Ice cream van hire · London & Home Counties
Ice cream van hire for garden parties
A battery-powered ice cream van, quiet while serving, on the drive or the street outside, serving guests as they wander out from the garden.
A garden party is relaxed by design. Guests arrive over an afternoon, drift between the lawn and the kitchen, and the host spends most of it topping up glasses. An ice cream van takes one job off the host's list and gives guests a reason to wander out to the front of the house, where the queue becomes another place to chat.
Most garden parties take place at private homes, which means residential streets, driveways and neighbours. Our vans serve on battery power. Once parked, the freezers and the soft serve machine run on battery with no engine ticking over, so there are no fumes drifting into the garden and no drone of a diesel engine across the afternoon. Neighbours will see the van, but while we serve they will not hear or smell it.
For larger homes, a van can sometimes park on a gravel drive or by a side gate, closer to the garden itself. We will ask about the ground, gate widths and slopes when you enquire. Most garden party bookings are hosted, with guests choosing whatever they like for a set period. Neighbours who wander over can be welcomed or politely redirected, whichever you prefer.
Why our vans suit it
- No fumes on the driveWith no exhaust while we serve, the van can sit on a drive or close to a side gate without fumes reaching guests on the lawn or the patio.
- Quiet all afternoonNo engine noise while we serve means conversation in the garden carries on as normal. You only hear the van if you ask us to play the chimes.
- Self-containedNo power or water is needed from the house. The van arrives stocked, serves and leaves with its rubbish.
01
Look at the drive and gates
Measure gate widths and check for low branches, steep slopes or soft lawn. If the van cannot reach the garden, a spot on the street outside works well.
02
Choose a mid-afternoon slot
Most garden parties peak in the middle of the afternoon, after lunch and before guests start to leave. That is when the van is used most.
03
Mix adult and children's options
Garden parties often span generations. Include a Knickerbocker Glory or Nutella Waffle for adults alongside lollies and sprinkle cones for younger guests.
04
Tell the neighbours
A quick word with neighbours about a van outside for a few hours goes a long way. Some hosts invite them to the van too.
Questions people ask
- Can the van drive onto our lawn?
- We prefer firm ground such as a drive, hardstanding or a road, because a lawn can be damaged or become too soft after rain. If the garden has firm access and the ground is dry, it may be possible. Tell us about the garden and we will advise.
- Do you need electricity or water from the house?
- No. The van is self-contained. It runs its freezers and soft serve machine from its own batteries and carries what it needs for service. Nothing needs plugging into your house. That also means no extension leads across the patio and no tripped fuses halfway through the party.
- What if it rains on the day?
- We serve from the hatch whatever the weather, and guests can queue under umbrellas or a gazebo. If your plans change because of a poor forecast, call us as early as possible and we will talk through the options. A covered spot near the house helps.
Read before you book
Other occasions
- Summer partiesThe obvious guest at any summer party, an ice cream van that runs quietly on battery while it serves.
- Birthday partiesAn ice cream van that pulls up outside for a milestone birthday, a garden party or a family celebration, with nothing to set up.
- AnniversariesA nostalgic ice cream van for ruby, golden and diamond anniversaries, quiet enough to sit alongside the toasts.
Book a van for garden parties
Get your free quote in minutes and secure your date with London's premier eco-friendly ice cream service.
Prefer WhatsApp? Message us on 020 8088 5431Limited dates available, book early to avoid disappointment.