Custom container cafés for pop-ups and permanent locations
Container cafés are a flexible solution for everything from pop-up coffee stands and seasonal trading to permanent café spaces at attractions, high streets, and business premises. Designed to support busy service and everyday use, they offer a practical way to create a fully functioning café wherever you need it.
Every unit is built to order and designed around how you’ll use it, with options including:
- Commercial serving counters and customer-facing display units
- Plumbing for sinks, coffee machines, and wash-up areas
- Electrical installations for appliances, power points, and lighting
- Ventilation and extraction systems for food and drink preparation
- Refrigeration, storage, and catering equipment
- Serving hatches, customer windows, and access points
- Professional interior finishes designed for commercial use
- Full exterior colouring and branding
- Any other bespoke fabrication

Our shipping container café conversion process in 4 simple steps
Free consultation
Design & planning
Full conversion
Delivery & setup
Benefits of a shipping container café
Shipping container cafés offer a practical, flexible alternative to traditional coffee shop builds. Designed for speed, durability, and everyday service, they’re a popular choice for pop-ups, permanent locations, and everything in between because of:
- Fast setup – Container cafés can be designed, built, and delivered in weeks, allowing you to start working sooner without the delays of traditional construction.
- Lower build costs – Reduced build time and efficient use of materials make container cafés a cost-effective way to create a fully fitted café space.
- Built to last – Made from strong, weather-resistant corten steel, container cafés are designed to handle heavy daily use and outdoor conditions.
- Fully customisable – Every container workshop is built to match your trade, tools, and workflow, with layout and features designed to suit your needs.
- Portable and flexible – Container cafés can be moved, repositioned, or reused in different locations, making them ideal for seasonal trading or long-term use.

Why choose Universal Containers for your container café conversion
With decades of experience in shipping containers and in-house conversion expertise, we know how to turn containers into fully functioning, high-quality café spaces that are practical, durable, and built for daily service.
Built by container experts
Everything handled in-house
Cost-effective without cutting corners
We build cafés that work
Looking for a different type of space? Check out our other container conversion options
How long does it take to build a shipping container café?
It can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the size and complexity of your build. We’ll always give you a clear timeline based on your specific design and keep you updated throughout the process.
How much does a container café cost?
The cost of your shipping container café depends on the size, layout and level of finish. We’ll give you a clear, upfront quote based on your design, with no hidden extras.
Can I choose the layout and equipment in my container café?
Absolutely! Every container café is custom-built. You choose the layout, serving counters, equipment, storage, plumbing, electrics, and any other features you need, and we design the space around how you operate.
Can I use a container café for hot food service?
Yes. We can install commercial ventilation and extraction systems alongside appropriate wall linings and layouts for food preparation. Let us know what you’re serving and what you need and we’ll design the right setup.
How secure is a shipping container café?
Very secure. Container cafés are built from solid steel and can be fitted with secure roller doors, lockable serving hatches, and additional security features to protect equipment and stock when not in use.
Can the shipping container café be used all year round?
Yes. Container cafés can be fully insulated and fitted with heating, ventilation, and proper electrical systems, making them comfortable and suitable for year-round use.
Do container cafés meet commercial and food service standards?
Absolutely. We build container cafés to meet commercial requirements and can incorporate features needed for food and drink service, depending on your local regulations and setup.
Our containers in action
See some of the ways our amazing customers are using their containers.
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