To buy a coffee truck in London, make your decision on compliance, build quality, and pitch viability before you transfer a deposit. Budget realistically: £25k–£45k buys a solid used 3.5‑ton conversion; £60k–£100k secures a premium new build. Prioritise ULEZ‑compliant Euro 6 (or electric) and keep GVW at 3,500kg so a standard Category B licence applies, with 500–800kg usable payload after fit‑out. Verify paperwork (V5C, HPI clear, service history), and insist on current certifications: Gas Safe (LPG mobile catering, if applicable), PAT/EICR for electrics, and pressure/boiler service records on the espresso machine. Power is decisive—spec a 2‑group machine at 3–4kW plus grinder and fridge (total 5–7kW); use a quiet inverter generator ≥7kVA or 32A shore power; lithium batteries (10–15kWh with 3–5kW inverter) cut noise but raise cost. Water: 100–200L fresh, separate waste, twin sinks plus dedicated handwash at 40°C, and a 3‑stage filter/softener. Register as a food business with your council 28 days pre‑trade, secure street‑trading consent (borough) or private-site agreements, and factor Congestion Charge/parking. Test‑trade the truck: pull 50 consecutive drinks, check temperature stability, drainage, steam recovery, and queue ergonomics. Insure properly (commercial vehicle, £5m public/product liability, employers’ liability) and choose a POS with reliable 4G/5G failover and generator hours.
