Pop-Up ham and charcuterie bar
Test the idea at markets and events with a ham carving stand, charcuterie boards and drinks.
- £3k-12k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
What it is
A small stall or portable bar that carves ham and serves charcuterie boards, sandwiches and drinks at food markets, festivals, private parties and local events. A cheaper way to start than renting premises.
Your first three steps
- Register your food business with your council and complete a food hygiene course
- Practise a short menu with a few suppliers, price each board, and trial it with friends and neighbours
- Apply for a few local markets and ask event organisers about pitch fees, power and alcohol rules
Who pays
Market and festival visitors, party hosts, small companies hosting events, and local customers buying takeaway boards.
How it makes money
Sales per board, plate or sandwich, drinks where licensed, plus private catering fees for parties and events.
Skills that help
- Customer service
- Confident carving and presentation
- Planning stock for each event
- Careful food hygiene habits
Watch out for
- Alcohol needs permission, such as a Temporary Event Notice or the organiser's licence, so check with your council (rules differ in Scotland)
- Cold storage and transport for cured meats need proper equipment and hygiene checks
- Street trading may need a council licence or consent, check locally
- Pitch fees, pitch availability and weather can make takings uneven
- Public liability insurance, and check whether markets ask for proof of cover
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: pop-up ham and charcuterie bar
Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a pop-up charcuterie bar?
Startup costs are typically around £3,000 to £12,000, depending on your stall or bar setup, cold storage and opening stock. These are estimates, so price up equipment, transport and insurance before your first event.
How much can a pop-up ham and charcuterie bar make?
Monthly revenue is typically around £1,500 to £7,000, depending on how many events you do and what you sell. These are estimates, not guarantees. Pitch fees, availability and weather can make takings uneven.
What permissions should I check for a pop-up ham bar?
Check how you will get alcohol permission, such as a Temporary Event Notice or the organiser's licence (rules differ in Scotland). Check whether street trading needs a council licence, and that your cold storage and transport meet hygiene checks.
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