Pop-Up family cafe sessions in a hired hall

Parents and carers of babies, toddlers and young children, often from the local area.

Food and drink sales, possibly a small session fee, and extra income from holiday sessions or private party bookings.

• Home or small-scale catering
• Setting up and packing down efficiently
• Friendly with parents
• Promoting locally

• Register as a food business with your local council before trading, and check if you can prepare food at home or need other premises
• Allergen information rules apply, so check what you must provide
• Public liability insurance that covers your activities and any toys or equipment you bring
• Check the hall's own insurance, hygiene facilities and any rules on outside caterers
• Parents should stay responsible for their children; if you plan to look after children yourself, check whether Ofsted registration is needed
• Attendance can vary with weather and school holidays, so keep costs flexible

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £1,500 to £7,000, depending on your equipment, food supplies, toys and insurance. Monthly revenue is estimated at around £800 to £4,000, and attendance can vary with weather and school holidays.

Check whether you must register as a food business with your council, and whether you can prepare food at home. Also check allergen rules, insurance, the hall's own insurance and rules for outside caterers, and whether Ofsted registration applies if you look after children.

The estimates assume at least around 10 hours a week, which covers running sessions, setting up and packing down. Useful skills include small-scale catering, working efficiently, being friendly with parents and promoting your sessions locally.