Fish and chip van hire, fried fresh at your event · London and the South East
Bunting and festoon lights strung across a garden ready for a party

Surrey · England

Party Fish and Chip Van in Merle Common

A menu everybody knows: cod or haddock in batter, chips, sausages and pies, plus mushy peas, curry sauce and gravy on the side. Party fish and chip van in Merle Common.

  • Anniversaries and engagement parties
  • Retirement parties
  • Family parties with children

Get a quote

A chip van near Merle Common

Party fish and chip van in Merle Common, cooked to order

For children, there is sausage and chips, so one van feeds the whole party. We’re often asked to cater kids’ birthday parties and anniversary celebrations, serving curry sauce, mushy peas and sausage and chips.

A country party near Merle Common is perfect for fish and chips: cooked to order and eaten on the lawn. Plan a firm spot in case it rains. We cook inside the van, right where your guests are, and the food reaches them hot and crisp.

Guests chatting on a lawn at a summer garden party
Where
Merle Common (RH8)
Area hub
Surrey
From the fryer
Fish and chips, sausages, pies
On the side
Gravy, mushy peas, curry sauce
Price
Ask us for a quote
Page updated
24 October 2026

Food your guests will love

Cod and chips

Cod and chips is the meal most people picture when they think of a chip shop. Cooked fresh at the hatch, it is hot, crisp and generous.

Sausage and chips

Sausage and chips is the go-to for anyone who is not a fish fan, especially with curry sauce.

Working with your venue

For repeat bookings, such as regular staff lunches or annual fairs, let us know your dates early, so we can hold the date.

Hosting at home? Send a picture of where the van would park, and we’ll tell you honestly whether it works.

What affects the price in Merle Common

There is nothing hidden: the price is based on:

  • Distance and any road charges
  • Access and parking
  • Any minimum charge
  • Numbers

Dates make a difference: peak summer weekends and Christmas party Fridays book up first. Ask about your date early.

Details that help

You do not need everything decided to ask for a quote, but it helps to know:

  • A picture of where the van would go
  • Dietary needs, with numbers
  • How to get in: gates, lanes and ground
  • Rough numbers for adults and children

Thinking about a fish and chip van for your party for your party in Merle Common? Send us the details and we will come back with a quote. Just send us your details through our quote form.

Where the van can park in Merle Common

Every site is different, so we’ll ask about yours when you get in touch. In general, we need:

  • A clear area by the serving hatch
  • A lit spot if service runs after dark
  • Flat, firm ground for the van

Not sure about the spot? Send us a picture and we will tell you honestly.

From the hatch

  • Haddock and chips
  • Mushy peas
  • Chips
  • Pie and chips
  • Sausage and chips
  • Curry sauce
  • Cod and chips
  • Gravy

Browse the menu

Your questions about a fish and chip van for your party in Merle Common

Is Merle Common close to London?

Roughly 19 miles from the centre of London, and well within our area.

Do you come out to small places like Merle Common?

Not at all. We serve villages and hamlets as well as towns. Let us know about access and parking.

How far ahead should we book a party?

Summer Saturdays book up first, so ask early.

What happens if it rains?

Rain doesn’t stop the fryers: the cooking is inside the van. It is worth planning some cover for the queue.

Does the batter contain gluten?

Standard batter is made with wheat flour, so battered fish contains gluten. Let us know about coeliac guests in advance, and we’ll tell you honestly what we can offer.

How soon do we need to book?

As soon as you have a date. Popular dates book up first, so contact us early.

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. Send us any allergies in writing.

How much space do you need?

Level, firm ground the van can reach, close to where people will eat, and space for a queue. Mention any narrow gates or soft ground.

Party venues around Merle Common

Merle Common is about 6 miles south-east of Caterham, in Surrey. Anywhere in RH8, we will come to your venue, home or workplace. We serve all 395 towns and villages across Surrey. Our bookings stretch from Merle Common to London (about 19 miles away).

Guests arriving by train should know that the closest railway station is Hurst Green station, roughly 1.4 miles north of the centre.

We cover parties in every part of the RH8 postcode area. We also bring the van to parties in Crowhurst (1 mile south-west), Troy Town (2 miles south-east), Hurst Green (2 miles north-west), Pains-Hill (2 miles north) and Crowhurst Lane End (2 miles south-west). Within a short drive, we also cover Epsom (14 miles north-west), Horley (8 miles west), Redhill (8 miles west), Ewell (15 miles north-west), Reigate (9 miles west) and Caterham (6 miles north-west).

Other landmarks nearby include Tandridge Priory (2.1 miles north) and Haxted Watermill Museum (2.5 miles south). Open spaces near Merle Common include Botley Hill and Bay Pond.

  • Local schools include Oxted School (2.4 miles north)
Map of Merle Common © OpenStreetMap contributors

How the day works

Rain doesn’t stop the fryers, because the cooking happens inside the van. Guests will still appreciate a bit of cover near the hatch. Sunset in Merle Common is about 8:50pm in late May and 9:20pm in late June. If the party runs past dark, the queue and the path to the van need light.

  1. It starts with your date, address and numbers.
  2. We check where the van can park and send a price.
  3. On the day, we park up and get the fryers going.
  4. Guests come up to the hatch and we fry to order.
  5. Afterwards, we clear up and leave you to it.

How to prepare

  • Check the venue or landowner is happy for the van to park
  • Keep space clear for guests at the hatch
  • Check the way in for low branches, cables and narrow gates

How to get a price

Not sure of numbers yet? That’s fine: give us a rough idea and the date, and we will firm it up nearer the time. To start, send us your details through our quote form.

Tell us about your event

Read more

A fish and chip van or other catering?

Ordering in for a crowd means long waits. The van cooks right there. If you have a budget in mind, tell us, and we will suggest a menu and timing to match. Keeping the menu short is generally the best value.

Why us?

  • The classic sides: peas, curry sauce and gravy
  • Classic food your guests already know
  • Everything cooked to order at your event
  • Something for guests to gather round

Read our pricing and the cost guide.

Occasions we serve in Merle Common

Everyone from toddlers to grandparents enjoys it, which makes it perfect for family celebrations.

In Merle Common and nearby, the van turns up at all sorts of events. Popular bookings include:

  • Anniversaries and engagement parties
  • Birthday parties
  • Summer garden parties
  • Get-togethers with old friends

Historic houses near Merle Common include Chartwell (3.3 miles north-east) and Titsey Place (3.6 miles north). For most parties, a home or hall is easier than a historic venue with strict vehicle rules.

What your quote should include

  • How late numbers can change
  • Any travel, parking or access charges
  • What they can offer for dietary needs
  • If the price includes VAT

How to compare vans

DIY versus a fish and chip van

Weighing up a takeaway order against booking a van? Think about numbers, timing and how hot you want the food. Ask us for a quote and compare.

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 usually simpler.

  • 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

See the menu · How it works · Get a quote