25/04/2025
In 2018 Louise and I opened the catering van on Haverton Hill Road which is on private land. The last few years have been realy difficult with all the price increases but we have muddled through and kept going. Prices were due to go up again a few months ago which would not have been so bad. However Stockton Borough Council have now decided that I need a street traders licence and want me to pay an astronomical yearly fee even though I am trading on private land and they will not budge. They also will not take into account that they use the layby themselves along with other authorities and when they invade the layby my trade disappears. Over the year the loss would be around what they want to charge the licence.This licence fee means putting up prices even more than I was going to which would not be economically viable ie a bacon bun would be around £5 Egg and Bacon £6 and so on and i do not think people will pay those sort of prices. I know i wouldn't. So due to these factors it is with a heavy heart we have decided to close the van. Over the years I have met people from all over the world. I have also met some brilliant people and become great friends. I am truly going to miss working o the van and the people who use me daily. Louise and I would like to thank everyone who has supported us over the 8 years and made the van one of the best in the area. I am now working out of our Cafe Top Class Lunchbox where you can still get the same great food and more delivered.
