Reading · England
Funeral and wake catering in Norcot, Reading
Planning fish and chips for the wake in Norcot? The van comes to your venue, home or workplace and fry fresh while your guests queue at the hatch.
- Gatherings after the committal
- Wakes at church halls and clubs
- Wakes at home
Book the van in Norcot
About our funeral and wake catering in Norcot
The wake can be at home, at a village hall or club, or at a venue with space outside, wherever the van can park. Whether it is family gatherings after a burial or cremation and scattering of ashes gatherings, we will put together a menu of haddock and chips, pie and chips and gravy.
For a wake in a place like Norcot, the village hall is often the heart of it, and its car park suits the van. You will know what’s included before booking: serving times, the menu and anything else agreed.
How it works
Rain does not stop the fryers, because the cooking happens inside the van. It is worth thinking about cover for the queue, though. In summer, a wake in Norcot has light until about 9:25pm, but in December it’s dark by about 3:55pm, so plan lighting near the door.
- Get in touch with the basics: when, where and roughly how many.
- Show us where the van would go, and we’ll confirm it works.
- A week or so before, we confirm timings and numbers.
- The van rolls up, the hatch opens and the fryers get going for family and friends.
- Last portion served, we tidy up and head off.
Preparing for the day
- Confirm the van is allowed on site
- Send us final numbers and any allergies in good time
- Plan a bit of cover near the hatch if rain is likely
Ask for a quote
Each quote is put together for your wake. Give us your date first, and we will check availability straight away.
Read more
Before you choose a spot
Plenty of places work for the van, but there are a few things to check:
- Lighting nearby for evening events
- A spot near your guests
- A clear area by the serving hatch
Not sure about the spot? Send us a photo and we will tell you honestly before you book.
Popular choices
- Sausage and chips
- Gravy
- Pie and chips
- Mushy peas
- Cod and chips
- Haddock and chips
For event organisers in Norcot
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.
If you’re 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’re happy to liaise with facilities on parking and timings.
Looking after everyone
Tell us about dietary needs and allergies early, and we’ll tell you honestly what we can offer. To get it right:
- Arrange tea and coffee separately
- Have chairs for those who need them
- Allow for the service running over
- Check the hall or venue allows a catering van
Remember the journey from the service when choosing a serving time.
Somewhere quiet to sit helps some guests.
Is a fish and chip van right for your wake?
Some venues offer wake menus. A van works where they don’t, or at home. When you compare quotes, check what each one includes: service time, menu, travel, any minimum and VAT. We set ours out clearly.
Why book our van in Norcot
- Bookings across Reading, including Norcot
- The classic sides: peas, curry sauce and gravy
- Classic food your guests already know
- Served hot, straight from the hatch
Read our pricing and the cost guide.
Who books funeral and wake catering in Norcot?
It is warm, simple food that almost everyone enjoys.
Here are some of the occasions we serve in Norcot and Reading:
- Family gatherings after a burial or cremation
- A favourite meal in someone’s memory
- Small family memorials
- Memorial events and anniversaries
For anyone coming to the funeral by train, the closest railway station is Tilehurst station, roughly 0.8 miles north of the centre.
What your quote should include
- The deposit and payment dates
- What happens if the event is cancelled or moved
- If the price includes VAT
- Whether there’s a minimum
Your questions about fish and chips for the wake in Norcot
We are gathering after a service at Tilehurst Methodist Church: can you come?
Yes, at a home, hall or venue nearby where the van can park. Food is generally served at the reception venue rather than the church. Tell us where you’ll gather.
Can the van park in Round Copse?
Only if the landowner, normally the council, allows it. Check with them first.
Can you go on a lawn or field?
Often, 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.
Is there something for children?
Children are very welcome. Let us know numbers, and we’ll include them in the plan.
Is the fish gluten-free?
Our battered fish contains gluten, because standard batter uses wheat flour. Let us know about coeliac guests in advance, and we will tell you honestly what we can offer.
Is short notice a problem?
We understand the timescales, so send us the date and we’ll answer right away.
Can the wake be at home?
Frequently, yes. Send us a photo of the drive or the road outside.
Is there a non-fish option?
There is: sausages and pies, with chips. Give us a rough idea of numbers.
Wake catering near Norcot
Norcot is about 2 miles west of Reading, in Reading. Tell us where your wake in Norcot will be, and we will plan the route and the parking spot before the day. Norcot is one of 34 places in Reading where we bring the van.
After a service at Tilehurst Methodist Church, a wake at a hall or home close by means less travelling for everyone.
We cover wakes in every part of the RG30 and RG31 postcode area. From Ash Road, Tay Road and Tyle Road or anywhere nearby, we can park up and fry there. If your venue is just outside Norcot, we also cover Tilehurst Within (1 mile south-west), Tilehurst (1 mile west), Horncastle (1 mile south), Little Heath (1 mile west) and Fords Farm (1 mile south). Further out, we also take the van to Caversham (3 miles north-east), Shinfield (5 miles south-east), Arborfield Garrison (8 miles south-east), Whitley Wood (4 miles south-east), Sonning Common (4 miles north-east) and Whitley (4 miles south-east). Norcot is one of the larger places we cover in Reading, with lots of choice for wakes.
Other landmarks nearby include Battle Hospital (1.3 miles east) and Royal Berkshire Regiment Museum (1 mile east). Open spaces near Norcot include South Lake and Moor Copse Nature Reserve.
- Local schools include Prospect School (1 mile south) and Battle School (1.3 miles east)
- Pubs nearby include The Butchers Arms (0.6 miles north-west)
What affects the price in Norcot
There are no hidden charges: the price is based on:
- Your choice of menu
- Peak dates such as summer Saturdays
- Access and parking
- The minimum booking
Larger groups typically cost less per head, since the van and set-up are much the same for any size. Give us your numbers and we will quote.
Details that help
Here’s what makes a quick, accurate quote possible:
- The date and time of the event
- Allergies and diets you know about
- A picture of the parking spot
- How to get in: gates, lanes and ground
Still finalising the details? No problem: tell us the basics about your wake, and we will firm it up nearer the time. Start when you’re ready: use our quote form.
Also in Norcot
Should I sort the food myself?
DIY food keeps costs down, but the host spends the event serving. Booking the van means hot food and no stress.
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.
- 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