Mobile Cart Questions, Answered Straight
Every cart starts with a question. Will it fit in my van, can one person
set it up, what does it actually take to start? These are the ones I get
asked most, and I've answered them as plainly as I can.
If yours isn't here, ask me directly. I'd rather be straight with you
before you order than after.
That depends on the countertop length of the specific model. Visit the Worktop Layouts page to compare working widths, or contact us if you need a longer configuration for a two-person setup.
Most folding carts can be set up or packed down in a few minutes once you are familiar with the process.
The castor wheels perform best on hard, flat surfaces. On grass or gravel, movement is possible but more difficult — a solid board or matting under the cart helps significantly on soft ground.
Most models are designed with venue access in mind. Check the folded width on the product page against your narrowest access point — standard UK doorways are typically 760–820mm wide.
The carts are designed for event use and can be used outdoors in fair conditions. They are not designed for prolonged exposure to heavy rain or to be left outside overnight.
Countertop sizes vary by model. Visit the Worktop Layouts page to compare working surface dimensions across the range.
Carts use practical sheet materials and timber components selected for repeated setup, movement and everyday use, including natural plywood interiors, painted exterior surfaces and purpose-made worktops.
Yes — folding models are designed to collapse flat for transport and storage. The assembled and folded dimensions are listed on each product page.
Weight depends on the specific model and configuration. Check the product page for exact weight. Most carts are designed to be moved by one person on hard surfaces using castor wheels, though having a second person helps on uneven ground or when loading into a vehicle.
Dimensions vary by model — check the individual product page for exact folded and assembled sizes. Most carts are designed to fit through a standard van load space, but always compare the folded dimensions against your vehicle before ordering.
Start with one counter sized and configured for your primary service. Once you understand your workflow at events, you will have a much clearer picture of whether a second counter adds real capacity or just complexity. Most operators start with one well-specified cart and add a second once the business justifies it. Browse the Coffee Carts collection if coffee is your main service.
A counter with a longer worktop and flexibility in layout works best for dual-service setups. Some coffee cart configurations can double as a bar with the right equipment. Browse the Coffee Carts and Mobile Bars collections, or contact us about a custom layout that covers both.
At minimum you need a counter with a food-safe worktop, appropriate storage, and a handwash facility if required by your local authority. The Catering Stations collection covers practical entry-level setups. Your exact requirements will depend on what you are selling and your local licensing and food hygiene rules.
For regular traders, buying is almost always more cost-effective than hiring after a small number of events. Hiring also limits your control over the setup and branding. Owning your counter means it can be customised to your exact workflow and branded to your business.
That depends on your local environmental health requirements and how you plan to operate. Many mobile food and drinks businesses are required to have a handwash facility on site. A sink station integrates this into the counter. If you are unsure what is required for your setup, check with your local authority before ordering.
The Mobile Bars & Drinks Stations collection is designed specifically for event bar setups. These counters are built with front-facing service in mind, appropriate working height and layouts suited to drinks service rather than food prep.
A compact, folding counter works well for markets — easy to transport, quick to set up and designed to fit a standard pitch. The Custom Event Counters collection includes options suited to market trading. Consider worktop length and whether you need a sink or storage.
Not necessarily. Some catering station layouts can accommodate both a coffee machine and food prep in a single counter. It depends on your menu and the space you need. Browse the Coffee Carts and Catering Stations collections and compare worktop layouts, or contact us to discuss a combined setup.
If you transport your counter to different locations regularly, a collapsible or folding design makes loading, unloading and storage much easier. A fixed counter suits a semi-permanent setup where it stays in one place. Most products in the range are designed with mobility in mind.
Each is designed around a different primary use. A coffee cart is laid out for drinks service — compact, with space for an espresso machine and grinder. A catering station is wider and deeper, designed around food prep with GN pan layouts and worktop space. A mobile bar is built for drinks service at events — often taller, with a front-facing counter. Browse all four collections to compare.
Earnings vary widely depending on your location, events, pricing and volume. A well-positioned coffee cart at a busy market or event can take several hundred pounds in a single day. Many operators combine regular weekly pitches with private event bookings to build consistent income. Revenue potential increases significantly with repeat locations and a loyal customer base. See the Coffee Carts collection to explore your counter options.
You need to register your food business with the local authority for the area where your business is based. Registration is free and must be done at least 28 days before you start trading. You cannot be refused registration. Contact your local council's environmental health department to register. Visit the Catering Stations collection to see counter options suited to mobile catering.
A mobile catering startup typically needs to budget for: a counter (see Catering Stations), cooking equipment, food safety certification, food business registration, public liability insurance, initial stock and packaging, and any market pitch or event fees. Costs vary significantly depending on your menu and the scale of your operation. Starting small with a focused menu keeps initial costs down.
