There are cheesy grins all round for the team behind a new food takeaway van in Falmouth that has been shortlisted for an award just months after opening.

Bisty’s grilled cheese sandwich company is in the running at the British Street Food Awards for ‘best looking truck’.

Behind the venture is Christian Dann, whose family previously ran Muddy Beach Café in Penryn.

Christian, who was managing director of the café before the lease was sold to new owners in 2022, said he wanted to do something smaller and to offer the people of Falmouth a product that he hoped everyone loved.

Christian Dann, previously of Muddy Beach Cafe, Penryn is behind the new venture (Image: Bisty's)

He was looking for “something unique” when he came across ‘Sandy’ – a 1970s step-van that was previously used as an ice cream truck in San Diego, California.

After six months of renovations from Morgan’s Classics in Wales, a beautifully converted GMC truck emerged, complete with built-in coffee machine and griddle.

Bisty’s was born – so named after Christian (aka The Big Cheese’), whose name was shortened to Christy and then somehow ‘Bisty’.

'Sandy' is a converted 1970s step-van that was previously used as an ice cream truck in San Diego, California (Image: Bisty's)

Explaining the concept behind the business, he said: “We are a grilled cheese sandwich company committed to serving the finest grilled cheese in Cornwall.

“Fuelled by our love for cheese, we embarked on a quest to craft the ultimate grilled cheese sandwich and we are confident that we have accomplished just that!”

The grilled cheese options come with suitably original names based around song lyrics or films, such as 'He just smiled and gave me a smoked cheese sandwich' featuring The Aussie Smokers' smoked cheddar with barbecue chilli jam, mozzarella and more cheddar.

‘The Full-Melty’ includes Bisty’s signature three-chilled blend with either Marmite, hot sauce, hot honey or fresh onion, while ‘I have a girlfriend and she is so blue’ features the same three-cheese blend with additional blue cheese, toasted walnuts and hot honey.

An example of the grilled cheese sandwiches served (Image: Bisty's)

There is even a vegan option, ‘Livin’ in a plant-based paradise’, with vegan mozzarella, vegan smoked cheese and red onion chutney.

Christian added: “Our service is what we call ‘a bit bonkers’. We don’t take life too seriously and although a takeaway experience, we hope it will put a smile on your face.”

Bisty’s is open Wednesday to Sunday, from 8am to 3pm, at its permanent pitch on Cliff Road, on the way from Castle Beach to Gylly.