The basic rule
You need the landowner’s permission for any cooking, vehicles and catering on land you don’t own. For parks, greens and many open spaces, that’s usually the council. Many parks don’t allow barbecues or cooking at all, so check before you plan anything.
Parks and green spaces
Councils and park trusts often require an event booking or permission for organised gatherings, catering and vehicles, and some have outright bans on open cooking. Contact the parks or events team early: approvals can take weeks.
Village greens and recreation grounds
These are often managed by a parish or town council or a trust. Ask the clerk or managing body.
Fields and farms
Ask the farmer or landowner directly, and agree access, the cooking spot and what happens if the ground is wet.
Streets
A hog roast at a street party needs the council’s agreement to close the road, and the cooking spot still needs clearance from houses and parked cars. Councils set their own notice periods, so apply early.
What landowners may ask
- Where the roaster will go and how far it is from trees and buildings
- How gas is stored and handled
- How waste and fat are removed
- The caterer’s insurance and food hygiene registration
- Vehicle routes and times
Tell us what’s requested and we’ll confirm what we can provide.
How long approvals take
Councils and landowners set their own timescales. Some need weeks for an event booking, especially in summer. Start early, and don’t book a caterer until you know the land is available and cooking is allowed.
Private land and estates
Estates, farms and private grounds often have their own rules: where vehicles can go, how close to trees and buildings cooking can be, and when access is allowed. Ask the owner or estate manager directly.
Common reasons for refusal
- The park or land doesn’t allow cooking or open flames
- Vehicles can’t safely reach the spot
- The event clashes with another booking
- Not enough notice
If you’re refused, ask whether a different area, date or format would be allowed.
Our part
Tell us what the landowner needs from the caterer, and we’ll confirm what we can provide.
Insurance and paperwork
Landowners and councils often ask event organisers for public liability insurance and caterers for their own documents. Ask early what’s needed, so there are no surprises close to the date.
Village halls with grounds
If a park won’t allow cooking, a village hall or sports club with its own grounds may be a good alternative. Many are used to outside caterers and have a sensible spot for a roaster.
Before you book a caterer
Get the landowner’s permission in writing, including the date, times, where cooking and vehicles are allowed, and any conditions. Then send us a copy with your enquiry.
Quick answers
Can you just set up in the park?
No. We need the landowner’s permission first.
Who do I ask about a park?
Usually the council’s parks or events team.
Planning an event? Tell us about it and we’ll check the date and send a quote.