Commercial Kitchens for Rentin Southampton
36 commercial kitchens for rent in Southampton. Available in Portswood, Shirley, Ocean Village. Flexible hourly rates. Ghost kitchens, dark kitchens & shared kitchen spaces.
Southampton Ghost Kitchen Market Overview
Current market data and pricing for commercial kitchens in Southampton
£1,200 - £3,000
per month
£12 - £25
per sq ft / year
3-6 months
rent upfront
12 months license, 3-5 years industrial
Major Kitchen Operators in Southampton
Deliveroo Editions
Strategic location near arterial roads
Hosts Franco Manca, Coco di Mama - sets quality bar for market
Oya Kitchens
Various (marketplace)
Flexible marketplace with turnkey solutions
Southampton Market Insights
- •Single CPU cannot serve entire city - 'Hub and Spoke' or dual-site strategy required
- •Port of Southampton provides economic buffer and B2B catering opportunities
- •E-bike transition essential - can bypass congestion and use cycle lanes during peak
Best Areas for Ghost Kitchens in Southampton
Strategic location analysis with pricing, logistics ratings, and local insights
Northam & St Mary's
Prime location adjacent to St Mary's Stadium. Nexus of city - riders reach Ocean Village, City Centre, and Portswood in 10-15 mins.
Congestion on match days can paralyze delivery; rents rising due to logistics firm competition
Millbrook & Western Docks
Heavy logistics dominated by port operations. Large-scale distribution centers. Excellent M271 access for supply chain.
Slightly disconnected from student heat map in Portswood
Portswood
The 'Golden Mile' student corridor. University of Southampton heartland. Highest order density and frequency in the city.
Seasonal 'U-shaped' revenue curve - peaks during term, troughs in summer/Christmas
Hedge End & Eastleigh
Modern purpose-built trade parks east of city. High-spec units but too far for direct city centre hot food delivery.
Distance destroys hot food margins - use for production only
Data researched January 2026. Pricing and availability subject to change.
Featured Kitchens in Southampton
Guides & Resources for Southampton
Reviewed by James Mitchell - Ghost Kitchen Operations Director & Industry Expert
MBA in Hospitality Management | 15+ years experience
How We Verify Southampton Kitchen Listings
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Commercial Kitchens in Southampton
Discover 36 professional kitchen spaces available in Southampton.
Why Choose Southampton?
- Access to 255,000 potential customers
- 3-5 miles delivery coverage
- Professional equipment included
- Flexible rental terms - hourly, daily, monthly
- Near major transport links
Kitchen Types in Southampton
Ghost Kitchens
Delivery-only spaces for virtual restaurants
Catering Kitchens
Professional spaces for catering businesses
Prep Kitchens
Food preparation and production spaces
Baking Kitchens
Bakery spaces with ovens and mixers
Dark Kitchens
Delivery-focused commercial kitchens
Southampton Kitchen Market Overview
£500-1,100/month
Typical monthly rates
Portswood, Shirley, Ocean Village, Bitterne
Southampton City Council
Popular Cuisines in Southampton
These cuisines perform exceptionally well in Southampton's diverse food market.
More UK Cities
Cities with partner network listings
Southampton Licensing & Regulations
Local council requirements and compliance information for food businesses
Southampton City Council Environmental Health
Inspection Timeline
28 days registration required
Registration requirement: Register your food business at least 28 days before opening via the GOV.UK portal.
Southampton Local Requirements
- CRITICAL: 'Two Cities' bridge problem - River Itchen bisects market
- West Bank has 70-80% of high-value orders; East Bank requires separate strategy
- Northam Bridge 'extremely poor' condition - potential weight restrictions or replacement
- Article 4 Directions and 'Healthy High Streets' policies restrict hot food takeaways
- Sui Generis classification for dark kitchens requires full planning application
Planning Permission
Most UK councils classify dark kitchens as Sui Generis (a class of their own), not Class E. This means you may need full planning permission to convert a warehouse or retail unit into a commercial kitchen. Check with your local planning authority before signing a lease.
Commercial Kitchen Rental in Southampton: FAQ
How much does it cost to rent a commercial kitchen?
Commercial kitchen rental in Southampton typically costs £15-80/hour for shared spaces, £100-600/day for full-day hire, or £1,000-8,000/month for dedicated dark kitchen units. Prices vary significantly by location, with London commanding premium rates.
What licences do I need for a food business in Southampton?
You need to register your food business with your local council at least 28 days before opening (free). You'll also need a Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate (£30-100), public liability insurance (minimum £5M), and the kitchen premises must have a valid food hygiene rating.
What is a dark kitchen?
A dark kitchen (also called ghost kitchen or cloud kitchen) is a commercial cooking space with no customer seating, built purely for delivery orders through apps like Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats. They cost 60-70% less to start than traditional restaurants.
Can I rent a kitchen by the hour?
Yes, many commercial kitchens offer hourly rental, typically from £15-80/hour depending on location and facilities. This is ideal for caterers, meal prep businesses, and operators testing new food concepts before committing to monthly rental.
How do I find a commercial kitchen near me?
Browse our directory of verified commercial kitchens across the UK. Filter by city, price range, and facilities to find spaces that match your requirements. Each listing includes photos, equipment details, and pricing information.
Compare Kitchen Providers in Southampton
Research major kitchen providers before committing. Read honest reviews with pricing breakdowns and contract details.
Quick Comparisons
Essential Supplies for Your Kitchen
Setting up your food business in Southampton? Here's what you'll need:
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