There is no legal requirement to hold a food hygiene certificate, but most local authorities and event organisers expect you to have at least a Level 2 Award in Food Safety. It is strongly recommended before you start trading. The Catering Stations collection covers counter options for food-based mobile businesses.
Yes, in most cases. If you are trading in a public place, you will likely need a street trading licence from your local council. If you are selling food or drink, you also need to register as a food business with your local authority at least 28 days before you start trading. Registration is free. Check with your local council for the specific requirements in your area. Browse the Coffee Carts collection to explore counter options once you are set up.
Costs depend heavily on your setup and the events you target. Key expenses typically include: a mobile bar counter (see Mobile Bars for pricing), refrigeration, glassware, stock, licensing (including personal licence if selling alcohol), public liability insurance, and any branding. A realistic minimum budget for a properly equipped mobile bar setup is several thousand pounds before your first event.
Street trading licences generally apply to trading on public highways. Trading on private land does not usually require a street trading licence, but you will still need the landowner's permission and may need planning permission depending on how regularly you trade there. Food business registration still applies regardless of whether the land is public or private. Check with your local council for the rules in your area.
Serving alcohol in the UK is regulated under the Licensing Act 2003. At a private event where alcohol is not being sold (i.e. it is included in a ticket price or provided free), different rules may apply compared to selling alcohol directly. If you are selling alcohol, you will generally need a personal licence and the event will need a premises licence or temporary event notice (TEN). Always check with your local licensing authority before serving alcohol at events. See the Mobile Bars collection for counter options.
As a minimum, most mobile food businesses need public liability insurance. If you have employees, employers' liability insurance is a legal requirement. Many event organisers require a minimum of £5 million public liability cover before they allow you to trade. Speak to a specialist insurer with experience in mobile catering or street food businesses.
Startup costs vary depending on your equipment choices, but a rough outline for a basic mobile coffee setup might include: a counter (see Coffee Carts for pricing), a commercial espresso machine, a grinder, consumables, licensing and registration, insurance, and initial stock. Total costs can range from a few thousand pounds upwards depending on whether you buy new or used equipment and how you approach your first events.
Fold the counter fully before loading and secure it against movement in the vehicle — ratchet straps or bungee cords around the folded frame prevent it shifting. Wrap any exposed worktop edges or painted surfaces with moving blankets or foam padding if transporting regularly. Avoid stacking heavy items on top of a folded counter. The folded dimensions on each product page will help you plan how it fits in your vehicle.
Plan your pitch orientation so the open side of the counter faces away from the prevailing wind where possible. Secure any lightweight items — cups, napkins, signage — before wind picks up. A gazebo or shelter behind the counter reduces wind exposure significantly. For very exposed sites, a heavier or wider-base counter configuration from the Custom Event Counters collection may be more appropriate than a lighter folding model.
Most carts with castor wheels include locking castors — engage these once the counter is in position. On soft or uneven ground, place a solid board or matting under the castors to spread the load and prevent sinking. For particularly uneven surfaces, shims under individual wheels can level the counter. Avoid trading on ground with a significant slope.
Wipe down the worktop and surfaces after each use with a food-safe cleaner appropriate for the surface material. Avoid leaving standing water on timber or painted surfaces. Clean inside any GN openings or sink areas thoroughly. Store the counter in a dry environment when not in use. For specific surface care, refer to the product page for your counter model.
The most common failure points on low-cost folding carts are the hinges and locking mechanisms, the worktop surface under heat and moisture, the castor wheels under load, and any joints that rely on lightweight fixings rather than proper joinery. Counters built for repeated professional use are constructed differently — heavier fixings, better hardware, worktops specified for the job. See any product in the range for how these are built.
Yes — most mobile coffee operators run solo, particularly at markets and smaller events. The counter layouts in the Coffee Carts collection are designed with efficient solo workflow in mind. For busy events or when serving food alongside coffee, a second person makes a significant difference to throughput and service quality.
The counter itself does not provide heating or refrigeration — that comes from the equipment you place on or inside it. GN pan openings in catering station layouts are designed to accept standard bain marie or cold well inserts. For refrigeration, under-counter or countertop units are the most common solution. Plan your equipment list alongside your counter specification. See the Catering Stations collection for layouts with GN openings.
It depends on your setup and what you are serving. Most espresso machines and fridges require mains power or a generator. Water supply requirements depend on whether your counter includes a sink and what your local environmental health officer expects. Many operators use a fresh water tank and waste water tank combination for off-grid events. Check the Mobile Bars collection for counter configurations and contact us if you need to discuss specific utility requirements.
