Catering opportunities at South West Lakes Trust

15 January 2026

South West Lakes Trust is looking for experienced mobile caterers to operate exclusive concessions at three of the region's most scenic trading spots, plus an enthusiastic business to take on the cafe at one of Cornwall's most popular destinations.

The charity has mobile catering opportunities at:

Trenchford Reservoir, near Newton Abbot on Dartmoor
Colliford Lake, just off the A30 between Launceston and Bodmin
Wistlandpound Reservoir, on the edge of Exmoor National Park

We're looking for friendly, reliable operators with a quality mobile unit and experience serving hot drinks and snacks in outdoor settings.

What's on offer

Trenchford

With over 21,000 annual visitors, plus walkers exploring Tottiford and anglers at Kennick, this is a fantastic chance to trade in a stunning, peaceful and high footfall location.

Exclusive trading rights across the Trenchford–Kennick–Tottiford lake complex
Prime position in the main Trenchford car park
Year-round licence with peak season footfall
Support from South West Lakes Trust through on-site and online promotion

Licence fee: £1,550 + VAT per year (offers considered)

Colliford

With its superb location just off the A30, beautiful moorland views, picnic areas and regular footfall from walkers, anglers, day trippers and travellers, this is a fantastic chance to trade in one of Cornwall’s most peaceful open landscapes.

Exclusive concession in the main car park
Year-round licence
Support from South West Lakes Trust (website and on-site promotion)
High visibility for A30 users and destination visitors

Licence fee: £1,100 + VAT per year (offers considered)

Wistlandpound

With around 21,000 annual visitors, peaceful woodland walks, accessible routes, and regular footfall from families, walkers and wildlife lovers, this is a fantastic chance to trade in a stunning natural location on the edge of Exmoor.

Exclusive concession in the main car park
Year-round licence with peak season footfall
Support from South West Lakes Trust through on-site and online promotion

Licence fee: £800 + VAT per year (offers considered)

Argal Cafe

In addition, we're looking for an enthusiastic business to take on the cafe at Argal Lake, near Penryn - ideal for high quality food, coffee, local produce and sustainable café concepts.

With 90,000+ visitors a year, and strong footfall from walkers, families, anglers and dogwalkers, this is a fantastic chance to build a thriving lakeside café.

What’s included:

Five-year lease at a prime lakeside spot
Adjacent to the main car park
Growing visitor numbers (peak April to August)
Opportunity for fitout & creative development
Support from South West Lakes Trust

Rent: offers exceeding £6,000 + VAT p/a

Find out more

Download an information pack:

Trenchford Mobile Catering Concession Information Pack 2026

Colliford Mobile Catering Concession Information Pack 2026

Wistlandpound Mobile Catering Concession Information Pack 2026

Argal Café Business Opportunity Information Pack 2026

Register your interest

Email [email protected]. Include a short introduction and your relevant experience.

For Argal, email an EOI to [email protected] by 16 March 2026.

About us

Healthy lakes, landscapes and lives

South West Lakes Trust is the region’s largest combined environmental and recreational charity, caring for and enhancing reservoirs on behalf of South West Water for conservation and recreation purposes. Our 50 inland water sites, encompassing 5,000 hectares of land and water spread across Devon, Cornwall, Dorset and West Somerset, attract in the region of 2 million visits annually.

Our reservoirs and lakes are home to many wonderful animals and boast important habitats and built historic sites. We pride ourselves on enabling people of all abilities to enjoy these special locations by providing access both on and off the water. It’s your outdoors – come and explore.

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