Custom Catering Trailers Southampton | Hand-Built by A & R Willis
Custom Catering Trailers & Container Conversions Serving Southampton & Hampshire
Hand-built in Hertfordshire by craftsmen with over 20 years of manufacturing experience
We build bespoke mobile catering trailers and container conversions for Southampton and Hampshire's thriving food business scene. From Southampton waterfront traders to festival operators and static food stations across Hampshire, our units are designed by people who've run successful mobile catering businesses and understand what it takes to trade professionally in high-footfall South Coast locations.
Serving Southampton & Hampshire's Food Business Community
We're proud to serve Southampton and Hampshire's vibrant food and events scene. From Southampton's waterfront and historic markets to festivals including Common People and events across Hampshire's New Forest and coastal towns, we've built trailers for South Coast businesses who need reliable, professional units that perform in diverse trading environments.
Container conversions are also growing in popularity across Hampshire for static food stations at business parks, universities, and retail developments throughout Southampton, Portsmouth, Winchester, Basingstoke, and surrounding areas.
While our workshop is based in Hertfordshire, we work with trusted transport partners to arrange delivery throughout Southampton and Hampshire. Many of our Hampshire clients visit our workshop to see the build quality firsthand and discuss their specific requirements in person.
Why Southampton 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 Southampton 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 Southampton 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 Southampton & Hampshire
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 Southampton street food traders and event operators. Professional kitchen space for high-output service with excellent manoeuvrability for Hampshire'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 Hampshire 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 Hampshire 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 Southampton and Hampshire'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 Hampshire events, festivals, and high-profile locations. Built to handle coastal conditions while maintaining professional appearance and performance.
Ideal for: Common People Festival, Southampton Boat Show, New Forest shows, race meetings, corporate events, premium festivals, high-end street food operations
Container Conversions for Southampton & Hampshire Businesses
We're seeing growing demand for container conversions across Hampshire - 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 Southampton & Hampshire
Permanent & Semi-Permanent Installations
Ideal for business parks, office complexes, schools, universities, and retail developments across Hampshire requiring static food service without traditional building costs.
Ideal for business parks, office complexes, schools, universities, and retail developments across Hampshire requiring static food service without traditional building costs.
Flexible & Secure
Containers offer weatherproof, secure, lockable units that can be positioned almost anywhere. Perfect for Hampshire's diverse commercial environments, from city centres to coastal and rural locations.
Containers offer weatherproof, secure, lockable units that can be positioned almost anywhere. Perfect for Hampshire's diverse commercial environments, from city centres to coastal and rural locations.
Fast Installation
Once built, containers can be delivered and operational quickly compared to traditional construction - crucial for Hampshire's fast-moving commercial property market and tourism sector.
Once built, containers can be delivered and operational quickly compared to traditional construction - crucial for Hampshire'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 Southampton & Hampshire applications:
- Business park coffee and lunch kiosks (Southampton Science Park, Solent Business Park)
- School and university food stations (University of Southampton, Southampton Solent University, University of Winchester)
- Pop-up restaurants and seasonal concepts
- Retail park food outlets (WestQuay, Gunwharf Quays Portsmouth)
- Coastal and waterfront kiosks
- Event venue permanent installations (St Mary's Stadium, Ageas Bowl)
- High-street coffee shops and takeaways (Southampton waterfront, Winchester city centre, Portsmouth Gunwharf)
How We Work with Southampton 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. Southampton 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. Southampton 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 Southampton. 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 Southampton. 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 Southampton?
Our twin axle trailers range from £18,000 for a 10ft unit to £60,000+ for fully customized Showman Range trailers. Most Southampton 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 Southampton 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 Southampton?
While we don't deliver directly, we work with trusted transport partners who arrange delivery throughout Southampton. We'll connect you with reliable contacts, and transport is arranged separately between you and the haulier. Many Southampton 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 Southampton. We'll connect you with reliable contacts, and transport is arranged separately between you and the haulier. Many Southampton 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 Southampton?
Absolutely. We're based in Hertfordshire, easily accessible from Southampton. 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 Southampton. 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 Southampton 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 Southampton 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 Southampton 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 Southampton trading plans.
What's popular for Southampton and Hampshire street food and events?
Hampshire clients often choose 16ft or 18ft twin axle trailers for versatility across the region's diverse trading environments, from waterfront locations to New Forest events and coastal towns. Seafood concepts are particularly popular along the South Coast. Our Showman Range is in high demand for Common People Festival, Southampton Boat Show, and high-output service at race meetings and agricultural shows. Container conversions are increasingly popular for static installations at business parks, university campuses, and coastal locations throughout Southampton, Portsmouth, Winchester, and Hampshire.
Hampshire clients often choose 16ft or 18ft twin axle trailers for versatility across the region's diverse trading environments, from waterfront locations to New Forest events and coastal towns. Seafood concepts are particularly popular along the South Coast. Our Showman Range is in high demand for Common People Festival, Southampton Boat Show, and high-output service at race meetings and agricultural shows. Container conversions are increasingly popular for static installations at business parks, university campuses, and coastal locations throughout Southampton, Portsmouth, Winchester, and Hampshire.
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.
Southampton & Hampshire's Mobile Catering & Static Food Service Opportunities
Southampton and Hampshire offer excellent mobile catering opportunities, from Common People Festival and Southampton Boat Show to New Forest shows and events across the South Coast. Southampton's waterfront location and Hampshire's strong tourism sector mean year-round trading opportunities at coastal towns, the New Forest, and major events.
Hampshire's race meetings, agricultural shows, and corporate events provide diverse trading environments. Our VCA-approved builds meet Hampshire council requirements and are built to handle coastal conditions - salt air and varied weather - while maintaining professional appearance and performance.
Beyond mobile trading, Hampshire's expanding business parks, university campuses (University of Southampton, Southampton Solent University, University of Winchester), 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 Southampton's waterfront to business parks across Hampshire.
Whether you're launching a new street food concept, trading at Hampshire's major events, establishing a coastal or New Forest operation, or setting up a static food station at a business park or university campus - our units are designed to perform in the South Coast's diverse and competitive food scene.
Ready to Start Your Custom Build?
We'd love to discuss your Southampton 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 Southampton & the UK since 2009
Hand-built in Hertfordshire | Serving Southampton & the UK since 2009