Custom Catering Trailers Bristol | Hand-Built by A & R Willis
Custom Catering Trailers & Container Conversions Serving Bristol & the South West
Hand-built in Hertfordshire by craftsmen with over 20 years of manufacturing experience
We build bespoke mobile catering trailers and container conversions for the South West's thriving food business scene. From Bristol street food traders to festival operators and static food stations across Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall, our units are designed by people who've run successful mobile catering businesses and understand what it takes to trade professionally in the South West's diverse environments.
Serving Bristol & the South West's Food Business Community
We're proud to serve Bristol's independent food culture and the South West's vibrant festival circuit. From Glastonbury Festival to Bristol Harbour Festival, Bath Christmas Market, and countless agricultural shows across Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall, we've built trailers for South West businesses who need reliable, professional units that perform in diverse trading environments.
Container conversions are also growing in popularity across the South West for static food stations at business parks, universities, and retail developments throughout Bristol, Bath, Exeter, Plymouth, and surrounding areas.
While our workshop is based in Hertfordshire, we work with trusted transport partners to arrange delivery throughout Bristol and the South West. Many of our South West clients visit our workshop to see the build quality firsthand and discuss their specific requirements in person.
Why Bristol Businesses Choose A & R Willis
Family-Run Craftsmanship
Every trailer and container conversion is hand-built by our small team of skilled craftsmen. We treat each build as a personal project - our family name and reputation depend on the quality of every unit that leaves our workshop.
Every trailer and container conversion is hand-built by our small team of skilled craftsmen. We treat each build as a personal project - our family name and reputation depend on the quality of every unit that leaves our workshop.
Built by People Who've Operated Catering Businesses
Before manufacturing trailers, we ran a fleet of 5 mobile catering units at major UK events including Reading Festival, Leeds Festival, and the F1 Grand Prix. We understand the demands of high-volume service, equipment layout, and what makes a unit truly functional.
Before manufacturing trailers, we ran a fleet of 5 mobile catering units at major UK events including Reading Festival, Leeds Festival, and the F1 Grand Prix. We understand the demands of high-volume service, equipment layout, and what makes a unit truly functional.
Over 20 Years of Manufacturing Experience
Since 2009, we've been building custom trailers and container conversions, drawing on decades of fabrication expertise. We're not mass-producing units - we're crafting mobile kitchens and static food stations built to last.
Since 2009, we've been building custom trailers and container conversions, drawing on decades of fabrication expertise. We're not mass-producing units - we're crafting mobile kitchens and static food stations built to last.
Fully Compliant & VCA-Approved
All our trailers meet or exceed UK road, gas, and electrical regulations. They're VCA-approved and built to comply with the requirements of Bristol councils and trading standards. Container conversions are designed for easy cleaning, maintenance, and regulatory compliance.
All our trailers meet or exceed UK road, gas, and electrical regulations. They're VCA-approved and built to comply with the requirements of Bristol councils and trading standards. Container conversions are designed for easy cleaning, maintenance, and regulatory compliance.
Completely Bespoke Design
Your unit, your way. Choose your layout, equipment, colours, finishes, branding, and specifications. We'll work with you to create a trailer or container that matches your concept and trading requirements.
Your unit, your way. Choose your layout, equipment, colours, finishes, branding, and specifications. We'll work with you to create a trailer or container that matches your concept and trading requirements.
24-Month Warranty
We stand behind our work with a comprehensive 24-month warranty covering design, workmanship, construction, and materials.
We stand behind our work with a comprehensive 24-month warranty covering design, workmanship, construction, and materials.
Direct Communication
You'll deal directly with our workshop - no sales teams or middlemen. We provide honest, clear updates throughout your build.
You'll deal directly with our workshop - no sales teams or middlemen. We provide honest, clear updates throughout your build.
Twin Axle Catering Trailers for Bristol & the South West
All our catering trailers are twin axle for superior stability, towing, and capacity. Available in 10ft, 12ft, 14ft, 16ft, 18ft, and 20ft lengths.
