Planning guide

Will a food van fit at my venue?

A quick checklist for space, ground, access and power, so you can plan where our van will park before you book.

OceanView Catering's light blue fish and chip van with the OceanView fish logo
Our fish and chip van

At a glance

The space we need

The van needs a space about 6 metres long and 2.65 metres wide, with about 12 feet (3.7 metres) of headroom.

Diagram of the OceanView van: about 6 metres long and 2.65 metres wide, plus about 0.9 metres (3 feet) for the open serving hatch on the passenger side, with about 3.7 metres (12 feet) of headroom, on firm level ground

Firm, level ground

As long as the ground is firm and level, with clearance overhead, we are comfortable parking at most venues.

Getting in

Please tell us about narrow gates, low branches or height barriers on the way in.

Which way the hatch faces

Our serving hatch is on the passenger side of the van and opens out a further 0.9 metres (3 feet), which is worth bearing in mind when you plan where we will park. Where we can, we park close to your venue so guests can come out in small groups and stay dry.

Power

Not always needed. Your venue’s electric hook-up lets us run silently, which is ideal if you would like a quiet service. If we are serving away from a power supply, we bring our own suitcase generator, which makes a small amount of noise. The van’s fridge runs throughout your event once we are set up.

Parties at home

Hosting in your garden or on private land? Tell us about your garden or driveway when you enquire and we will check there is room for the van and your guests.

Your venue’s paperwork

Check that your venue welcomes outside caterers. Our risk assessments, gas safety certificates, insurance details and any other compliance documents your venue needs are available on request. We also hold the top food hygiene rating of 5 (very good).

Not sure?

Send us a photo

At busy times we cater 5 to 7 events a week, so we are not able to offer site visits. A phone or video call works just as well. Tell us about access, parking and the ground where the van will stand. If you prefer, you can send photos.

We arrive 45 minutes to an hour before serving, cook everything fresh at your venue, serve for usually 1 to 2 hours and cook the last few meals to order

Questions

Space and access questions

What happens if it rains?

The serving hatch opens out to give cover for two or three guests at a time. Where we can, we park close to your venue so guests can come out in small groups and stay dry.

Do you take the rubbish away?

Since COVID, we no longer take waste away on the van. Please make sure there are bins for the trays, cutlery and sachets. The trays are recyclable and empty sachets go in general waste.

How do we make sure only our guests are served?

At events in open or public spaces, you can give each guest a token, such as a raffle ticket or a poker chip. Guests hand their token in at the hatch. Tokens are provided by you as the host.

Check your date

Bring OceanView Catering to your event

Tell us your date, venue and guest numbers and we will come back to you with availability and a quote.

Call or text Jacqui 07922466350Call or text Jo 07922040994Email oceanviewcatering.co.uk@gmail.com