MobCater

How Do I Store Chilled and Frozen Food Overnight for My Catering Van?

What are the rules for storing chilled and frozen food overnight when you have a mobile catering business?

This is one of those questions the EHO will definitely ask you, so it's worth getting sorted from day one. The short version: cold food below 8°C, frozen food at minus 18°C, and keep it separate from your family fridge. I keep my stock in a dedicated fridge at home and log the temperature every morning. Takes 30 seconds and it's exactly what the inspector wants to see.

I've written up the full breakdown of what you need to do.

Full answer here:

How Do I Store Chilled and Frozen Food Overnight for My Catering Van? is it safe to remove power overnight from fridges and freezers with chilled/frozen food in them?

Can I Use a Motorhome as a Mobile Catering Unit?

Can I convert a motorhome and use it for mobile catering?

I get this one a lot, and the answer is yes, you absolutely can. The EHO doesn't care what type of vehicle you use. They care about what's inside it. As long as you've got the right surfaces, the right sinks, proper ventilation, and a gas setup done by a Gas Safe engineer, a motorhome can work really well. The bonus is they often come with water tanks and power systems already fitted.

I've covered everything you need to know before you start the conversion.

Full answer here:
https://www.mobcater.co.uk/can-i-use-a-motorhome-as-a-mobile-catering-unit.html

Should I Set Up a Permanent Pitch or Stay Mobile?

Is it better to find a permanent pitch or keep moving around to different locations?

Great dilemma, and one I wrestled with myself when I was starting out. I got chased off my first pitch by a security guard, moved down the road, and ended up somewhere much better. That's the beauty of staying mobile early on. But once you find a spot that works, there's real value in being there every day so your regulars know where to find you.

I've shared what worked for me and how to figure out the right approach for your situation.

Full answer here:

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Do I Need Planning Permission for a Mobile Catering Van?

Do I need planning permission to run a mobile catering business?

This one depends entirely on where you're setting up. Trading on a public street? No planning permission — you need a Street Trading Licence instead. On someone's private land like a car park or industrial estate? Usually no planning permission, just the owner's say-so.

From your own driveway? That's where it gets tricky — most councils will say yes, you need it, and many will turn you down.

The golden rule is this: if you're mobile and pack up at the end of the day, you're far less likely to need planning permission. If you're staying put permanently, it's a different story.

I've written a simple guide breaking down every scenario so you know exactly where you stand.

Full answer here:

Do I Need Planning Permission for a Mobile Catering Van? Liz asked: I own land which has a farm shop and mini industrial site. I want to put a mobile catering van on the land to serve our customers and workers

What Certificates Do I Need for a Mobile Food Cart?

What certificates do I need for my cart?

This is one of those questions that sounds complicated but really isn't. Whether you're running a coffee cart, a hot dog cart, or a sweet cart, you basically need the same five things. The first two are free or cost about twenty quid, and you can sort them in an afternoon.

The hardest part isn't getting the certificates — it's knowing which ones you actually need. Once you've got that list, you can tick them off in a couple of weeks.

I've put together the full list with costs and where to get each one.

Full answer here:

What Certificates Do I Need for a Mobile Food Cart? Alex asked: I am starting a sweet cart business providing sweets only. Do I need certificates as I am handling the food? Hiya Alex, good question — and