Food Truck Hire & Catering for Events
Bring the food, the team and a memorable serving point to your next event. From savoury street food to ice cream and coffee, we help shape staffed food truck catering around your guests, setting and occasion.
Start with what your guests will love.
A great catering brief starts with the food, not just the vehicle. Choose a meal, a sweet finish or a coffee stop, then we can match the service to the space and schedule.
- Savoury street food: discuss options such as pizza or burgers for a lunch, evening party or festival-style event.
- Desserts and ice cream: make Pan-n-Ice part of the occasion with a dedicated sweet service.
- Coffee and drinks: welcome guests, support a morning event or add a drinks stop alongside the food.
The menu, preparation setup and suitable vehicle are agreed together. Not every menu works in every truck.
A vehicle with character. A service with purpose.
Our vehicle range includes two classic Mercedes ice cream trucks, a Citroen HY and a VW camper-style truck. Start with the style you like, then we will check the right match for your menu, site and date. Airstream formats can also be discussed.
These are examples of real dessert and coffee projects. For a practical comparison of vehicle formats, see our event vehicle guide.
Food truck catering that fits the occasion.
A staff lunch and an all-day public event need different service plans. Tell us how your guests will arrive and when they need to eat, so the catering works with the event rather than interrupting it.
| Your event | What to plan | A useful starting point |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate events | Staff numbers, staggered breaks and where the truck can park. | A clear lunch window, with drinks or dessert alongside. |
| Private parties | The venue, guest mix and how food fits around the celebration. | A main food service followed by a sweet finish. |
| Brand experiences | The audience, serving journey and how food reflects the campaign. | A coordinated menu, vehicle design and branded serving items. |
| Festival-style events | Expected demand, site access, utilities and the wider food offer. | A defined menu and service window, with a plan for guest flow. |
More than a truck parked outside.
Our focus is staffed event catering, not simply handing over an empty vehicle. Food, people, setup and the serving schedule should be planned as one experience.
Your proposal should set out the selected menu, staffing, serving quantities, operating times, transport and setup arrangements. That makes it clear what is included before you book.
If your brief includes more than catering, Pan-n-Ice can work with our sister agency Rolling Minds on the wider event.
What’s included and practical details
Everything needed to deliver the staffed food truck service is in the package: staffing, packaging, all equipment, setup, transport and logistics, and product development if your brief needs it. Other custom branding, such as your logo on cups, is extra: tell us what you need in the enquiry and we’ll send a quote. Stickers on cups are a cheaper option with a lower minimum order.
- Power: Trucks can run from one standard 13-amp plug socket, or from a 32-amp supply if more equipment is used inside — we stay flexible.
- Space: Allow about 5 m long by 3 m deep for the vehicle working footprint, plus guest flow.
- Setup / pack-down: Setup can be as quick as about 30 minutes, depending on the service and venue access. Pack-down takes about 15–30 minutes.
- Pricing: Every event is bespoke. Truck hire is from a minimum spend of around £2,000 + VAT. That includes a selection of branded stickers on the outside of the truck, as we did for Vita Coco, so you keep the truck’s base colour. It’s a cheaper alternative to a full truck wrap, which starts from around £6,000 + VAT. Event location, travel logistics and any accommodation also affect the price.
Make the food part of your brand.
A truck can do more than serve. Bring together vehicle branding, a bespoke menu and branded cups, packaging or edible details for a consistent guest experience. Our in-house team can help design the branding as part of your brief.
If the main goal is a campaign, roadshow or promotional vehicle rather than catering, our branded and promotional vehicle hire page is the better starting point. For the design process, explore the truck customisation guide.
The details that make the day run well.
The site and the schedule
Send the venue address, arrival and service times, and any access restrictions. We will need to understand parking space, the route into position, power and water arrangements, and where guests will queue.
For outdoor events, include the weather contingency and any venue or organiser permissions. Allow about 5 m long by 3 m deep for the vehicle working footprint, plus guest flow. Trucks can run from one standard 13-amp plug socket, or from a 32-amp supply if more equipment is used inside — we stay flexible. Technical requirements still depend on the chosen vehicle and menu.
The people and the menu
Share the guest count, the food you have in mind and any dietary requirements early. Ingredients, allergens and preparation arrangements must be checked for the specific menu before booking.
We will discuss suitable options, but cannot promise that every menu is suitable for every allergy. Let us know about particular needs when you enquire.
Food truck hire: your questions answered.
What is included in the hire?
Staffing, packaging, all equipment, setup, transport and logistics, and product development if needed. Other custom branding, such as your logo on cups, is extra: tell us what you need in the enquiry and we’ll send a quote. Stickers on cups are a cheaper option with a lower minimum order. Truck hire is from a minimum spend of around £2,000 + VAT. That includes a selection of branded stickers on the outside of the truck, as we did for Vita Coco, so you keep the truck’s base colour. It’s a cheaper alternative to a full truck wrap, which starts from around £6,000 + VAT. Event location, travel logistics and any accommodation also affect the price.
How much space and power will the truck need?
Allow about 5 m long by 3 m deep for the vehicle working footprint, plus guest flow. Trucks can run from one standard 13-amp plug socket, or from a 32-amp supply if more equipment is used inside — we stay flexible.
How much does food truck hire cost?
The quote depends on the menu, guest numbers, service duration, location, vehicle and any branding. Truck hire is from a minimum spend of around £2,000 + VAT. That includes a selection of branded stickers on the outside of the truck, as we did for Vita Coco, so you keep the truck’s base colour. It’s a cheaper alternative to a full truck wrap, which starts from around £6,000 + VAT. Event location, travel logistics and any accommodation also affect the price. Send your date, venue and approximate guest count so we can put together a tailored proposal rather than an unrelated starting price.
Does food truck hire include staff?
This page focuses on staffed catering. The number of staff, service times and exact inclusions are set out in your proposal. If you are looking for an empty vehicle or dry hire, say so when you enquire so we can check whether there is a suitable option.
Can we book savoury food and desserts together?
Yes, the brief can combine savoury catering with dessert or drinks services. We will confirm the menu and setup for each element; it may be a combination of trucks, carts or bars rather than everything from one vehicle.
Can a food truck work at our venue?
That depends on access, parking, utilities, the service setup and the venue's rules. Share the location and any site plans or restrictions. We check suitability before confirming the booking rather than assuming a truck can go anywhere.
Can you brand the truck and the food service?
Vehicle branding, branded serving items and a bespoke menu can form part of your proposal. The available options and production lead times depend on the chosen format. Tell us your campaign date and what you would like guests to see, eat and take away.
Do you cater for dietary requirements and allergies?
Tell us the requirements when you enquire. Suitability must be confirmed against the specific ingredients, preparation and service arrangements. We do not make a blanket allergen-free guarantee.
How far ahead should we enquire?
As soon as you have a likely date and location, especially when a specific vehicle or bespoke branding is important. Availability and production timings vary; we will confirm them for your brief.
Tell us what you are planning.
Send your date, location, approximate guest numbers and the food you have in mind. We will help turn that into a practical catering brief, with the right service and vehicle for the occasion.
Prefer email? info@pan-n-ice.co.uk