A compact, folding counter that sets up quickly and packs down into a van is ideal for regular market trading. You will want sufficient worktop space for your service, storage for stock, and a clean front presentation. Many market operators also benefit from a counter with castor wheels for easy positioning within a pitch. Browse the Custom Event Counters collection for options suited to regular market use.
Yes — festivals are one of the most common settings for mobile counter operators. Check what the festival organiser requires in terms of public liability insurance, food business registration, gas safety certificates if applicable, and pitch fees. Festival pitches vary significantly in what power and water they provide, so confirm your utility requirements against what is available before booking. The Custom Event Counters collection includes robust options suited to festival trading.
For corporate events and brand activations, a counter that can be branded or wrapped cleanly is important. A simple, flat-fronted design provides the best surface for vinyl graphics or printed panels. The service layout should match the product being served — coffee service, drinks, sampling or merchandise all have different workflow requirements. The Custom Event Counters collection includes configurations suited to brand-focused setups.
A welcome or dessert station works well with a counter that has a clean, wide worktop and an attractive front finish. The counter acts as a display and service surface. Consider whether you need storage underneath, a power supply for any heated or chilled elements, and how the counter will be decorated or branded for the event. The Custom Event Counters collection includes options suited to display-focused setups.
For a staffed wedding bar, a wider counter with a clean, front-facing finish works best. For an unstaffed welcome drinks or prosecco station, a more compact and decorative counter can work well. Browse the Coffee Carts and Mobile Bars collections to compare options — some coffee cart configurations also work well as drinks stations for non-alcohol service.
It depends on the venue and the arrangement. Venue bars often apply high markups and may require a minimum spend. A mobile bar operator supplying a full package can sometimes offer better value, more flexibility on drinks selection, and a more personal service. For couples or event organisers comparing costs, the total cost including corkage, minimum spend and package inclusions should be compared like-for-like.
A general guide is 1 metre of bar frontage per 50 guests for a flowing service, so around 2 metres for 100 guests. Faster service requires more frontage or more staff. The bar counter length, number of staff and drinks menu complexity all affect how quickly you can serve. See the Mobile Bars collection for counter widths and configurations.
This depends entirely on the venue. Many venues with their own bar will not permit an external mobile bar operator, or may charge a corkage or buyout fee. Always confirm with the venue in writing before committing to an event. Some venues actively welcome mobile bar operators for outdoor areas or marquee setups where their own bar cannot reach. Browse the Mobile Bars collection for counter options.
At minimum you need a counter, your drinks stock, appropriate glassware, ice, and a power or water supply depending on what you are serving. If you are selling alcohol, you need a personal licence and the event will need a temporary event notice (TEN) or premises licence. Many wedding bar operators supply the bar as part of a package arranged with the couple rather than selling directly, which has different licensing implications. See the Mobile Bars collection for counter options suited to wedding setups.
That depends on the nature of the change and the original build. Some modifications — such as adding shelving or changing a worktop — are more practical than others. If you think your requirements might evolve, it is worth discussing this at the point of ordering so the design can accommodate future changes where possible. Contact us via the Custom Options page to discuss.
Not every base model is suited to a sink integration — it depends on the structural design and available space. Some models in the range include a sink as standard or as an available option. If you need a sink and cannot find a suitable model in the range, use the Custom Options page to describe your requirements.
Custom orders may carry an additional cost depending on the changes required. Simple finish or dimension changes are often straightforward. More significant structural changes or non-standard materials may affect the price. Submit your requirements via the Custom Options page and we will confirm pricing before you proceed.
Lead times for custom orders depend on the specification and current order schedule. Because these are individually made products, a custom order takes longer than a standard configuration. Contact us via the Custom Options page with your requirements and timeline, and we will confirm whether it is achievable before you commit to an order.
Yes — worktop layout is one of the most common customisation requests. GN pan openings, sink positions, equipment cutouts and worktop dimensions can all be adjusted depending on the base model. Visit the Worktop Layouts page to understand the standard options, then use the Custom Options page to describe what your equipment requires.
Branding options can be discussed depending on the counter design. Flat-fronted panels are the most practical surface for vinyl graphics or printed panels. For integrated branding as part of the build, submit your requirements via the Custom Options page before ordering.
Yes. Finish options can be discussed as part of the ordering process. Standard and custom finish options are available depending on the model. Visit the product pages to see the current standard finishes, and use the Custom Options page if you have a specific colour or finish in mind.
Yes. If the standard range does not fit your exact requirements, a custom order allows you to specify dimensions that work for your vehicle, pitch or venue. Start by reviewing the Worktop Layouts page to understand what is possible within the standard configurations, then use the Custom Options page to submit your requirements.
Currently the primary focus is UK delivery. If you are based outside the UK and interested in a counter, contact us to discuss whether international shipping is possible for your specific order. Costs, logistics and lead times for international orders would be confirmed individually.
