Production Kitchens in London
Greater London
The UK's largest market for production kitchens, with hubs in Park Royal, Tottenham, Bermondsey, and Dagenham.
Pricing by District
| District | Price Range | Size Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park Royal | £1,200-3,500/mo | 380-1,000 sq ft | — |
| Tottenham | £1,500-3,000/mo | 400-800 sq ft | — |
| Bermondsey | £2,600-6,500+/mo | 300-1,200 sq ft | — |
| Dagenham | £2,000-5,000/mo | 1,000-5,000 sq ft | Thames Freeport relief available |
| Croydon | £1,400-2,800/mo | 400-900 sq ft | — |
Production Kitchens in London
London is the UK's largest production kitchen market, with an estimated 45+ facilities across zones 2-6. The city's food manufacturing sector clusters around well-connected industrial estates — Park Royal alone accounts for roughly 30% of London's food production output.
Pricing ranges from £1,200/mo for basic shell units in outer boroughs to £6,500+/mo for fully equipped BRC-grade spaces in prime locations like Bermondsey. The true total cost of occupancy for a 500 sq ft unit averages £3,830/mo once service charges, utilities, business rates, and insurance are factored in — around 64% above headline rent.
Thames Freeport in Barking/Dagenham offers significant incentives: 100% business rates relief for 5 years and 0% Employer NI contributions for 3 years, making it a compelling option for scaling production businesses.
Key Operators & Spaces
London has 45+ production kitchen facilities across the city. Here are the main operators:
| Operator | Location | Price Range | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dephna | Park Royal, Tottenham | £1,200-£3,500/mo | 380-1,000 sq ft | 250+ units across London, established operator |
| Karma Kitchen | Bermondsey | £2,600-£6,500+/mo | 300-1,200 sq ft | Walk-in cold rooms, 24/7 access |
| Encore Kitchens | Tottenham, Norbury, Croydon | £1,400-£3,000/mo | 400-900 sq ft | Rational ovens, twin fryers included |
| FoodStars | Multiple London locations | Varies | Varies | 26 UK locations, flexible terms |
Transport & Logistics
- Park Royal: Central Line (Hanger Lane), A40/North Circular access, 24-hour HGV routes
- Tottenham/Lea Valley: Victoria Line, modern purpose-built facilities with slightly higher vacancy (14.8%)
- Bermondsey: Jubilee Line, premium last-mile delivery location for South London
- Barking/Dagenham: District/Hammersmith & City Lines, Thames Freeport zone, A13 corridor
- Croydon: East Croydon (fast rail to London Bridge), affordable South London base
Compliance & Regulations
- Most managed facilities handle food business registration with the local authority on your behalf
- EHO inspection backlog in London typically 3-6 months — you can legally operate during this period, but many retailers require a minimum Food Hygiene Rating of 4/5
- POAO businesses (raw meat, dairy, fishery) require formal FSA Approval before trading — not just registration
- Class E(g)(iii) covers most production kitchen uses; switch to B2 needed if operations generate significant noise or emissions
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the average production kitchen rent in London?
- Base rents range from £1,200/mo in outer areas like Park Royal to £6,500+/mo in premium locations like Bermondsey. However, total cost of occupancy including utilities, service charges, and business rates typically adds 60-65% on top of headline rent. Budget £3,500-£4,500/mo for a well-equipped 500 sq ft unit.
- Which London areas are best for production kitchens?
- Park Royal is the largest cluster with 30% of London's food production. Tottenham/Lea Valley offers modern purpose-built units. Bermondsey is premium but ideal for South London delivery. Barking/Dagenham offers Thames Freeport tax incentives for long-term operations.
- Can I get business rates relief on a London production kitchen?
- Thames Freeport (Barking/Dagenham) offers 100% business rates relief for 5 years plus 0% Employer NI for 3 years. Outside freeport zones, Small Business Rate Relief may apply if your rateable value is under £15,000. Check eligibility with your local authority.
- How long does EHO registration take in London?
- Registration itself is immediate — submit 28 days before trading. The initial EHO inspection in London can take 3-6 months due to backlogs. You can legally trade during this period, but most retail buyers and platforms require a Food Hygiene Rating of at least 4/5.
- Do I need BRC or SALSA certification for a London production kitchen?
- It depends on your customers. SALSA (£850/year) is sufficient for regional retailers and wholesalers. BRC (£3,000-£5,000+ including audits and facility upgrades) is mandatory for supplying national supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury's, and M&S. Many London facilities offer BRC-ready infrastructure.
Find Production Space in London
Our team will match you with vetted production kitchens in London that fit your budget and requirements — within 48 hours.