Pubs come in all shapes and sizes and a variety of kitchens, from fully stocked, professional set-ups to smaller sandwich prep areas. Even if your pub doesn’t have a full kitchen, there are still plenty of ways to offer food to customers

One viable solution could be to hire or strike up a contract with a local mobile food operator, for example a pizza or taco van that can park up outside or nearby. This can be a real boost for a pub's reputation, particularly for those that are wet led, attracting customers for a pre-dinner drink or drinks with their meal.

In a similar way, where a full kitchen isn't available, letting people order and eat food from delivery services such as Uber Eats or Deliveroo in the pub is a simple solution. The benefit of this approach is that it will attract groups looking to enjoy a variety of different menus while all together under one roof.

Franchised kitchens offer another option. Pub operators can partner with a provider who will supply food, staff and all the expertise necessary to run a kitchen while paying an agreed ‘rent’ from their takings. 

A good example of this model operating successfully is in places like London and Brighton where pub groups have been able to create interesting and appealing menus at each of their separate premises, giving a unique and independent feel to the pub and enhancing wet trade at the same time.

The operating style is useful for those that want to differentiate from both their competition and from other pubs in their chain.

These solutions all provide a way for pub owners and operators to set up a viable food offering without having to invest in a bigger kitchen and expensive equipment and have the pressure of combining wet and food sales expertise.

Even for pubs that do not have full kitchen capabilities there is still the ability to provide an element of ‘experience dining’ for regular visitors.

Further information

Contact Savills Pubs, Bars & Restaurants