16ft Twin Axle Catering Trailer
From £22,000 + VAT
Our most popular size for South West street food traders and event operators. Professional kitchen space for high-output service with excellent manoeuvrability for the region's varied trading locations.
Ideal for: Street markets, corporate events, private catering, festival trading
18ft Twin Axle Catering Trailer
From £28,000 + VAT
Perfect for South West businesses running multi-cuisine concepts or higher-volume operations. Extra space allows for more equipment and better workflow during busy service periods.
Ideal for: High-footfall markets, large events, multi-operator businesses, premium street food concepts
20ft Twin Axle Catering Trailer
From £30,000 + VAT
Our largest mobile trailer configuration, offering maximum kitchen space and equipment capacity for ambitious South West food businesses and high-volume event trading.
Ideal for: Major festivals, corporate catering fleets, multi-cuisine operations, premium events
Showman Range - Premium Catering Trailers
From £35,000 + VAT
Our flagship range, designed for the South West's most demanding venues. Built to the highest specifications with premium finishes, maximum equipment capacity, and striking visual presence.
Originally developed for the fairground scene, the Showman Range delivers exceptional output while making a statement at premium South West events, festivals, and high-profile locations. Built to handle varied conditions from festival fields to seafront locations.
Ideal for: Glastonbury Festival, Bristol Harbour Festival, Bath Christmas Market, Royal Cornwall Show, Devon County Show, corporate events, premium festivals, high-end street food operations
Container Conversions for Bristol & South West Businesses
We're seeing growing demand for container conversions across the South West - perfect for static food stations, coffee kiosks, pop-up shops, and permanent installations at business parks, schools, retail developments, and high-street locations.
Why Container Conversions are Popular in the South West
Permanent & Semi-Permanent Installations
Ideal for business parks, office complexes, schools, universities, and retail developments across the South West requiring static food service without traditional building costs.
Ideal for business parks, office complexes, schools, universities, and retail developments across the South West requiring static food service without traditional building costs.
Flexible & Secure
Containers offer weatherproof, secure, lockable units that can be positioned almost anywhere. Perfect for the South West's diverse commercial environments, from city centres to coastal locations.
Containers offer weatherproof, secure, lockable units that can be positioned almost anywhere. Perfect for the South West's diverse commercial environments, from city centres to coastal locations.
Fast Installation
Once built, containers can be delivered and operational quickly compared to traditional construction - crucial for the South West's fast-moving commercial property market and tourism sector.
Once built, containers can be delivered and operational quickly compared to traditional construction - crucial for the South West's fast-moving commercial property market and tourism sector.
Versatile Applications
Coffee kiosks, street food stations, pop-up retail, branded activations, seasonal operations, and specialist food concepts.
Coffee kiosks, street food stations, pop-up retail, branded activations, seasonal operations, and specialist food concepts.
Container Conversion Specifications
Standard sizes: 10ft, 20ft, 40ft
Pricing: From £28,000 + VAT
Pricing: From £28,000 + VAT
Popular South West applications:
- Business park coffee and lunch kiosks (Bristol Business Park, Aztec West)
- School and university food stations (University of Bristol, UWE Bristol, University of Exeter)
- Pop-up restaurants and seasonal concepts
- Retail park food outlets (Cribbs Causeway, Cabot Circus)
- Coastal and tourist location kiosks
- Event venue permanent installations
- High-street coffee shops and takeaways (Clifton, Harbourside, Bath city centre)
How We Work with Bristol Clients
1. Initial Consultation
Contact us by phone or email to discuss your requirements - whether mobile trailer or container conversion. We'll talk through your concept, trading plans, equipment needs, and budget. Bristol clients are welcome to visit our Hertfordshire workshop (by appointment) to see builds in progress and discuss your project in person.
