Front of House Catering & Kitchen Installations
Efficient, Compliant, and Customer-Friendly Spaces
At JLG Kitchens & Vent, we design and install front-of-house catering areas that balance efficiency, hygiene, and customer experience. From service counters and prep areas to beverage stations, lighting, and layout optimisation, we ensure your front-of-house spaces are functional, compliant, and visually appealing for staff and customers alike.
Where service meets performance.
Front-of-house catering areas play a vital role in service speed, presentation, and customer satisfaction. A well-designed FOH space allows staff to work efficiently while delivering a positive, professional experience for customers.
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Our front-of-house installations are planned around real service demands, ensuring spaces are both practical and visually polished.
Front-of-House Catering Areas Designed for Service Flow
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Every venue operates differently depending on service style, footfall, and menu offering. We design front-of-house catering areas that support smooth workflows while keeping customer areas clear and inviting.
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Our design considerations include:
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Efficient service counter layouts
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Clear separation between staff and customer zones
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Optimised prep and beverage stations
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Logical positioning of equipment for speed and access
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Layouts that reduce congestion during peak service
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This approach helps improve service speed while maintaining a clean, organised appearance.
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Integrated Equipment, Prep & Service Areas
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Front-of-house spaces must integrate seamlessly with back-of-house operations. We install catering equipment, prep areas, and service counters that align with kitchen workflows and support efficient service.
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Our FOH installation services typically include:
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Service counters and front-of-house prep areas
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Beverage and coffee stations
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Refrigeration and display units
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Lighting and power integration
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Coordination with flooring, wall finishes, and ceilings
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Each installation is completed with attention to detail, ensuring a professional finish that supports daily use.
Designed for Hygiene, Safety & Compliance
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Front-of-house catering areas must meet the same hygiene and safety expectations as back-of-house kitchens. We design and install FOH spaces using materials and layouts that support cleanliness, durability, and compliance.
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We consider:
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Practical layouts that support staff welfare
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This ensures FOH areas remain compliant while maintaining a high standard of presentation.
Suitable for Hospitality, Retail & Catering Venues
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Our front-of-house catering installations are suitable for:
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Restaurants and cafés
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Pubs and bars
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Hotels and hospitality venues
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Quick-service and takeaway environments
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Food courts and retail catering spaces
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Whether delivering a new fit-out or upgrading an existing FOH area, we tailor each project to suit your venue’s operational and customer-facing requirements.
Front-of-House Catering Installations Across Essex, London & the M25
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We design and install front-of-house catering and kitchen areas across Essex, London, Kent, and the wider M25 area, supporting hospitality and catering venues of all sizes.
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If you are planning a new front-of-house installation or refurbishing an existing space, our team can provide clear, practical guidance from concept through to completion.
Next step:​​
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Contact our team to discuss your front-of-house catering 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
Front of House
What is Front of House (FOH) in a restaurant or catering environment?
Front of House refers to all customer-facing areas where food and drink are served or interacted with. This includes bars, coffee stations, service counters, POS areas, waiter stations, storage, and customer circulation zones—designed to balance service efficiency with guest experience.
What does a Front of House installation include?
FOH installations can include bars, coffee stations, service counters, pass-throughs, dummy waiters, dump stations, POS systems, display units, storage, and integrated services such as power, water, and drainage—installed to support fast, safe service.
How big does a Front of House space need to be?
There is no fixed size requirement. Space planning depends on service style, customer numbers, menu offering, and equipment needs. A site survey and layout review help determine the most efficient use of available space.
How do I plan a Front of House layout?
Planning starts with understanding customer flow, service points, and operational needs. Layouts are then designed to reduce congestion, support staff workflow, and create a welcoming customer environment while meeting regulatory requirements.
Will you work with our team during the planning process?
Yes. FOH projects are developed collaboratively with architects, business owners, chefs, and project managers to ensure layouts support both operational efficiency and customer experience.
What regulations apply to Front of House installations?
FOH areas must comply with health & safety regulations, food hygiene requirements (where food is handled), accessibility guidelines, fire safety, and general workplace standards—especially important in spaces where customers are present.
Are there specific guidelines for customer-facing workspaces?
Yes. Customer-facing areas must be safe, accessible, and clearly defined. This includes safe equipment placement, protected hot surfaces, adequate clearances, slip-resistant flooring, and proper separation between staff work zones and customer areas.
Can Front of House installations include food preparation or finishing?
Yes. FOH areas can include light food preparation, finishing, or drink service where appropriate. These spaces must still meet hygiene and safety requirements while maintaining visual appeal.
Do you install Front of House projects outside of kitchens?
Yes. FOH installations can be carried out independently of back-of-house kitchens, including bars, cafés, coffee stations, and standalone service areas.
What is a dummy waiter and where is it used?
A dummy waiter is a lift used to transfer food, drinks, or equipment between floors. It helps improve service speed and reduce staff movement, particularly in multi-level venues.
What is a dump station in FOH areas?
Dump stations are designated areas for clearing glasses, plates, and waste during service. Properly positioned dump stations help maintain cleanliness and speed during busy service periods.
Can FOH installations include coffee stations and bars?
Yes. Coffee stations and bars are commonly integrated into FOH layouts, including equipment installation, storage, power, water, and workflow planning to support fast service.
How do POS systems fit into FOH design?
POS systems are positioned to support efficient order taking, payment, and communication with the kitchen or bar. Layouts consider visibility, staff movement, and customer interaction.
How much does a Front of House installation cost?
Costs vary depending on size, materials, equipment, and complexity. While budget is important, good FOH design helps maximise revenue, improve service speed, and enhance customer experience.
How do I start a Front of House installation project?
The first step is a site survey and planning discussion. This allows space constraints, service requirements, workflow, and regulatory considerations to be reviewed before design and installation.
Do you offer site surveys and quotations?
Yes. A free site survey and quotation is provided to assess your space, discuss requirements, and deliver accurate pricing before work begins.
Can FOH installations be completed as part of a refurbishment?
Yes. FOH installations are often carried out during refurbishments to improve layout, branding, and service flow without disrupting the entire operation.
Do you work with engineers and installers?
Yes. FOH projects are coordinated with engineers and installers to ensure services, equipment, and finishes integrate seamlessly and safely.
What areas do you cover for Front of House installations?
Front of House restaurant, catering, and kitchen installation services are available across London, Essex, and inside and around the M25.
Why choose a specialist for Front of House installations?
Specialists understand the balance between customer experience, safety, compliance, and operational efficiency. This ensures FOH spaces are not only visually appealing but practical, compliant, and built to perform during live service.