Collection may be possible depending on your location and the specific counter. Contact us before ordering to confirm whether collection is available and to arrange a suitable time. This can also save on delivery costs for larger or heavier models.
Instalment options are not currently listed as a standard checkout option, but if this is something you need, contact us before ordering to discuss whether an arrangement can be made. We will always try to work with customers who have a genuine requirement.
Contact us to ask about viewing options. Depending on what is currently in production or available, it may be possible to arrange a viewing. We will always try to provide detailed photographs and dimensions to help you make a confident decision before purchasing.
Because these counters are made individually to order, standard distance selling return rights may not apply in the same way as for off-the-shelf products. If you have a concern about your order, contact us as early as possible. Our full returns and refund policy is available in the store policies. We recommend reviewing it before purchasing, particularly for custom or bespoke orders.
The counters are built to be used and are constructed to a standard appropriate for professional event use. If there is a fault in materials or workmanship, contact us and we will address it. Because these are individually made products used in working environments, normal wear from use, transit and setup is expected and not covered. Contact us if you have a concern about your counter.
The price covers the counter as specified on the product page. It does not include catering equipment, appliances, refrigeration, power supplies, water tanks, or any other operational equipment you place on or in the counter. Delivery costs are confirmed separately. Custom additions outside the standard specification may carry an additional cost. Check the individual product pages for what is included in each model.
Folding models are delivered folded for transit. Fixed or larger configurations may be delivered partially assembled depending on the design and delivery method. Specific delivery details for each model are confirmed at the point of order. If you have questions about how a particular counter arrives, contact us before ordering.
Yes. Delivery is available across the UK. Because counter sizes and specifications vary, delivery arrangements and costs may depend on the specific model and your location. Delivery details are confirmed at the point of order. Contact us if you have questions about delivery to your area before purchasing.
Lead times vary depending on the model and current order schedule. Because every counter is made individually rather than picked from stock, there is a production period between ordering and dispatch. Current lead times are listed on individual product pages. If you have a specific event date you are working toward, contact us before ordering to confirm availability.
Hot food with broad appeal — burgers, loaded fries, wraps, grilled items — generates the highest volume at general public events. A focused single-product menu runs more efficiently from a 1.2m × 60cm worktop than a wide multi-item menu. Drinks alongside food add margin at low additional effort. The right menu depends on event type, location and the GN pan layout of the counter.
A mobile bar business generating 2–3 private events per month at standard UK event bar rates can recover the counter cost within the first season of trading. The counter at 35kg and folding to 1.3m × 60cm × 35cm is a one-off capital cost. Profitability depends on event frequency, drink margins, licensing costs and whether the operator supplies a full package or charges per drink.
A mobile dessert setup works from a counter with a 1.2m × 60cm worktop for display and preparation, under-counter storage for stock and equipment, and a power supply for any refrigerated or heated units. The counter weighs 35kg and folds to 1.3m × 60cm × 35cm for transport in a standard car or van.
No built-in machine is required. A standard 2-group espresso machine sits comfortably on a 1.2m × 60cm worktop alongside a grinder, leaving usable working space. Freestanding machines are easier to service, replace and upgrade than built-in configurations. Check the machine footprint against the 60cm worktop depth before ordering.
A mobile coffee cart setup requires a commercial espresso machine (typically 560mm × 430mm footprint for a standard 2-group machine), a burr grinder, a steam wand or standalone frother, fresh water supply, waste water container, cups and consumables, and a power source delivering at least 13–16A. The 1.2m × 60cm worktop accommodates a machine and grinder side by side with working space remaining.
A mobile cocktail bar requires a counter with a 1.2m × 60cm worktop for preparation, under-counter storage for bottles and equipment, and a power supply for refrigeration. The counter weighs 35kg and folds to 1.3m × 60cm × 35cm — fits in a standard van load space. A personal licence and temporary event notice are required for each event where alcohol is sold.
A compact counter with a 1.2m worktop and 60cm depth is the right size for a single-operator matcha bar. No GN openings or complex layout are needed — a flat, food-safe worktop with space for a boiler and frother is sufficient. The counter weighs 35kg and folds to 1.3m × 60cm × 35cm for transport.
Starting a matcha cart business requires a counter, a water boiler or kettle, a milk frother or steam wand, quality matcha powder, food business registration with the local council, and public liability insurance. No commercial espresso machine is needed, which keeps startup costs lower than a full coffee setup. A 1.2m worktop gives enough space for a clean matcha preparation station.
Read How We Work to compare worktop layouts, mobility and custom orders.
Explore the range of mobile counters available or enquire about a custom cart.
Custom Event Counters
