Dessert stall for markets and events

Visitors at markets and fairs, plus event organisers and private clients who book you for parties and weddings.

Direct sales per portion on trading days, plus set fees or minimum spends for private bookings.

• Making desserts quickly and consistently
• Customer service and selling face to face
• Planning stock and logistics
• Working outdoors in changing weather

• Food business registration with the council where you are based, plus any street trading consent for pitches (check with each council)
• Public liability insurance, which markets and event organisers usually ask to see
• Allergen information and food hygiene rules, including safe storage of dairy and cream
• Gas and electrical safety if you use cooking equipment, and a vehicle or trailer to carry stock
• Weather and quiet days can make income uneven

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £8,000, depending on whether you use a gazebo, trailer or van, your cooking and storage equipment, stock and insurance.

Check food business registration with your council and any street trading consent for pitches. Also check allergen and food hygiene rules, including safe storage of dairy and cream, gas and electrical safety, and public liability insurance, which markets often ask to see.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around £800 to £4,000, depending on pitches, events, weather and your menu. Quiet days can make income uneven. Time needed is typically from around 12 hours a week.