Contact us by phone or email to discuss your requirements - whether mobile trailer or container conversion. We'll talk through your concept, trading plans, equipment needs, and budget. Bristol clients are welcome to visit our Hertfordshire workshop (by appointment) to see builds in progress and discuss your project in person.
2. Custom Design
We'll create a bespoke design based on your specifications - layout, equipment, colours, branding, and features. You'll receive detailed plans showing exactly what we'll build.
We'll create a bespoke design based on your specifications - layout, equipment, colours, branding, and features. You'll receive detailed plans showing exactly what we'll build.
3. Hand-Built Construction
Your trailer or container is built by our in-house craftsmen in our Hertfordshire workshop. Current lead time is 14-16 weeks from order to completion. We'll keep you updated throughout the build with progress photos and direct communication.
Your trailer or container is built by our in-house craftsmen in our Hertfordshire workshop. Current lead time is 14-16 weeks from order to completion. We'll keep you updated throughout the build with progress photos and direct communication.
4. Quality Checks & Compliance
Before completion, every unit undergoes thorough quality checks and compliance testing. All gas and electrical installations are certified, and trailers are VCA-approved for UK road use.
Before completion, every unit undergoes thorough quality checks and compliance testing. All gas and electrical installations are certified, and trailers are VCA-approved for UK road use.
5. Transport Arrangement
We work with trusted transport partners who can arrange delivery throughout Bristol. Transport is arranged separately, and we'll connect you with reliable contacts to get your unit delivered safely.
We work with trusted transport partners who can arrange delivery throughout Bristol. Transport is arranged separately, and we'll connect you with reliable contacts to get your unit delivered safely.
6. Aftercare & Warranty
Your trailer or container is covered by our comprehensive 24-month warranty. We provide ongoing support and are always available if you need advice or assistance.
Your trailer or container is covered by our comprehensive 24-month warranty. We provide ongoing support and are always available if you need advice or assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a catering trailer cost in Bristol?
Our twin axle trailers range from £18,000 for a 10ft unit to £60,000+ for fully customized Showman Range trailers. Most Bristol clients invest between £40,000 and £70,000 depending on size, equipment, and specifications. Container conversions start from £28,000. We'll provide a detailed quote based on your exact requirements - no hidden costs.
Our twin axle trailers range from £18,000 for a 10ft unit to £60,000+ for fully customized Showman Range trailers. Most Bristol clients invest between £40,000 and £70,000 depending on size, equipment, and specifications. Container conversions start from £28,000. We'll provide a detailed quote based on your exact requirements - no hidden costs.
Do you deliver to Bristol?
While we don't deliver directly, we work with trusted transport partners who arrange delivery throughout Bristol. We'll connect you with reliable contacts, and transport is arranged separately between you and the haulier. Many Bristol clients also choose to collect their unit from our Hertfordshire workshop.
While we don't deliver directly, we work with trusted transport partners who arrange delivery throughout Bristol. We'll connect you with reliable contacts, and transport is arranged separately between you and the haulier. Many Bristol clients also choose to collect their unit from our Hertfordshire workshop.
How long does it take to build a custom trailer or container?
Our current lead time is 14-16 weeks from order confirmation to completion. This allows us to hand-build your unit to the highest standards without rushing. We're not a production line - each trailer and container is individually crafted by our small team.
Our current lead time is 14-16 weeks from order confirmation to completion. This allows us to hand-build your unit to the highest standards without rushing. We're not a production line - each trailer and container is individually crafted by our small team.
Can I visit your workshop from Bristol?
Absolutely. We're based in Hertfordshire, easily accessible from Bristol. Many clients visit to see our build quality firsthand, discuss their project in detail, and view builds in progress. Please call ahead to arrange an appointment.
Absolutely. We're based in Hertfordshire, easily accessible from Bristol. Many clients visit to see our build quality firsthand, discuss their project in detail, and view builds in progress. Please call ahead to arrange an appointment.
