Theatre Kitchen Design & Installation
High-Performance Kitchens for Live Cooking & Demonstration
We provide theatre kitchen design and installation services for restaurants, hotels, culinary schools, and live cooking venues. Our theatre kitchens are carefully designed to maximise workflow, visibility, and efficiency, while maintaining hygiene and compliance for high-volume, interactive environments.
Designed to perform on display.
At JLG Kitchens & Vent Ltd, we understand that theatre kitchens must perform on two levels: operationally for chefs and visually for audiences.
Our designs balance performance, safety, and presentation, creating professional cooking environments that support live service and demonstration without compromising efficiency or compliance.
Theatre Kitchen Design Built for Visibility & Workflow
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Unlike traditional back-of-house kitchens, theatre kitchens must combine front-of-house presentation with commercial-grade performance. We design layouts that allow chefs to work efficiently while maintaining clear sightlines for guests or students.
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Our theatre kitchen design considerations include:
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Optimised equipment placement for live cooking
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Clear visibility and audience engagement
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Logical workflow for high-volume service
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Ergonomic layouts for chef comfort and safety
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Integration with front-of-house design elements
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This approach ensures kitchens are as functional as they are visually impressive.
Integrated Equipment, Ventilation & Safety Systems
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Theatre kitchens require careful coordination of cooking equipment, ventilation, and safety systems due to their open nature. We integrate extraction, gas safety, and fire suppression systems discreetly and effectively to maintain performance while preserving aesthetics.
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We consider:
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Effective ventilation without visual intrusion
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Heat and odour control in open environments
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Safe operation of cooking equipment
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Integration with fire suppression and gas interlock systems
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This ensures theatre kitchens operate safely and reliably during live service.
Installed for Performance, Hygiene & Compliance
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Correct installation is critical in open kitchen environments where performance and appearance are equally important. Our installations are completed with precision, ensuring equipment is positioned correctly and finishes are clean, professional, and easy to maintain.
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We focus on:
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Hygienic, easy-clean materials and finishes
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Clean detailing and concealed services where possible
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Safe access for cleaning and maintenance
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Long-term durability in high-use environments
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This delivers kitchens that look exceptional while meeting commercial kitchen standards.
Suitable for Hospitality, Education & Live Cooking Venues​
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Our theatre kitchen design and installation services are suitable for:
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Restaurants with open-kitchen concepts
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Hotels and hospitality venues
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Culinary schools and training kitchens
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Live cooking and demonstration spaces
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Event venues and experiential dining environments
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Each project is tailored to the specific operational and presentation requirements of the venue.
Theatre Kitchen Design & Installation Across Essex, London & the M25
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We deliver theatre kitchen design and installation projects across Essex, London, Kent, and the wider M25 area, supporting hospitality and education clients seeking high-performance, visually engaging kitchen environments.
If you are planning a theatre kitchen or live cooking space, our team can provide clear, professional guidance from concept through to installation.
Next step:
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Contact our team to discuss your theatre kitchen design and 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
Commercial Theatre Kitchens
What is a theatre kitchen?
A theatre kitchen is a commercial kitchen designed for live cooking and customer interaction. Unlike traditional back-of-house kitchens, theatre kitchens place cooking on display, combining performance, transparency, and efficient food production within a single space.
What is the main difference between a regular kitchen and a theatre kitchen?
The key difference is visibility. Theatre kitchens must balance operational efficiency, aesthetics, and safety, as customers can see and sometimes sit close to the cooking process. This requires enhanced ventilation design, cleaner layouts, quieter equipment, and higher finish standards.
Can a theatre kitchen be installed in any space?
Not every space is suitable, but many can be adapted. Ceiling height, ventilation routes, fire safety, and customer proximity all need careful assessment. A site survey helps determine whether a theatre kitchen is viable in your space.
How do I plan a theatre kitchen?
Planning starts with understanding the menu, cooking methods, service style, and customer experience you want to create. From there, layout, equipment selection, ventilation, fire safety, and workflow are designed to support both performance and production.
Will you work directly with our chef during the design process?
Yes. Collaboration with chefs is essential for theatre kitchens. Designs are developed around cooking style, menu flow, and performance needs to ensure the kitchen works in real service conditions.
What regulations apply to theatre kitchens?
Theatre kitchens must comply with standard commercial kitchen regulations covering food hygiene, gas and electrical safety, ventilation, and fire protection. Additional consideration is given to customer safety due to the open nature of the space.
Are special health & safety measures required for theatre kitchens?
Yes. Best practices include controlled appliance positioning, heat shielding, splash protection, clear staff zones, and carefully managed customer separation. These measures protect both staff and guests while maintaining visibility.
Can a theatre kitchen be installed outdoors?
Yes. Outdoor theatre kitchens are possible, provided equipment, ventilation, weather protection, and safety controls are correctly designed. Outdoor installations require additional planning to manage exposure, access, and compliance.
Is a theatre kitchen suitable for all cuisines?
Most cuisines can be adapted for theatre kitchens, but some cooking methods may require additional controls. High-flame, smoke-heavy, or oil-intensive cooking can still be showcased with correct equipment and ventilation design.
How does ventilation work in a theatre kitchen?
Ventilation is a critical element. Systems are designed to remove heat, smoke, and odours efficiently while remaining discreet and visually integrated. Quiet operation and effective capture are essential in open environments.
How do I start a theatre kitchen project?
The first step is a site survey and concept discussion. This allows feasibility, layout options, ventilation routes, and budget considerations to be assessed before design development begins.
Do you offer site surveys and quotations?
Yes. A free site survey and quotation is provided to assess the space, discuss performance goals, and outline costs before progressing.
How much does a theatre kitchen cost?
Costs vary depending on size, equipment choice, ventilation complexity, finishes, and safety features. Theatre kitchens typically require higher-spec design and installation due to visibility and performance demands.
Can theatre kitchens be installed as part of a refurbishment?
Yes. Theatre kitchens are often introduced during refurbishments to enhance customer experience. Existing kitchens can be reconfigured to support open cooking where feasible.
Do you work with engineers and installers on theatre kitchens?
Yes. Theatre kitchen projects are coordinated with engineers and installers to ensure services, ventilation, fire safety systems, and finishes integrate seamlessly.
How long does a theatre kitchen installation take?
Timelines depend on complexity, equipment lead times, and site conditions. Proper planning ensures installation is efficient and aligned with opening schedules.
What areas do you cover for theatre kitchen design and installation?
Theatre kitchen design and installation services are available across London, Essex, and inside and around the M25, supporting hospitality venues of all sizes.
Why choose a specialist for theatre kitchen design?
Specialists understand the balance between performance, safety, compliance, and visual impact. This ensures theatre kitchens are not only impressive but practical, compliant, and built to perform under live service conditions.