Why are pubs renting out their kitchens in 2027?

Because empty space costs you money and costs are rising. An idle pub kitchen still carries business rates, insurance and standing charges. From April 2027, wages rise again to £13.21 an hour, which makes running your own food offer harder to justify. In the 12 months to September 2026, Britain lost a net 977 licensed venues, according to NIQ.

Brands are moving fast to take over fitted kitchens on flexible terms. Our own data shows it. In October 2026, people coming to Oya from AI assistants like ChatGPT went straight to listings for pub residencies, food hall units and café takeovers.

How does a pub kitchen residency work?

A food brand moves into your kitchen on a licence and runs the food under its own name. You keep the bar, the drinks margin and control of the building. The brand brings its own chefs, menu and stock, and often its own following.

1. You list the kitchen with photos, equipment, trading hours and your terms.
2. Brands book viewings and you meet the ones that suit your pub and your customers.
3. You agree terms: a monthly fee, a share of food sales, or both, plus who covers utilities.
4. The residency starts: food drives more covers, longer visits and more drinks sales.

Oya lists other food spaces too, including dark kitchens, cafés and production kitchens. Start with the pub kitchen host page.

You don't have to let the whole space or the whole week. Many hosts rent the kitchen only, or rent it during hours they don't use it.

How much can you charge?

It depends on size, location, equipment and footfall. The average Oya host earns £2,300 a month. There are three common models:

• Fixed licence fee: a set monthly fee for use of the kitchen. Best for steady, predictable income.
• Fee plus revenue share: a lower fixed fee plus a percentage of food sales, for example £500 a month plus 10% of dine-in sales. Best for pubs that want the residency to drive covers.
• Revenue share only: a percentage of food sales with no fixed fee. Best for getting a new site going quickly.

Not sure what your space is worth? Get a free evaluation from the Oya team.

Is a licence or a lease better for hosts?

For most kitchens, a licence. It's flexible, usually shorter and simpler to end, so you stay in control. A licence also sits outside the coming ban on upward-only rent reviews, which will apply to new commercial leases and renewals. If you're offering a long-term lease, Oya also lists leases and works with agents.

What about Martyn's Law?

If your venue can expect 200 or more people at once, Martyn's Law duties are expected to apply from spring 2027. These include evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication procedures, staff training and notifying the SIA. Those duties sit with whoever controls the premises, usually you, not your kitchen partner. Brief your residency on your procedures when they move in.

What hosts have earned

• Tate Britain generated more than £100,000 a year in rental income with Oya.
• Carousel boosted revenue by over £100,000 with rented commercial kitchens.
• WBD Property filled a hard-to-let production unit in Harlow.
• The Worlds End pub launched a residency with Red Dog through Oya.

How to list your kitchen on Oya

1. List: create a free host account in under a minute and add photos, equipment and terms.
2. Meet: receive viewing requests from vetted food brands and meet the ones you like.
3. Sign: set your terms. Oya handles negotiation and paperwork.

There's no upfront cost, no sole agency tie-in and no obligation until you sign.

FAQs

Can I rent out my pub kitchen?

Yes. Pub kitchen residencies are one of the most popular arrangements on Oya. A food brand runs the kitchen and you keep the bar.

How much does it cost to list a kitchen on Oya?

Listing is free. See host pricing for the fee when a deal completes.

Who is responsible for utilities and rates?

You agree this in the licence. Many hosts include utilities in the fee. Others recharge them.

Do I have to rent the whole space?

No. You can rent just the kitchen, or only the days and hours you don't use it.

Make 2027 the year your pub kitchen pays for itself. List your space for free.

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