Reading · England
Fish and Chip Van Hire for Play Hatch events
We bring a fish and chip van to Play Hatch and nearby, frying fresh at your venue.
- Visits to care homes and day centres
- Garden parties and summer get-togethers
- Big birthdays
Book the van in Play Hatch
Fish and chip van hire for your event in Play Hatch
Rain doesn’t stop a fish and chip van, because the fryers are inside. That makes it a safe bet for British events. Whether it’s company team days and garden get-togethers, we can cook mushy peas, sausage and chips and pie and chips and more.
In a small place like Play Hatch, the van frequently parks on a farm track, a field or a drive. Tell us about narrow lanes or long drives and we’ll plan for them, and firm, dry ground is the key. Food is served straight from the hatch, so it’s hot and generous, and service is quick once we’re up and running.
Why fried-to-order beats a buffet
Barbecues cook in batches, and someone has to stand over the grill. With a van, the host gets to enjoy the day. There is no one-size-fits-all price for a fish and chip van. A short service and a long afternoon’s trading are very different bookings. Your quote spells it all out.
Why book with us
- Nothing for you to cook or clear
- Fish and chips fried fresh on site
- A van that becomes part of the event
- Bookings across Reading, including Play Hatch
Read how we price and our guide to van hire costs.
Places near Play Hatch
More for events in Play Hatch
For planners, venues and organisers
If your event is in a public place, such as a park or a street, check what permission you need first. Ask the council or landowner early.
For larger numbers, tell us how long you have for food, so we can plan service to match. Staggering groups helps a lot.
Who books fish and chip van hire in Play Hatch?
Hot food on a cold or wet day is hard to beat, and the cooking carries on inside the van whatever the weather.
Whatever the occasion in Play Hatch, fish and chips from the hatch goes down well. We’re frequently booked for:
- Visits to care homes and day centres
- Staff thank-you lunches
- Work Christmas parties
- Weddings, especially the evening
Churches such as St Andrew's Church rarely have room for a van, but a hall or home close by generally does.
What to look for in a quote
- Payment terms and deposit
- Any travel, parking or access charges
- Whether VAT is included
- What they can offer for dietary needs
What affects the price in Play Hatch
Two events with the same numbers can cost different amounts, depending on:
- Service time
- Access and parking
- Numbers
- The menu and how many choices
When you compare quotes, check what each one includes: hours, menu, travel, minimum charge and VAT. We set ours out clearly.
What we need to know
We can quote more accurately with a few details. Here’s what to include:
- How to get in: gates, lanes and ground
- A photo of the parking spot
- Rough numbers for adults and children
- The date and time of the event
The quickest way to a quote is to send us your details through our quote form. Give us the details of your event, and we’ll check the date and send a price.
Planning the van’s spot
We will be honest if a spot will not work, and help find another. The main points are:
- Somewhere close to where people will eat
- Permission from the venue or landowner for the van
- Room in front of the hatch for a queue
Not sure about the spot? Send us a picture and we will tell you honestly.
From the hatch
- Haddock and chips
- Pie and chips
- Curry sauce
- Sausage and chips
- Cod and chips
- Gravy
- Chips
- Mushy peas
How the day works
You don’t need to do much on the day: point us to the spot and get on with your event. We handle the cooking and serving. Evenings in Play Hatch stay light until about 9:25pm in June, but by late September sunset is around 7:05pm; once it’s dark, we need light by the hatch and the queue.
- You share your date, numbers and address.
- We check access for the van and quote.
- We arrive in good time to set up.
- Fish goes into the batter and straight into the fryer, to order.
- Service is straight from the hatch, then we pack up.
How to prepare
- Ensure the van can get in
- Arrange somewhere dry for the queue
- Plan where the queue will stand
Getting a price
Most quotes start with a few simple details: date, address, numbers and serving time. To send them, send us your details through our quote form.
Read more
Play Hatch: your questions answered
We are gathering after a service at St Andrew's Church: can you come?
Yes, at a nearby hall, home or venue with somewhere for the van. Food is generally served at the reception venue rather than the church. Tell us where you’ll gather.
How far is Play Hatch from London?
About 36 miles from central London, and well within our area.
Is the food cooked at the event?
Yes. We cook inside the van, so food is cooked there and then, rather than made in advance.
What’s on the menu?
The classics: cod, haddock, chips, sausages and pies, plus mushy peas, curry sauce and gravy. See the menu.
How does fish and chip van hire work?
We bring the van to your event, set up, heat the fryers and cook to order, serving from the hatch at the time you choose.
How long are you on site?
We get there in good time to set up. We’ll agree arrival and serving times with you so food is ready when you want it.
What do you bring?
The van comes fully equipped to cook. You just need a suitable spot and permission.
What does the van need?
A level, firm spot it can drive onto, near your guests, and space for a queue. Tell us about gates, lanes and soft ground.
Food your guests will love
Mushy peas
No fish and chips is complete without mushy peas for many people.
Pie and chips
A pie and chips is proper comfort food, and it’s a favourite in colder months.
Fish and chip van hire around Play Hatch
Play Hatch is about 1 mile east of Caversham, in Reading. We park up at drives, car parks, yards and venues around Play Hatch and the surrounding area. We take the van to 34 places in Reading.
Parks such as Ali's Pond Local Nature Reserve normally need permission from the council or landowner for a catering van, so check first. For a fundraiser at a school like St Martin's Catholic Primary School, the van can trade from a pitch agreed with the school.
We take the van to events all over RG4 and the streets around it. We can serve an event on streets such as Dene Close, Henley Road and Foxhill Lane or the roads around them, as long as there is somewhere for the van. Close by, we cover events in Dunsden Green (1 mile north), Caversham Park Village (1 mile west), Littlestead Green (1 mile north-west), Emmer Green (1 mile west) and Sonning (1 mile south-east). Larger places within reach include Norcot (4 miles west), West Reading (3 miles south-west), Tilehurst Within (5 miles west), Shinfield (5 miles south), Arborfield Garrison (7 miles south) and Horncastle (5 miles south-west).
A little further out are The Oracle (2.4 miles south-west) and Royal Berkshire Hospital (2.3 miles south-west). Within reach you’ll find Alder Moors and South Lake.
- Nearby schools include Reading Blue Coat School (1 mile south-east) and Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre (1.8 miles west)
- Nearby, you’ll find The Shoulder of Mutton pub (less than half a mile south-west)
Planning for dietary needs
Tell us about dietary needs and allergies early, and we will be straight with you about what’s possible. To get it right:
- Mention any vegetarian or vegan guests
- Let us know if anyone has coeliac disease
- Have bins and napkins near the hatch
- Send allergies to us in writing
Fish and chips is best eaten right away, so we fry to order as the queue moves.
Let everyone know when the food is ready.
- 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