Whether you’re already running a food truck business and you’re looking to find new locations or you’re planning on opening a mobile catering business, finding good locations to make a profit is important. From farmers’ markets to street food, we’re taking a look at some of the top catering van locations in the UK.

Running for over 1,000 years, Borough Market is one that’s rich in history and built on culture.

Described as ‘London’s premier food market’, it’s one of the most famous places to visit in the city – especially if you love to eat – and hosts an array of fresh produce and food vendors available seven days a week, including lobster, Tel Aviv-style stuffed pitas, Singapore street food, freshly made pasta and so much more.

The market looks for unique, sustainable and independent traders and if that sounds like you, you’ll need to submit an application online to become one.  If your application is successful, you’ll be required to attend a face-to-face interview followed by a tasting panel. At the moment though, they aren’t taking any new traders on. But as things start to calm down around COVID, things may change so keep an eye on their website.

Location: 8 Southwark Street London SE1 1TL

Now, I’ve actually recently visited this one and to say I was impressed would be an understatement. From spicy curries and authentic Korean BBQ to seasonal cocktails and flavours of the Med, there is everything and anything you could possibly fancy!

As the name suggests, you’ll find it located on London’s Southbank, open from 12-8 on Fridays, 11-8 Saturdays and 12-6 on Sundays and bank holiday Mondays.

Here’s a bit of inside information too – be sure to visit Galeta’s stall. They serve a variety of bakes to satisfy the sweetest of tooths and the best Biscoff donut you’ll ever have in your life (and, no, I’m not exaggerating!).

To apply for a pitch, send your proposal via email through the website.

Location: Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX

Founded in 2021, Birmingham’s Digbeth Dining Club has lifted the Midlands food landscape by turning a selection of venues, into vibrant, bright and must-visit destinations for any foodie!

From Michelin-star chefs, former MasterChef contestants and even the everyday enthusiast who’s trained at home, this market has seen it all and offers it too! It’s loaded with anything from fully-loaded cheesecakes, bento boxes and even Flying Cows (that’s enough to entice anyone)!

Pay them a visit at either Hockney Social Club from Thursday to Sunday or Herbert’s Yard, though opening times haven’t been released for this new venue yet.

To be part of this unique scene, Digbeth Dining Club will vet and trial your offering to ensure it meets their quality, locally sourced and honest brief. You can send an inquiry and sign up to their newsletter here.

Location: 60 Hampton Street, Hockley, B19 3LU

Open from 12pm every Friday to Sunday, Street Food Club in Nottingham leads with a promise to eat globally, locally. And to achieve this, traders rotate throughout the year to promote as many independent and small businesses as possible, so expect to see a mix of cuisines ranging from Caribbean, Mexican and Indian to specialty dishes including authentic poutine and mega, mouth-watering sweet treats.

As opposed to some of the others, this market is all indoors so the unpredictable Great British weather won’t prevent your plans for attending.

To trade with them, simply get in touch.

Location: 151 Intu Victoria Centre, NG1 3QF

Now, GRUB is doing things a little differently because even though they are open Wednesday through Sunday, Sundays are solely reserved for ‘plant-power’, making them Europe’s first weekly vegan street food event.

On any day visited, GRUB combines top street food, good beer and smashing tunes for a buzzing atmosphere!

Location: Red Bank Project, 50 Red Bank, Manchester, M4 4HF

With their weekly indoor markets, Glasgow’s Big Feed market combines two of the best things you could ask for all under one roof – delicious food and live music. And don’t be afraid, if you’re attending, you’re in for a feed and a big one at that!

To become a vendor, drop them an email with a bit about you and your business.

Location: 249 Govan Road, G51 5HJ

Here in one of Cumbria’s small villages, Orton’s farmers market sees over twenty-five local farmers, growers, producers and artisan craftsmen gather every second Saturday of the month to sell a variety of local produce. Put an emphasis on the local because all goods sold must be from within fifty miles of the market and either grown, raised, caught or processed by the producer.

If you are one of the 261 folks that make up this area and want to apply to be part of this community event, you can contact them here.

Location: Market Hall, Orton, Penrith, CA10 3RU

You may have heard of Lavenham’s market and that’s not just because it’s been voted the best farmers market in Suffolk, but also because a certain famous fictional wizard was born there. Yes, it’s where Godric’s Hollow is set in Harry Potter. Putting that aside though, Lavenham is also known for being a picturesque haven in the Suffolk countryside and, as I just mentioned, is home to one of the finest farmer’s markets.  

Held on the fourth Sunday of every month, you’ll find fresh bread, Suffolk pork, lamb, venison and honey, home-baked cakes, pies, pasties and sausage rolls, local eggs and sausages, home-produced jams, pates and chutneys, regional cheeses and even a few small craft stalls.

If you want to get involved, complete and submit the market booking forms and wait to be contacted when a space becomes available. A couple of things to note regarding Lavenham’s market is that it’s mainly indoors with 6ft x 2ft trestle tables, chairs and power supplied. There is space for outdoor pitches, but this is limited, and traders must supply their own weatherproof gazebos and adequate leg weights for all equipment.

Location: Lavenham Village Hall, Lavenham, Suffolk, C010 9QT

Bath’s food market has been around since 1977 and was actually the UK’s first, so they’ve had a lot of time to perfect their local produce.

Available every Saturday between 9 and 1:30, visit the market for the best the city has to offer, this includes award-winning organic cheeses and pies, luxurious, truffle brownies, craft beers, locally-sourced English apple juice, treats for your furry four-legged companions and much more.

To join the market as a trader, apply here.

Their website also includes a page full of recipes which is a nice touch and could help you. With so much competition out there, you’ll want to ensure you offer something different and if you need some food-spo, check out our Top 10 Food Truck Ideas.

Location: 2-3 Westmoreland Station Rd, Bath BA1 1JB

Operating every Saturday from 9 to 2, Edinburgh’s food market sits under the capital’s famous castle.

With the most perfect background, it hosts 55 retailers, and they bring with them Scottish reared venison, mushrooms fresh from the Highlands and homemade pies, baked goods and many more goodies.   

Location: Castle Terrace, Edinburgh

If securing a place on one of these markets is the dream but you’re unsure where to start, give our guide to how to start a food truck a read. It’s full of insightful tips that will help turn your culinary creativity into a fully-fledged business.