Street Food & Drink Stall Ideas: Setups for Markets, Festivals & Public Events

Published Date: 12th May 2025
Last Updated: 20 hours ago

Walk through any decent market or festival in the UK and you’ll be hit with the smells of sizzling dough, freshly brewed coffee, or syrupy booze samples being poured from trestle-top bars. It’s no surprise then that street food and drink stalls have become staples at everything from city-centre pop-ups to muddy field weekends.

But behind every tempting stall is a well-thought-out setup — one that can handle dodgy weather, long queues, and the relentless demand for speed, cleanliness, and branding.

Whether you’re just starting your food stall business or looking to upgrade your kit for a busier season, this guide breaks down ideas for the most popular types of street food and drink stalls we see (and support) every year.

Let’s get stuck in.

A gazebo with custom printed branding for a streetfood vendor

Pizza Stall Setup Ideas

Because sourdough doesn’t sell itself

Wood-fired pizza has become a street food favourite across the UK. Whether it’s a compact single-oven setup or a full-on operation with two prep tables and a queue down the road, the key to success is layout, flow, and visibility.

Equipment Checklist:

  • Portable pizza oven or converted trailer unit

  • Prep table (ideally stainless steel)

  • Chiller units or cool boxes

  • Handwash station

  • Branded gazebo or marquee for shelter and signage

Pro Setup Tip:

Opt for a 3m x 3m gazebo with sidewalls to contain heat, block wind, and protect ingredients. You’ll need ventilation around the oven area, so a door panel or removable wall helps here. The PVC-coated Polyester roof and walls help to keep things hygienic and are easy to wipe down.

Coffee Stall Inspiration

Fuel for the masses, one flat white at a time

Coffee is one of the highest-margin products in street trading — but only if your setup is slick. Customers want speed, style, and a clean working area. Your gazebo needs to keep gear dry, electrics safe, and queues moving.

Equipment Checklist:

  • Espresso machine or pod unit

  • Grinder, fridge, milk containers

  • POS system (card-ready is a must)

  • Sugar, lids, napkins, stirrers, bins

Pro Setup Tip:

A 3m x 3m gazebo is ideal for a solo barista, but if you’re running two machines or offering food too, bump to 3m x 6m. Keep your front-facing wall open or take a half wall printed with your branding, and use back walls for menu boards or promotional offers.

A gazebo with custom printed branding for a catering vendor

Cake Stall Display Ideas

The perfect combo of colour, charm, and sugar rush

Cake stalls bring a different vibe — more vintage market than full-blown catering. But that doesn’t mean setup is any less important. Customers love beautifully presented bakes, and a poorly lit, exposed table in the rain just won’t cut it.

Equipment Checklist:

  • Trestle tables (x2 minimum)

  • Display stands (tiered or domed)

  • Cool boxes or airtight containers

  • Wipes, hand sanitiser, cake slicer

Pro Setup Tip:

Use a gazebo with clear window sidewalls if you want to entice customers while keeping cakes protected. Lightweight PVC-coated polyester gazebos are easy to transport and clean, and pairing them with branded table covers creates a clean, cohesive look.

gala tent printed products brochure download

Gin & Vodka Tasting Stall Ideas

Bottles, branding, and a touch of boutique class

The rise in artisan spirits — especially flavoured gin and craft vodka — means more pop-up bars are appearing at food festivals and Christmas markets. Even if you’re not serving alcohol on-site, your stall should still shout brand experience.

Equipment Checklist:

  • Bottle display units or crates

  • Sampling cups and pourers

  • Ice bucket or cooler

  • POS and marketing materials

Pro Setup Tip:

Lighting makes all the difference. Use a premium printed gazebo with integrated LED lighting strips or a backlit bar counter if possible. Festoon lights add a vintage feel, and branded canopies elevate the whole setup from “stall” to “boutique experience.”

A printed cafe barrier for a street food vendor by the name of Hangry Moose

General Tips for Food & Drink Stalls

Regardless of what you’re serving, successful traders share a few common setup elements:

  • Reliable Shelter: Bad weather ruins good food. A pop-up gazebo with full sidewalls is essential for hygiene, safety, and comfort.

  • Anchorage: Gazebos used for food or drink must be secured — especially if you’re heating, cutting, or pouring inside.

  • Professional Presentation: From branded counter skirts to lighting, the little details matter.

  • Queue Management: Create clear entry and exit points so people can browse and buy without chaos. Café Barriers are a great choice for the job.

  • Waste Disposal: Don’t overlook bins. Nobody wants to eat next to a mess.

Final Word

Whether you're frying pizzas, pouring coffee, or handing out vodka samples with a grin, a well-planned food and drink stall can be the difference between a queue of hungry punters or a slow day’s takings.

At Gala Tent, we’ve supported thousands of traders across the UK with heavy-duty gazebos, printed setups, and display accessories that go the distance — whether it's a Saturday at a food fair or a four-day festival in a field.

Want help choosing the right size, layout or branding options for your food and drink stall? Get in touch with our team today — we’ll get you kitted out and event-ready.

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