The UK food scene is booming, with the commercial kitchen or cloud kitchen segment of the food service market experiencing the fastest growth, projected to achieve a CAGR of 32.39% from 2024-2029. This growth is fueled in part by the rise of small, innovative food businesses that lack the resources to invest in a traditional restaurant set-up and the rising demand for delivery services.
However, choosing the right commercial kitchen is crucial for success. Prior to making the selection, you must pay a visit to the potential kitchen space. This allows you to assess its suitability for your specific needs and ensure it meets all safety and operational requirements.
Here are some essential questions you must ask yourself and consider before signing agreements.
What facilities and equipment are included in the kitchen?
A well-equipped commercial kitchen should include the following for your consideration:
- Cooking equipment: This may include ovens (convection, deck, or combi), ranges with burners and grills, deep fryers, fryers, steamers, and salamanders or broilers.
- Refrigeration equipment: This includes walk-in coolers for bulk storage, reach-in refrigerators for prepping ingredients, and freezers.
- Food preparation equipment: This includes prep tables with cutting boards, sinks for washing hands and produce, mixers, food processors, and slicers.
- Additional essentials: These include ventilation systems to remove heat and cooking odours, work tables and storage shelves for organisation, utility sinks for cleaning pots and pans, and an ice machine.
The specific equipment you need will depend on your menu and production volume. However, having a basic understanding of the essential equipment will help you assess the suitability of a commercial kitchen for your food business.
What are the cleaning and maintenance protocols?
Maintaining a clean and hygienic environment is critical for food safety. Ask about the cleaning procedures and how often they are conducted. The following are some common cleaning and maintenance protocols that commercial kitchens in the UK should adopt:
- Daily cleaning and sanitisation: All surfaces that come into contact with food, including countertops, utensils, and equipment, must be cleaned and sanitised after each use to prevent bacteria cross-contamination.
- Regular deep cleaning: The kitchen should undergo a more thorough deep cleaning weekly or monthly. The cleaning should cover hard-to-reach areas, grease traps, and exhaust hoods.
- Proper chemical storage and use: Commercial kitchens should use approved cleaning and sanitising chemicals that are safe for food contact and store them properly.
- Waste disposal: Food waste should be disposed of properly in designated bins to prevent attracting pests.
- Preventative maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain equipment to ensure it is functioning properly.
Is the kitchen compliant with UK food safety regulations?
Operating a food business in the UK comes with a responsibility. Consider if the commercial kitchen space is adhering to the following Food Safety Act 1990 regulations set by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), such as:
- Temperature control: The Food Safety Act 1990 provides specific guidelines for safe food storage temperatures for different types of food.
- Food hygiene practices: The regulation also sets out requirements for hand washing, preventing cross-contamination, and cleaning and disinfecting food-contact surfaces and equipment.
- The Food Information Regulation 2014: This regulation governs food labelling and ensures consumers have access to clear and accurate information about the food they are buying.
- The Food Traceability Regulation (EC) 178/2002: This regulation requires food businesses to be able to trace the origin of the ingredients they use for one step back and one step forward in the food chain.
What are the fire safety and pest control measures in place?
Fire safety is a top priority in commercial kitchens. Ask about the fire alarms, extinguishers, and emergency evacuation procedures. It’s important to ensure the kitchen has a valid fire safety certificate. You have to inquire about the pest control measures that the kitchen has employed to prevent infestations of rodents and insects, which can contaminate food and pose health risks.
What are the rental costs, and what is included in the lease?
Rental costs can vary depending on factors like location, size, and amenities offered. Carefully review the lease agreement to understand what is included in the base price. Are utilities such as electricity and water covered? Are there additional fees for waste disposal or after-hours access? Learn all the contract details to ensure there is no extra charge or fee.
What are the operating hours of the kitchen?
Knowing the operating hours is crucial for planning your workflow. Do the hours align with your production schedule? Some kitchens offer 24/7 access, ideal for businesses with flexible schedules or those operating late into the night, such as catering companies. Standard business hours may be more suitable for cafes or meal prep companies with daytime operations.
Are there any specific restrictions regarding the use of the commercial kitchen?
There are also potential restrictions to consider when signing a commercial kitchen lease. Some kitchens may charge additional fees for access outside of standard operating hours. Noise-level restrictions may be in place, especially if the kitchen is located in a residential area or shared space. This could impact your ability to use certain equipment or operate during specific times. In rare cases, there might be limitations on the types of food preparation allowed due to ventilation limitations or safety concerns.
Is the surrounding neighbourhood safe and accessible for deliveries?
Consider the safety and security of the neighbourhood, especially if you plan to work late hours. Easy access to deliveries is vital. Is there adequate parking for delivery vehicles? The convenience of the location of the kitchen can impact your business operations.
Additional tips for your visit
During your visit to the commercial kitchen, you can also follow the below tips to ensure you are not missing any key information to make the most informed decision:
- Come prepared: Before your visit, create a checklist of questions and requirements to ensure you cover everything important.
- Document everything: Take photos and detailed notes of the kitchen’s condition, equipment, and overall layout.
- Inspect thoroughly: During your visit, thoroughly inspect the cleanliness, functionality of the equipment, and the overall condition of the space.
- Talk to others: If possible, talk to existing tenants about their experiences using the kitchen.
- Consider your budget: Understand your budget and compare it to the rental costs and any additional fees.
- Get it in writing: Ensure all agreements and lease terms are clearly documented before signing anything.
Ready to transform your food business with a commercial kitchen?
Choosing the right commercial kitchen is a game-changer for your food business. By carefully considering all the factors, you can find a space that perfectly aligns with your needs. This ensures a safe, efficient, and well-equipped environment to produce high-quality food.
A well-suited commercial kitchen at Foodstars can become an extension of your team, providing the foundation for streamlined operations and growth. Don’t settle for anything less than a space that empowers you to focus on what you do best – creating delicious food and delighting your customers.
Contact Foodstars today to schedule a tour and learn more about how our kitchen rental services can help your food business thrive!