Setting up a food stall at an event
Set up a food stall with a clear work area behind a serving counter, separate zones for raw and ready-to-eat food, handwashing arrangements, a safe cooking position and a gazebo secured with weights. Check the pitch plan and the organiser's rules before you arrive.
Read the pitch plan
Food stalls often have extra requirements, such as a set distance between cooking equipment and other stalls, or a fixed position for gas. Ask the organiser for the food trader pack or site rules in good time, so you can change your layout well before the morning of the event.
Confirm your pitch size, where the gazebo can go, where customers will queue and how close you will be to neighbours. Many organisers set the position of cooking equipment and set gaps between food stalls. Pitch sizes and layout shows how to read a plan.
Gazebo and weights
A sturdy gazebo with a waterproof, flame-retardant canopy and weights for every leg protects your food and your customers. Read gazebo weights and wind safety for guidance on weighting.
Layout inside the stall
- A serving counter at the front, with prices and allergen information in view.
- A work area behind the counter with enough room to move.
- Separate areas, boards and utensils for raw food and food that is ready to eat.
- A hand-washing point with soap, water and paper towels.
- Closed containers for food waste and a separate bin for general waste.
- Food and drink storage off the ground.
Hot and cold food
Plan how you will keep hot food hot and cold food cold from the moment it leaves your kitchen until it is sold. Pack cold food with ice packs or in a chilled unit, and use a thermometer to check temperatures. Your local council food team can advise on safe temperatures for your menu.
Cooking, gas and power
Place cooking equipment on a stable surface away from the canopy fabric, keep a suitable fire extinguisher and fire blanket close and brief everyone on the stall about hot surfaces. Details are in fire safety for stalls and gazebos, gas and electrical safety for traders and lighting and power for event stalls.
Morning set-up checklist
- Arrive within your allotted time slot.
- Put the gazebo up and weight every leg.
- Set up the handwashing point first.
- Lay out surfaces and cover or label food.
- Display your menu, prices, allergen information and, where you have one, your hygiene rating.
- Test the card reader and set up your float.
Customer flow
Display your menu, prices, allergen information and any hygiene rating you hold at eye level. Clear signs reduce questions in the queue. If you take card payments, put a sign near the reader and see taking card payments at events for set-up advice.
Place the serving point so that a queue forms along the front of the stall without blocking neighbours or walkways. A clear order point and a separate collection point help at busy times. Keep customers back from hot surfaces and open flames with a barrier or a counter.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need running water at a food stall?
Handwashing arrangements are an important part of food safety. Ask your council and the organiser what facilities they expect for your menu.
How far apart should food stalls be?
Organisers set gaps based on the site and on fire safety. Follow the pitch plan and ask the organiser if it is unclear.
Can I cook inside a gazebo?
Many organisers have rules about cooking under canopies. Ask before you arrive and keep fire safety equipment to hand.
What should I do with used cooking oil?
Ask the organiser how they want it handled. Many events have rules on waste, and you should take used oil away unless told otherwise.
Commercial gazebos for professional traders
Insurance, safety and organiser checks all start with sound kit. Gala Tent makes commercial gazebos for traders who work events week after week.
Useful pages on our sister sites
Event Industry Trader is published by Gala Tent. These pages from Gala Tent and the wider Gala group go further on the kit, branding and payments covered here.
Where to check the rules
- GOV.UK: starting a food business
- HSE: event safety
- Food Standards Agency: food hygiene rating scheme audit 2021
Rules vary by council and by event. Confirm requirements with the organiser and the relevant authority before you act.