Written by
James Mitchell
Ghost Kitchen Operations Director & Industry Expert
Per hour (from)
Lower startup cost
Access available
Equipment to buy
Shared kitchen spaces have revolutionized how food entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. Instead of committing £50,000+ to build out a private commercial kitchen, you can access fully equipped, licensed facilities from just £15 per hour. Whether you're launching a ghost kitchen, catering business, or food product line, shared kitchens offer the perfect low-risk entry point.
Types of Shared Kitchen Spaces
Hourly Rental Kitchen
Book by the hour for production, prep, or testing
Membership Kitchen
Monthly membership with set hours or unlimited access
Incubator Kitchen
Shared space with business support and mentorship
Commissary Kitchen
Licensed prep facility for delivery and food trucks
Shared vs Private Kitchen: Cost Comparison
| Factor | Shared Kitchen | Private Kitchen |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | £200-800 | £1,500-5,000+ |
| Upfront Investment | £0-500 deposit | £10,000-50,000+ |
| Equipment | Included | You buy/lease |
| Utilities | Usually included | £200-500/month extra |
| Insurance | Facility has base coverage | 100% your responsibility |
| Maintenance | Handled by facility | Your responsibility |
| Flexibility | Scale up/down easily | Locked into lease |
Shared Kitchen Prices by City
London
Manchester
Birmingham
Edinburgh
Bristol
Leeds
Pros and Cons of Shared Kitchens
Advantages
- Low startup costs - no equipment to buy
- No long-term lease commitment
- Professional licensed facility
- Scale hours as business grows
- Network with other food entrepreneurs
- Often includes utilities and maintenance
- Test concepts before major investment
Disadvantages
- Limited availability during peak times
- Can't customize the space
- Shared equipment may not suit all needs
- Storage space often limited
- Must work around other users' schedules
- Less privacy for recipe development
- May outgrow the space quickly
What to Look For in a Shared Kitchen
Licensing & Compliance
- Food hygiene rating (minimum 4 stars)
- Environmental Health registration
- Fire safety certificate
- Adequate insurance coverage
Equipment & Facilities
- Commercial refrigeration (enough for your needs)
- Cooking equipment suitable for your menu
- Prep space and storage
- Packaging and labeling area
Practical Considerations
- Loading/parking access
- Operating hours that suit your schedule
- Booking flexibility and cancellation policy
- Storage for ingredients and packaging
Business Support
- Delivery platform integration
- Shared resources (ordering systems, etc.)
- Networking with other food businesses
- Growth pathway to private space
Who Should Use a Shared Kitchen?
Ghost Kitchen Operators
Test delivery concepts without major investment. Scale hours as orders grow.
Caterers
Book extra capacity for events. No need for permanent large kitchen.
Food Startups
Launch products without massive capex. Focus budget on ingredients and marketing.
Food Trucks
Licensed prep facility required by regulations. Shared kitchen = compliance sorted.
Part-Time Food Businesses
Weekend bakers, evening meal preppers. Pay only for hours you use.
Concept Testers
Validate menu ideas before committing. Fail fast, fail cheap, iterate quickly.
How to Get Started with a Shared Kitchen
Define Your Needs
- • How many hours per week do you need?
- • What equipment is essential for your menu?
- • Do you need storage space?
- • What times work for your production schedule?
Research Local Options
Visit and Evaluate
- • Tour the facility during operating hours
- • Check equipment condition and cleanliness
- • Ask about booking process and cancellation policy
- • Meet other users if possible
Start Small, Scale Up
Book minimal hours initially. Test your production workflow. Add hours as demand grows. Most kitchens let you scale up with short notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a shared kitchen cost?
Hourly rates range from £15-60 depending on location and facilities. Monthly memberships typically cost £200-800. London is most expensive; regional cities offer better value. Most kitchens require a small deposit (£100-500) upfront.
Do I need my own insurance for a shared kitchen?
Usually yes. The facility's insurance covers the building and equipment, but you need your own product liability insurance for your food business. Many shared kitchens can recommend providers or include basic coverage in membership.
Can I run a delivery business from a shared kitchen?
Absolutely - it's one of the most common uses. Many shared kitchens specifically cater to ghost kitchens and delivery brands. Check that the kitchen has good loading access and allows delivery platform integration.
What equipment is typically included?
Most shared kitchens include: commercial ovens, hobs, grills, deep fryers, refrigeration, freezer space, prep tables, sinks, and basic utensils. Specialized equipment (pasta makers, sous vide, etc.) varies by facility. Always check before booking.
How do I find a shared kitchen near me?
Use our kitchen directory to find shared commercial kitchens across the UK. Filter by city, price range, and kitchen type. Each listing includes equipment details, pricing, and availability.
James Mitchell
Ghost Kitchen Operations Director & Industry Expert
With 15 years in the food service industry, James Mitchell has managed operations for multiple ghost kitchen networks across the UK. He specializes in delivery-only kitchen models, kitchen equipment procurement, and helping startups scale their food businesses efficiently.
Areas of Expertise
Credentials
- MBA in Hospitality Management
- Former Operations Director at major ghost kitchen operator
- Food Hygiene Level 4 Certified
- 15+ years food service industry
- Managed 20+ dark kitchen locations