NCASS Partners with Surf & Turf Instant Shelters to Bring You the Top 5 Pop-Up Gazebos

At the Nationwide Caterers Association, we understand that reliable, professional equipment is the backbone of successful street food businesses, festival operations, and catering services. That’s why we’re excited to highlight our partnership with Surf & Turf Instant Shelters to showcase their premium range of pop-up gazebos, engineered for professionals who need reliable performance in all weather conditions.

Whether you’re serving at farmers’ markets, festivals, outdoor events, or running a mobile catering operation, the right gazebo is more than just protection from the elements – it’s a vital part of your brand identity and operational efficiency. After extensive testing and feedback from NCASS members across the country, we’ve identified the five best gazebos that deliver on quality, durability, and value.

1. The Industry Standard: 3m x 3m Canopro Elite

The 3m x 3m Canopro Elite stands as the undisputed champion of professional pop-up gazebos, and for good reason. This is a shelter you’ll typically see at major food festivals and market across the UK, trusted by established street food vendors and catering businesses who demand the very best.

What makes the Canopro Elite exceptional:

• Premium 2mm gauge anodized aluminum frame with 50mm hexagonal legs – this is serious engineering designed for commercial use
• Industry-leading 550g/m² PVC-coated polyester canopy that’s fully waterproof and flame retardant to BS 7837
• Cast alloy joints and nut-and-bolt construction that can withstand the rigors of UK weather conditions
• Five adjustable height settings (190cm-220cm) allowing you to adapt to different venues and requirements
• 36-month framework warranty plus 12-month accidental damage cover – unmatched in the industry

Why NCASS members love it: The 3m x 3m size is the perfect balance – large enough to accommodate your equipment and team while remaining manageable for one or two people to set up. The Elite frame has proven itself time and again in high winds and heavy rain, giving you confidence to trade in any conditions.

2. Perfect for Tight Spaces: 3m x 2m Canopro Elite

The 3m x 2m Canopro Elite offers all the premium quality of its 3m x 3m sibling in a more compact footprint. This is a great solution for caterers who need to maximize limited pitch space or operate in crowded market environments.

Key advantages of the 3m x 2m format:

• Same robust Elite construction as the 3m x 3m model – no compromises on quality
• Fits into tighter pitch spaces while still providing ample working room for compact operations
• Lighter overall weight makes transportation and setup even easier for solo operators
• Perfect for businesses running multiple units where space efficiency is crucial
• Excellent for coffee carts, crepe stands, and specialist food vendors with streamlined setups

3. The Perfect Mid-Range Choice: 3m x 3m Canopro Lite

The 3m x 3m Canopro Lite represents exceptional value without sacrificing quality. This is one of the most popular gazebos in the professional catering market, offering robust performance at a more accessible price point.

Why the 3m x 3m size dominates the market: The 3m x 3m footprint has become the industry standard for good reason. It provides 9 square meters of covered space – enough room for your preparation area, serving counter, and storage while meeting most pitch size requirements at markets and events. It’s the Goldilocks zone: not too big, not too small, just right for the majority of catering operations.

What sets the Canopro Lite apart:

• Significantly lighter aluminum frame that’s easier to transport and set up
• Same professional 550g/m² waterproof canopy as the Elite range
• Excellent stability in typical UK weather conditions
• Perfect for businesses trading regularly but not in extreme conditions
• Outstanding value for money – this is where quality meets affordability

Entry-level option: For those just starting out or working with tighter budgets, Surf & Turf also offers the 3m x 3m Robusta. This entry-level gazebo provides professional-looking shelter at a highly competitive price point, making it perfect for new businesses or those testing the mobile catering market. While it doesn’t have the same heavy-duty construction as the Lite or Elite ranges, it still delivers reliable performance for regular use.

4. Built for the Road: 3m x 3m Canopro Compact

The 3m x 3m Canopro Compact is a game-changer for catering businesses that travel extensively. If you find yourself driving to different events across the country, this specially engineered gazebo could save you time, money, and hassle.

Why the Compact design matters:

• Fits into a standard car boot – eliminating the need for vans or trailers for transportation
• Specially designed compact frame folds down smaller than traditional models
• Based on the proven Canopro Lite frame, so you’re not sacrificing quality for portability
• Perfect for caterers who travel from festival to market to private event
• Reduces fuel costs and parking challenges at venues
• Makes multi-event days practical – easily transport between morning and evening bookings

Real-world impact: For mobile caterers covering multiple counties or working the festival circuit, the Compact can be the difference between profitability and breaking even. You’ll save on vehicle costs, access locations where larger vehicles are restricted, and reduce setup time significantly.

5. Go Big: 6m x 3m Canopro Lite

When standard sizes won’t cut it, the 6m x 3m Canopro Lite delivers double the coverage without doubling the complexity. This is the choice for larger operations, catering companies with bigger teams, or businesses that need to house substantial equipment.

When you need the 6m x 3m:

• 18 square meters of covered space – ideal for operations with multiple service points
• Accommodates larger teams working simultaneously
• Perfect for BBQ trailers, pizza ovens, and other substantial equipment setups
• Creates impressive visual presence at events and festivals
• Despite the larger size, the Canopro Lite frame keeps it remarkably lightweight
• Still practical for two-person setup with the right technique

Important note: While the 6m x 3m uses the same reliable Canopro Lite frame system as the 3m version, its lightweight design makes it exceptionally practical for its size. Many caterers are surprised at how manageable it is compared to other large-format gazebos on the market.

Stand Out from the Crowd: Custom Printing

Every gazebo in this lineup can also be transformed into a powerful marketing tool through Surf & Turf’s in-house design and print department. This isn’t just a nice extra – it’s a crucial advantage for professional caterers.

Why custom printed gazebos matter:

• Instant brand recognition at crowded events – customers can spot you from across the venue
• Professional appearance builds trust and credibility with potential customers
• Works as advertising even before customers reach your pitch
• Increases repeat business as customers remember your branded setup
• Essential for building a professional image in the competitive catering market

The Surf & Turf advantage: With an in-house print studio, you benefit from fast turnaround times and personalized service. Their design team will work directly with you to create eye-catching graphics that represent your brand perfectly. Whether you have existing artwork or need a design created from scratch, they’ll ensure your gazebo makes the impact you need.

Why Independent Food & Drink Businesses Trust Surf & Turf

Beyond these five exceptional gazebos, Surf & Turf Instant Shelters offers benefits that matter to professional caterers:

• Industry-leading warranties giving you peace of mind on your investment
• Fast delivery ensuring you’re ready for upcoming events
• UK-based customer support team who understand the catering industry
• Over 20 years of experience designing equipment for professional use
• 0% APR finance options making premium equipment accessible to growing businesses

Whether you’re launching your first street food venture or expanding an established catering business, the right gazebo is a critical investment. The options we’ve highlighted represent the best in the market, trusted by thousands of professional caterers across the UK.

To learn more about any of these gazebos or to discuss your specific requirements, visit surfturf.co.uk or contact their team today!