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Coffee van hire
Coffee van hire costs £400 to £950 for a few hours of barista-made coffee at a private or corporate event, usually with a set number of drinks included. Most vans set a minimum hire of two to four hours and charge about £3 to £4.50 per drink once the included number runs out.
What this covers
What it costs. A coffee van costs £400 to £950 for a private or corporate booking of a few hours, covering the barista, the van, cups and a set number of drinks. Full cost breakdown.
What the job covers
- A coffee van at a wedding while the photographs are taken
- Barista coffee for a two-day conference
- A branded coffee cart on an exhibition stand
- Hot drinks at a winter school fair, selling to families
- A morning coffee van for a staff wellbeing day
What is involved
The van, cart or converted three-wheeler arrives with an espresso machine, grinder, milk and cups, and a barista makes drinks to order: espresso-based coffee, tea, hot chocolate, iced drinks and often pastries or cakes. Private and corporate bookings are usually host-paid packages with a drinks allowance; at fairs and public events the van sells to guests directly.
An espresso machine needs a lot of power, so ask whether the van runs from its own generator, bottled gas, or a mains supply, and what socket an indoor cart needs. Milk is one of the 14 allergens and soya is another, so ask which plant milks are carried and how the steam wand is kept apart for guests with a milk allergy. For corporate events, many vans offer branded cups, van wraps or flags.
The practical check is the pitch and the timing. A van needs level, firm ground with vehicle access; a cart needs a doorway wide enough to get in. At a wedding the busiest time is straight after the ceremony, so agree when the van opens. caterers.trade lists only caterers rated 3 or above, or Pass in Scotland.
Choosing someone for the job
Ask how many drinks the package includes and what happens when they run out. Ask what power the van or cart needs, and what size of pitch or doorway. Ask which plant milks they carry and how they handle a milk allergy. Ask whether cakes or pastries can be added. And for corporate events, ask about branding and a VAT invoice.
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Common questions
How much does a coffee van cost to hire?
£400 to £950 for a few hours at a private or corporate event with a set number of drinks included, and £800 to £1,800 for a full day. Extra drinks cost about £3 to £4.50 each.
What is the minimum hire for a coffee van?
Most vans set a minimum of two to four hours. Some price by the hour from about £50 plus drinks, and others set a minimum spend.
Do coffee vans need power?
Yes, an espresso machine draws a lot of power. Many vans bring a generator or run partly on bottled gas; indoor carts usually need a nearby socket. Ask what they need before the day.
Can you have a coffee van at a wedding?
Yes. It is often booked for the drinks reception, while photographs are taken, or for the evening alongside cake. Winter weddings use them for hot chocolate as well as coffee.