Kent · England
Funeral and wake catering in Chitty, Kent
Funeral and wake catering in Chitty: fish and chips cooked fresh in the van, and served hot from the hatch.
- Scattering of ashes gatherings
- Gatherings after the committal
- Anniversary memorials
Funeral and wake catering for Chitty events
Chitty: your questions answered
Which station is closest to Chitty?
Herne Bay station, about 4 miles north-west of the centre.
Could you trade in Grove Ferry Picnic Area?
Only if the landowner, typically the council, allows it. Ask them first, and tell us what they say.
Do you do anything other than fish?
Sausage and chips and pie and chips are on the menu. Tell us about other diets and we will be honest about what’s possible.
Can you come to the house?
Yes, with a suitable spot for the van.
Can you cater a wake at short notice?
Wakes are frequently arranged quickly, so ask and we will reply quickly.
Do you fry it on site?
Yes. We cook inside the van, so it is fried on the spot, rather than made in advance.
How long are you on site?
We get there in good time to set up. Timings are agreed in advance.
Is grass a problem?
Often, if the ground is firm and dry. After heavy rain, soft grass can be a problem for any vehicle, so have a hard-surface back-up.
Funeral and wake catering for your wake in Chitty
It’s an informal meal, which suits a gathering where people mingle. Whether it is gatherings at a village hall or club and a wake at the family home, we can cook haddock and chips, gravy and pie and chips and more.
For a wake near Chitty, a farmhouse or village hall frequently works well. You’ll know what’s included before you book: serving times, the menu and anything else agreed, with no surprises on the day.
Looking after everyone
Dietary needs are easiest to plan with some notice. We suggest:
- Let someone else talk to us on the day
- Let us know of any allergies
- Ask your funeral director to help estimate numbers
- Arrange tea and coffee separately
We start when you give the word.
Napkins and bins near the van keep things tidy.
What the van needs
We will be honest if a spot will not work. What matters most:
- A spot near your guests
- Access wide and high enough for the van
- Flat, firm ground for the van
Not sure about the spot? Send us a photo and we will tell you honestly before you book.
What we serve
- Haddock and chips
- Cod and chips
- Sausage and chips
- Mushy peas
- Gravy
- Pie and chips
Takeaway run or book a van?
If you do order from a chip shop, ring well ahead and collect as close to eating time as you can. For a crowd, a van is normally simpler.
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.
How we price fish and chips for the wake
The price comes down to a few factors:
- Parking and the way in
- Cod, haddock or both
- How far we travel
- The day of the week
Many fish and chip vans set a minimum, since getting the van there costs the same however many eat. We will tell you up front.
Getting an accurate quote
These details help us quote quickly:
- Roughly how many people, including children
- A photo of the parking spot
- Dietary needs, with numbers
- Where the event is
The more you tell us, the more accurate the quote: the parking spot, access, numbers and serving time. A picture of the spot helps too. When you’re ready, fill in our quote form.
What comes out of the fryer
Pie and chips
Pie and chips gives people a filling alternative to fish, perfect with gravy.
Gravy
Gravy brings a bit of warmth to the meal.
After a funeral in Chitty
Chitty is about 4 miles south-east of Herne Bay, in Kent. Across the CT3 area, we’ll come to your venue, home or workplace. Chitty is one of 922 towns and villages in Kent where we bring the van. You can also see our page for Canterbury, about 7 miles away.
For family travelling by train, the nearest station is Herne Bay station, about 4 miles north-west. The coast is within about 4 miles of Chitty.
We take the van to wakes all over the CT3 postcode area and the streets around it. We also bring the van to wakes in Chislet (1 mile west), Hollow Street (1 mile south-west), Boyden Gate (1 mile north-west), Old Tree (1 mile west) and Highstead (1 mile north-west). Larger places within reach include Canterbury (7 miles south-west), Margate (9 miles east), Dover (14 miles south), Ramsgate (9 miles east), Broadstairs (10 miles east) and Whitstable (7 miles west).
A little further out are St Martins Hospital (5.8 miles south-west). The countryside around Chitty includes West Blean and Thornden Woods.
Also near Chitty
Also in Chitty
How the day works
We arrive in good time before you want to eat, park the van and get the fryers going. Your guests can wander over to the hatch as soon as we open. Summer evenings in Chitty stay light until about 9:15pm, while winter afternoons darken by about 3:50pm.
- 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.
- We serve hot from the hatch and pack up when we are done.
How to prepare
- Keep space clear for guests at the hatch
- Confirm numbers and dietary needs before the day
- Check the way in for low branches, cables and narrow gates
Ask for a quote
Not sure of numbers yet? No problem: tell us the basics about your wake, and we will firm it up nearer the time. Start when you are ready: fill in our quote form.
Planning help
Organising for someone else?
Many venues set rules for catering vans: parking spots, arrival times and documents. Tell us what your venue needs and we’ll confirm what we can provide.
If you are booking for a business, tell us how you’d like to handle the booking and payment, and we’ll talk you through the process. We are happy to liaise with facilities on parking and timings.
Who books funeral and wake catering in Chitty?
It can be a fitting tribute.
If you are planning any of these, we can help:
- Wakes at church halls and clubs
- Family meals after the service
- A favourite meal in someone’s memory
- Memorial gatherings
If the funeral is at a church such as Church of St Mary the Virgin, a hall or home nearby keeps the journey to the wake short.
Questions to ask before you book
- Whether travel is included
- How allergens are handled
- The deposit and payment dates
- If the price includes VAT
- 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