Dark Kitchen Installation Services
Efficient, Delivery-Focused Kitchen Environments
At JLG Kitchens & Vent, we design and install dark kitchens and delivery-only commercial kitchens optimised for speed, workflow and compliance. Our solutions include cooklines, ventilation, refrigeration, utilities and safety systems, supporting high-volume food production for modern delivery-based catering businesses.
Built for volume. Built for speed.
Dark kitchens are designed to prioritise output, consistency, and efficiency without customer-facing requirements. A well-planned dark kitchen installation enables fast order turnaround, streamlined workflows, and reliable performance during peak delivery periods.
Our installations focus on practical layouts that support high-volume production while maintaining safety and compliance.
Dark Kitchens Designed for Delivery Operations
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Delivery-only kitchens require a different approach to traditional hospitality spaces. We design dark kitchen layouts that maximise production efficiency and minimise unnecessary movement.
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Our design considerations include:
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Efficient cookline and prep station layouts
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Clear separation of preparation, cooking and packing areas
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Optimised workflows for multi-brand operations
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Strategic positioning of refrigeration and dry storage
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Space planning to support rapid order throughput
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This approach helps delivery kitchens operate efficiently under constant demand.
Integrated Equipment, Ventilation & Safety Systems
Dark kitchens rely on continuous cooking output, making ventilation and safety systems critical. We integrate all services to ensure reliable operation and compliance.
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Our dark kitchen installations typically include:
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By coordinating all systems together, we deliver kitchens that are ready to perform from day one.
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Installed for Compliance, Reliability & Scale
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Even without customer access, dark kitchens must meet full commercial kitchen standards. Our installations are carried out with compliance, hygiene, and durability in mind.
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We focus on:
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Hygienic, easy-clean materials and finishes
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Safe equipment spacing and access
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Proper heat, odour and airflow management
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Layouts that support cleaning, servicing and inspections
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This ensures dark kitchens remain compliant while operating at scale.
Suitable for Single Brands & Multi-Operator Kitchens
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Our dark kitchen installation services support:
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Delivery-only restaurant brands
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Multi-brand kitchen operations
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Cloud kitchens and shared facilities
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Expansion kitchens for existing operators
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High-output production kitchens
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Whether launching a new concept or scaling an existing delivery operation, we tailor each installation to your business model.
Dark Kitchen Installations Across Essex, London & the M25
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We provide dark kitchen installation services across Essex, London, Kent, and the wider M25 area, supporting modern catering businesses focused on delivery and production efficiency.
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If you are planning a new dark kitchen or upgrading an existing delivery operation, our team can provide clear, practical guidance from concept through to installation.
Next step:
Contact our team to discuss your dark kitchen installation requirements and arrange a consultation.
Get a Quote
Ready to discuss your project?
Whether you need a full commercial kitchen installation or a specialist service, our team is here to help. Get in touch with JLG Kitchens & Vent for expert advice and a no-obligation quotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dark / Ghost Kitchens
What is a dark kitchen?
A dark kitchen is a commercial kitchen designed exclusively for delivery and takeaway, with no customer-facing dining area. The focus is on efficiency, volume, and speed rather than presentation.
Is a ghost kitchen the same as a dark kitchen?
Yes. The terms “ghost kitchen,” “cloud kitchen,” and “dark kitchen” are commonly used interchangeably. All refer to delivery-only kitchen operations without dine-in service.
How big does a dark kitchen need to be?
There is no fixed size. Space requirements depend on the number of brands, menus, equipment, and staffing levels. Dark kitchens can range from compact single-brand units to large multi-kitchen facilities.
How do I plan a dark kitchen space?
Planning starts with understanding order volume, menu types, and brand separation. Layouts are then designed to optimise workflow, reduce cross-contamination, and maximise output—often down to every millimetre of usable space.
Can you fully design a dark kitchen from scratch?
Yes. Complete design services are available, including layout planning, equipment specification, ventilation design, and service coordination—optimised for performance, scalability, and compliance.
What equipment can be installed in a dark kitchen?
Dark kitchens can include:
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Full commercial cooklines
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Prep kitchens and prep tables
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Refrigeration and cold storage
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Coffee stations and beverage prep
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Packaging and dispatch zones
Equipment selection is based on menu requirements and delivery speed.
Can dark kitchens include multiple kitchen sections?
Yes. Dark kitchens are often divided into separate production zones or individual kitchen units to support multiple brands operating from one location.
Can one extraction system serve multiple dark kitchens?
In some cases, yes—but only if correctly designed. Ventilation systems must be carefully calculated to handle combined heat and grease loads while maintaining compliance and performance.
What regulations apply to dark kitchens?
Dark kitchens must comply with:
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Food hygiene regulations
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Gas and electrical safety standards
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Ventilation and fire safety requirements
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Building control and environmental health guidance
Even without customers on site, full commercial kitchen standards apply.
Are dark kitchens inspected by environmental health?
Yes. Dark kitchens are subject to environmental health inspections and must meet the same hygiene and safety standards as traditional commercial kitchens.
Do you offer site surveys and quotations?
Yes. A free site survey and quotation is provided to review your space, discuss goals, and outline costs before progressing.
How much does a dark kitchen installation cost?
Costs vary depending on size, number of kitchens, equipment, ventilation complexity, and build type. Proper planning helps control costs while maximising long-term return.
Can dark kitchens include coffee, beverage, or bar-style concepts?
Yes. Dark kitchens can support coffee, dessert, beverage, and even bar-style delivery concepts, provided equipment and workflows are correctly designed.
Can you design dark kitchens for high-volume delivery?
Yes. Dark kitchens are specifically designed for volume. Layouts prioritise speed, parallel workflows, and efficient dispatch to support high order throughput.
Can you optimise every millimetre of space?
Yes. Dark kitchen layouts are highly space-efficient, using bespoke fabrication and precise planning to maximise usable area and storage.
Can you build dark kitchens in new builds?
Yes. Dark kitchen installations can be delivered as part of new-build developments, including full service coordination and compliance planning.
Can you convert existing buildings into dark kitchens?
Yes. Existing warehouses, retail units, and industrial spaces can often be converted into dark kitchens following assessment of services, ventilation, and access.
How can I rent out dark kitchen units to operators?
Dark kitchens can be designed as modular units that are easy to lease. Separate services, clear zoning, and scalable layouts make it easier to rent kitchens to multiple operators.
How do I start a dark kitchen project?
The first step is a consultation and site survey. This allows feasibility, capacity, compliance, and layout options to be assessed before design begins.
Do you work with architects, engineers, and installers?
Yes. Dark kitchen projects are coordinated with architects, engineers, and installers to ensure services, layouts, and systems integrate seamlessly.
What areas do you cover for dark kitchen installations?
Dark kitchen design and installation services are available across London, Essex, and inside and around the M25.
Why choose a specialist for dark kitchen installations?
Specialists understand high-volume production, compliance, and space optimisation. This ensures dark kitchens are efficient, scalable, compliant—and ready when you are.