What is a pub kitchen residency?

It's an arrangement where a food brand runs the kitchen in a pub that doesn't want to run food itself. The pub keeps the bar and the brand runs the menu. You pay the pub a monthly licence fee, a share of food sales, or both. Most pub kitchens come already fitted with extraction, ovens, fryers and cold storage, so you can start cooking within weeks.

Why are London food brands choosing pub residencies for 2027?

Because costs are rising and pubs need a food offer. From April 2027 the National Living Wage rises to £13.21 an hour. In the 12 months to September 2026, Britain lost a net 977 licensed venues, according to NIQ. Pubs that can't afford a chef are handing their kitchens to food brands instead.

For you, that means a fitted kitchen, a dining room and a built-in audience. You don't pay for front of house, and you don't need a high-street unit.

Pub residency vs other kitchen spaces

• Pub kitchen residency: best for burgers, wings, pizza, Sunday roasts and small plates. Usually a licence of 6 to 12 months. Low upfront cost because the kitchen is fitted.
• Food hall unit: best for testing a new concept with high footfall. Monthly or short-term licence. Low to medium upfront cost.
• Dark kitchen: best for delivery-only brands. Monthly or fixed-term licence. Low upfront cost.
• Restaurant or café lease: best for brands ready for their own front of house. Lease or assignment. Medium to high upfront cost: premium, deposit and legal fees.

What does a pub kitchen residency actually cost?

Pub kitchens are among the lowest-cost ways to trade with a dining room. Many are offered as a fixed monthly licence fee. Others mix a smaller fee with a share of food sales. One Brighton pub kitchen on Oya at the time of writing is listed at £500 a month plus 10% of dine-in sales. The pub already takes £2,500 to £3,000 a week.

The pub gets a food offer without employing a chef. You get a ready-made kitchen and customers. Browse pub and bar kitchens to rent.

What makes a good pub kitchen deal?

Check these five things before you sign:

1. Trading hours: your hours follow the pub's, so check they match your menu (lunch, evenings, Sunday roasts).
2. Covers and footfall: ask for the pub's weekly takings and how busy it is on each day.
3. What's included: utilities, gas, waste collection and business rates are often built into the fee, but not always.
4. Delivery rights: many residencies let you sell on delivery apps too, which adds a second income stream.
5. Exit terms: a licence with a short notice period protects you if trade is slower than expected.

Where are pub kitchens to rent in London?

Pub kitchens come up across London, from the City and Holborn to Shoreditch, Camden and south London. Office-heavy areas like Holborn are strong at lunchtime. Residential neighbourhoods do better in the evenings and at weekends. See the latest pub kitchens to rent in London.

How fast can you start cooking?

On a licence, often within two to four weeks of your first viewing. Before you start, you will need:

1. Food business registration with your local council, at least 28 days before you trade
2. Public and product liability insurance
3. A food safety management system (for example HACCP or Safer Food Better Business)
4. Your brand profile and menu, so hosts can see you are a good fit

How to find a pub kitchen to rent on Oya

1. Search hundreds of fitted spaces by city, type and contract on the Oya marketplace.
2. Book viewings in a few clicks and manage them in one place.
3. Sign: Oya handles the offer, negotiation and paperwork, so you can check in and start cooking.

Creating an account is free. Viewings, advice and contract support cost nothing upfront. You only pay a fee when you find your space and start cooking.

FAQs

How much does it cost to rent a pub kitchen in London?

It varies by location, size and trade. Many are a fixed monthly licence fee. Others combine a lower fee with a share of food sales, for example £500 a month plus 10% of dine-in sales.

What is the difference between a licence and a lease?

A licence gives you permission to use a space, usually short term and flexible. A lease gives you exclusive possession for a fixed term, often years.

Can I rent a pub kitchen short term?

Yes. Most pub residencies on Oya are licences of 6 to 12 months, and some are monthly.

Can I do delivery from a pub kitchen?

Often, yes. Agree it with the pub in your licence so delivery orders don't clash with dine-in service.

Start 2027 cooking, not fitting out. Find a pub kitchen to rent in London.

‍