What compliance standards do your trailers meet?
All our trailers are VCA-approved and meet UK road, gas, and electrical regulations. They're built to comply with Bristol council requirements and trading standards. Container conversions meet food safety and building regulations. We provide all necessary certification and documentation with your unit.
All our trailers are VCA-approved and meet UK road, gas, and electrical regulations. They're built to comply with Bristol council requirements and trading standards. Container conversions meet food safety and building regulations. We provide all necessary certification and documentation with your unit.
What's the difference between a trailer and a container conversion?
Trailers are mobile - perfect for markets, festivals, events, and businesses that trade at multiple locations. Container conversions are static or semi-permanent - ideal for business parks, schools, fixed high-street locations, and permanent installations. We'll advise on which suits your Bristol trading plans.
Trailers are mobile - perfect for markets, festivals, events, and businesses that trade at multiple locations. Container conversions are static or semi-permanent - ideal for business parks, schools, fixed high-street locations, and permanent installations. We'll advise on which suits your Bristol trading plans.
What's popular for Bristol and South West street food and events?
South West clients often choose 16ft or 18ft twin axle trailers for versatility across the region's diverse trading environments, from city markets to festival fields and coastal locations. Local produce concepts and artisan street food are particularly popular in Bristol's independent food scene. Our Showman Range is in high demand for major festivals like Glastonbury and high-output service at Bath Christmas Market and agricultural shows across the region. Container conversions are increasingly popular for static installations at business parks, university campuses, and seasonal coastal locations throughout Bristol, Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall.
South West clients often choose 16ft or 18ft twin axle trailers for versatility across the region's diverse trading environments, from city markets to festival fields and coastal locations. Local produce concepts and artisan street food are particularly popular in Bristol's independent food scene. Our Showman Range is in high demand for major festivals like Glastonbury and high-output service at Bath Christmas Market and agricultural shows across the region. Container conversions are increasingly popular for static installations at business parks, university campuses, and seasonal coastal locations throughout Bristol, Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall.
Do you offer financing?
We don't provide financing directly, but we work with external financing companies who can arrange payment plans. We accept payment by bank transfer or cash.
We don't provide financing directly, but we work with external financing companies who can arrange payment plans. We accept payment by bank transfer or cash.
Bristol & the South West's Mobile Catering & Static Food Service Opportunities
Bristol's independent food culture and the South West's festival circuit create ideal conditions for mobile catering businesses. From Glastonbury Festival to Bristol Harbour Festival, Bath Christmas Market, and countless agricultural shows across Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall, the region offers diverse trading opportunities. Bristol's St Nicholas Market and Wapping Wharf have established street food credentials, and our trailers are popular with South West businesses who value quality craftsmanship and distinctive design.
The region's strong tourism sector means seasonal opportunities along the coast and at attractions throughout the South West. Our builds are designed to handle the varied conditions of festival fields, seafront locations, and city-centre trading.
Beyond mobile trading, the South West's expanding business parks, university campuses (University of Bristol, UWE Bristol, University of Exeter), and retail developments are creating strong demand for container conversions. Static food stations and coffee kiosks are meeting the needs of the region's workforce, student population, and tourist visitors, from Bristol's Harbourside to coastal towns across Devon and Cornwall.
Whether you're launching a new street food concept, trading at the South West's major festivals, establishing a seasonal coastal operation, or setting up a static food station at a business park or university campus - our units are designed to perform in the South West's diverse and competitive food scene.
Ready to Start Your Custom Build?
We'd love to discuss your Bristol catering trailer or container conversion project. Our team is here to answer your questions, provide honest advice, and create a bespoke unit that matches your vision and trading requirements.
Call us today: 01763 852 0000
Or use our contact form and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.
A & R Willis Catering Trailers Ltd.
Hand-built in Hertfordshire | Serving Bristol & the UK since 2009
Hand-built in Hertfordshire | Serving Bristol & the UK since 2009