Pie stall at markets and events

Market shoppers, festival and event visitors, and organisers who book you for private or corporate events.

Per-pie sales on trading days, often with meal deals such as pie, mash and gravy, plus fees or catering quotes for private events.

• Baking in batches
• Serving customers quickly
• Planning stock and event days
• Basic cash handling and card payments

• Food business registration with the council where you prepare food, and check where your stall is regulated
• Street trading rules and pitch permissions differ by council, so check before trading
• Public liability insurance, often required by market and event organisers
• Gas safety for any gas heating equipment, as organisers often ask for certificates
• Allergen information must be available to customers
• Takings depend on weather and footfall, so test a few pitches before committing

Startup costs are estimates, typically around £1,500 to £7,000, depending on your stall or gazebo, heating equipment, insurance and kitchen arrangements. Testing a few pitches first can help you avoid overspending.

Monthly revenue is an estimate, typically around £800 to £4,000, depending on how many markets and events you trade at, your pitches and your prices. Takings depend on weather and footfall.

Check food business registration with the council where you prepare food, and street trading rules and pitch permissions in each council area. Check public liability insurance, gas safety certificates for any gas equipment, and that allergen information is available to customers.