Kent · England
Wedding Fish and Chip Van in Matfield
We bring a fish and chip van for your wedding to Matfield and nearby, frying fresh at your venue and serving from the hatch.
- Engagement parties
- Vow renewals and anniversaries
- Marquee and garden weddings
Wedding fish and chip van in Matfield
How our wedding fish and chip van works in Matfield
Couples love the relaxed feel: guests in their wedding best queuing for fish and chips makes for great photos. Typical bookings include rustic farm weddings and garden and marquee receptions, serving curry sauce, cod and chips and haddock and chips.
A wedding in a small place like Matfield often means a field, a barn or a family garden. A chip van is made for that: no kitchen, just firm ground nearby. Let us know about access and ground. We bring the van and everything we need to cook, and we leave the pitch tidy when we go.
The process
The smell of the fryers does the inviting. Fish goes into the batter and straight into the fryer, and chips are fried in batches through service. At midsummer, sunset in Matfield is about 9:15pm, which helps us time evening food around your photos. In late May, sunset is about 8:50pm, and in late September about 7:00pm.
- Start with three things: the date, the place and a rough headcount.
- Show us where the van would go, and we will confirm it works.
- A week or so before, we confirm timings and numbers.
- We park, open the hatch and start frying for your guests.
- Once the last portion is out, we pack up and go.
Preparing for the day
- Send us final numbers and any allergies in good time
- Plan where the queue will stand
- Plan a bit of cover near the hatch if rain is likely
Ask for a quote
Getting a quote is simple: tell us the date, place, numbers and serving time. We’ll send a clear quote that says what’s included.
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Matfield weddings: local tips
Matfield is about 5 miles east of Royal Tunbridge Wells, in Kent. In and around Matfield, the van can serve from a drive, a yard, a car park or a firm field. We cover 922 places in Kent, from the larger towns to small villages. We serve events right across the region, from Matfield to London (31 miles away).
Guests coming by rail will want to know that the nearest station is Paddock Wood station, about 2.1 miles north. Marrying at Ebenezer Church (Matfield)? A reception at a garden, barn or hall close by gives the van somewhere to park for the evening. The High Weald National Landscape is within about 7 miles of Matfield, with plenty of rural wedding settings. Check vehicle access with the venue.
Wherever your wedding is in TN12, we can bring the van to you. From Standings Close, Homebush Green and Chestnut Lane or a nearby road, we can park up and fry there. For weddings just outside Matfield, we cover Petteridge (1 mile south-east), Brenchley (1 mile east), Colt's Hill (1 mile north-west), Key's Green (2 miles south-west) and Paddock Wood (2 miles north-east). Within a short drive, we also cover Maidstone (10 miles north-east), Sevenoaks (12 miles north-west), Royal Tunbridge Wells (5 miles west), Tonbridge (5 miles north-west), Kings Hill (8 miles north) and Foley Park (11 miles north-east).
Well-known places in the area include Tunbridge Wells Hospital (2.9 miles west) and The Hop Farm Museum (3.1 miles north). Open spaces near Matfield include Tudeley Woods RSPB reserve.
- Schools near Matfield include Mascalls School (1.2 miles north-east)
- Pubs nearby include The Poet at Matfield pub (under half a mile west)
Planning for dietary needs
A little planning helps everyone eat safely. A few tips:
- Do not forget your suppliers
- Ask your venue about catering vans first
- Put bins near the van
- Arrange an alternative for anyone who can’t eat from the van
We arrive and set up without getting in the way, so we’re ready at the agreed time.
Let the DJ or band announce when the food is ready.
Who books wedding fish and chip van in Matfield?
It suits barn, marquee and garden weddings, where the van can park near the party.
If you are planning any of these, we can help:
- Vow renewal parties
- Engagement celebrations
- Coastal-themed receptions
- Evening food for day and evening guests
Among the historic houses close to Matfield are Scotney Castle (4.5 miles south). If your reception is at a historic house or estate, ask early about its rules on caterers and vehicles.
What to look for in a quote
- The deposit and payment dates
- Allergen information for each item
- The deadline for final numbers
- What the price includes, item by item
A closer look at the menu
Sausage and chips
A sausage and chips is the chip-shop classic for younger guests and fish-dodgers.
Cod and chips
Cod is the classic: mild, white and flaky, and it’s what most people in the south ask for. We batter it and fry it to order, so it is crisp when it reaches you.
Also in Matfield
Organising for someone else?
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 can work with your facilities team on access and timings.
Planning an event for a club, school or charity in Matfield? Fish and chips is a reliable crowd-pleaser. Tell us about the event and we will take it from there.
Matfield questions
Do you come to venues in the High Weald National Landscape?
Yes, though some venues in protected landscapes have extra rules for vehicles; ask your venue. We’ll work to whatever the site needs.
We’re gathering after a service at Ebenezer Church (Matfield): can you come?
Yes, at a nearby hall, home or venue with somewhere for the van. Churches rarely have space for a catering van, so the food is usually elsewhere. Tell us where you will gather.
How soon do we need to book?
As early as you can, especially for summer weekends and December. Even at short notice, it’s worth asking.
Can you park near the barn?
Your venue decides, but near the reception works best. A picture of the area helps.
What time is best for the van?
At the time you choose. Most couples go for just after the first dance.
What do we need to supply?
Tell us what’s available at the site in your enquiry, and we’ll confirm what we need.
Can the van park on the street?
Only in a legal space, or with the council’s permission. Ask your council early.
Where can the van park?
Not much: a drive, a car park, a yard or a firm lawn, that the van can reach easily. Send us a photo if you are not sure.
Takeaway run or book a van?
Not sure whether to order in or book a van? Think about numbers, timing and how hot you want the food. We are happy to send a quote so you can compare.
Some hosts try a takeaway order. The problem is timing: big orders take a long time, and the food is cooling while it travels. A van cooks in front of your guests instead.
Before you choose a spot
The van has to be able to get in and park safely, and a little planning goes a long way. These are the things we check:
- A spot near your guests
- A level hardstanding, drive or firm lawn
- Lighting nearby for evening events
Not sure about the spot? Send us a photo and we will tell you honestly.
What we serve
- Cod and chips
- Curry sauce
- Mushy peas
- Sausage and chips
- Haddock and chips
- Evening fish and chips
What a fish and chip van costs
There are no hidden charges: the quote reflects:
- Parking and the way in
- Distance and any road charges
- Peak dates such as summer Saturdays
- Any minimum charge
Larger groups normally cost less per head, since the van and set-up are much the same for any size. Give us your numbers and we’ll quote.
Details that help
These details help us quote quickly:
- Your date and serving time
- Allergies and diets you know about
- A picture of where the van would go
- Anything awkward about the way in
We only need a few details to quote: the date, where the van would park, roughly how many people and when you’d like to eat. To send them, send us your details through our quote form.
- 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