’re organising for someone else, whether you are a planner, a facilities manager or an organiser, we’re happy to deal with you and the venue directly. It saves passing messages back and forth.
For larger numbers, tell us how long you have for food, so we can plan how to keep the queue short. Sending people up in groups helps.
Nearby places to Mackerel's Common
More for events in Mackerel's Common
A fish and chip van or other catering?
With a barbecue, somebody ends up cooking all afternoon. With a van, nobody misses the event. The date matters too: peak summer weekends and Christmas party Fridays book up first. It’s worth asking early.
Why book our van in Mackerel's Common
- Rain does not stop the fryers
- We cover Mackerel's Common and the whole of West Sussex
- Hot food handed straight over
- No surprises in your quote
Take a look at our pricing and what a fish and chip van costs.
The process
Because we cook inside the van, rain doesn’t stop us. It is worth thinking about cover for the queue, though. Light matters for evening service: around Mackerel's Common, it stays light until about 9:20pm at midsummer, while in December the light goes at about 3:55pm.
- 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.
Getting ready for the day
- Check the way in for low branches, cables and narrow gates
- Plan a bit of cover near the hatch if rain is likely
- Share the timings for the day
Ask for a quote
The more you tell us, the more accurate the quote: the parking spot, access, numbers and serving time. Photos of the spot and the way in help. When you are ready, use our quote form.
Planning help
What comes out of the fryer
Curry sauce
Some people won’t eat chips without curry sauce and it’s on the menu.
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.
Before you choose a spot
A fish and chip van is a vehicle, so the spot matters, and a little planning goes a long way. Here’s what we look for:
- A level hardstanding, drive or firm lawn
- Light near the van and the queue for evening service
- A short walk from the party
If you’re unsure, send a picture of the space and the way in, and we will say what we think before you book.
What we serve
- Chips
- Gravy
- Cod and chips
- Curry sauce
- Haddock and chips
- Mushy peas
- Sausage and chips
- Pie and chips
Looking after everyone
A little planning makes sure everyone is looked after. Try these:
- Put bins and napkins by the van
- A short menu helps everyone
- Ask about allergies on your invitation or sign-up form
- Let us know numbers for vegetarians and vegans
On the day, you shouldn’t have to think about the food. We park, set up, fry and serve, and keep in touch with you about timings.
Let everyone know when the food is ready.
A fish and chip van in Mackerel's Common: local details
Mackerel's Common is about 10 miles west of Horsham, in West Sussex. For events in Mackerel's Common, we can park on a drive, a car park, a yard or firm, dry grass. Mackerel's Common is one of 371 places in West Sussex we cover. You can also see our page for Guildford, about 14 miles away.
For anyone arriving by rail, Billingshurst station, about 4.8 miles south-east, is the nearest station. Churches such as The Parish Church of St John the Baptist rarely have room for a van, but a hall or home close by generally does.
Anywhere in RH14, we can fry fresh for your guests, from busy streets to quiet lanes. Nearby, we also serve events in Kirdford (1 mile south), Plaistow (2 miles north), Ifold (2 miles north), Balls Cross (2 miles south-west) and Wisborough Green (2 miles south-east). We also serve nearby towns such as Horsham (10 miles east), Broadfield (15 miles east), Storrington (9 miles south-east), Billingshurst (5 miles east), Bewbush (15 miles east) and Angmering (15 miles south).
Within reach you’ll find The Mens and Shillinglee Lake.
What affects the price in Mackerel's Common
There is nothing hidden: the price is based on:
- Whether a minimum applies
- Access and parking
- Distance and any road charges
- The length of service
The cost per head usually falls as numbers rise, because the van, travel and set-up cost much the same either way. Tell us your numbers for an accurate price.
What to tell us
A few details help us give you an accurate quote. Here’s what to include:
- Where you’d like the van to go
- A picture of the space and the way in
- Any dietary needs and allergies
- Your date and serving time
Every quote is worked out for your event. Start with your date, and we will check availability straight away.
Your questions about a fish and chip van in Mackerel's Common
How far is Mackerel's Common from London?
About 37 miles from central London, and well within our area.
We’re gathering after a service at The Parish Church of St John the Baptist: can you come?
Yes, at a nearby hall, home or venue with somewhere for the van. Food is typically served at the reception venue rather than the church. Send us the address.
Does the batter contain gluten?
Not as standard: batter is typically made with wheat flour. Tell us about any coeliac guests and we will explain the options before booking.
Where do you take the van?
We cover London and the South East, West Sussex included. See all areas.
Can you cater for allergies?
Yes, we can tell you which allergens are in each item. Fish and gluten are the main ones in battered fish. Tell us about allergies in advance.
Can you park on the road outside?
It depends on the road. A drive, car park or yard is usually easier; for the street, check the council’s rules.
What do you bring?
All the cooking happens in the van. Tell us about power, water and bins at the site.
Can the van park on grass?
Frequently, if the ground is firm and dry. After heavy rain, soft grass can be a problem for any vehicle, so plan a back-up spot.
- 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