Quirky fish and chip van in Herefordshire expands

Alfie's Kitchen, based in Bromyard, set up six months ago after requests from locals, who wanted quality fish and chips, bosses said.

The 1980s converted caravan, with chic touches, has run from the Kings Arms pub car park since, but its boss is targeting a UK-wide business in the future.

Alfie's Kitchen, in Bromyard, has opened a fish and chip shop from a converted horsebox

"From day one it just literally erupted from there," said owner Ashley Potter.

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"It literally got to the point where we could not physically do any more food because of the size of the trailer."

Alfie's Kitchen, in Bromyard, has expanded

Most nights Ms Potter and her team had 15 to 20 orders at any one point with waiting times at over an hour.

Customers asked "when's the next one?" and "when are you getting a bigger one?", he said.

He started getting messages asking if he would visit local villages, weddings, and events.

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Alfie's Kitchen, in Bromyard, has expanded

But Mr Potter just didn't need to move as the current trailer was doing so well, he said.

Six months later he bought a large horsebox which was put in storage for a while.

It was planned to be kitted out as a universal kitchen to suit any requirement.

Alfie's Kitchen's gourmet burger

Now complete, it made its first appearance at the Bromyard Christmas lights switch-on Saturday, November 19.

The team is currently in talks regarding a regular Sunday spot providing food, and another large weekend event providing breakfasts.

The long-term plan for the horsebox is to take it to events serving its popular gourmet burgers, which are handmade by Mr Potter, loaded fries, waffles, and milkshakes.

Alfie's Kitchen, in Bromyard, will be serving breakfasts at special events in the future

And even further down the line, she hopes to run converted horseboxes available for events nationally.

"The biggest learning curve we had when we opened the first trailer was that how awesome the community spirit is locally," said Mr Potter.

"We already knew to a degree that the locals were great, but getting to know other businesses in the town, and more of the locals has just opened our eyes.

Alfie's Kitchen's loaded fries

"The support has been outstanding.

"Our staff are amazing, and they go above and beyond normal working expectation to give us full support to make the expansion possible."

The Kings Arms has also been supportive from day one and offers continued support.