{"id":1819670,"date":"2026-09-17T17:53:58","date_gmt":"2026-09-17T15:53:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/articles\/how-to-open-a-dark-kitchen-in-the-uk\/"},"modified":"2026-09-17T17:41:21","modified_gmt":"2026-09-17T15:41:21","slug":"how-to-open-a-dark-kitchen-in-the-uk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/articles\/how-to-open-a-dark-kitchen-in-the-uk\/","title":{"rendered":"How to open a dark kitchen in the UK 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Dark kitchens make up around 15% of all food retailers on the major delivery platforms in England, according to publicly funded research led by Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Sheffield. Each one carries the same food law as a restaurant, plus a commission on every order and a planning position councils have not settled. What decides whether one makes money is the arithmetic of a single delivered order.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A dark kitchen removes the dining room and none of the obligations. Registration, the food safety system and the allergen rules are UK-wide in substance; planning, licensing hours and the single-use plastics ban are set out below for England, with differences elsewhere flagged. The commercial side is harder than the legal side: an order sold through an app that also delivers it can leave the kitchen with about a quarter of the menu price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1\">What is a dark kitchen business?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A dark kitchen is a commercial kitchen that prepares food for delivery only, with no dining area and no counter the public can order from, selling through delivery platforms or its own online channel. The research team behind the UK&#8217;s first widely agreed definition describes it as a technology-enabled commercial kitchen operating primarily for delivery, fulfilling remote, on-demand online orders for immediate consumption. Ghost kitchen, cloud kitchen and virtual kitchen are used for the same thing. The same research found that consumers are largely unable to tell which businesses are dark kitchens, and that local authority teams work to different definitions from each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2\">How to open a dark kitchen in the UK, step by step<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The checklist, in the order openings usually run:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Format chosen: own unit, managed kitchen, spare capacity or licensed brand<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Every order costed by channel before the menu is fixed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Planning position confirmed in writing before any lease<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unit checked for extraction, power and rider access<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Food business registered at least 28 days before trading<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Food safety system and allergen flow written<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Packaging chosen to meet the single-use plastics ban<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Late-night licence obtained if hot food leaves after 11pm<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Platforms onboarded and a direct ordering channel built<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Brands, menus and ratings managed week by week<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><thead><tr><th>Stage<\/th><th>What typically happens<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Weeks 1 to 4<\/td><td>Format and menu chosen, order economics modelled, planning position checked with the council<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Weeks 5 to 8<\/td><td>Unit or managed kitchen agreed, food business registered, packaging and suppliers sourced<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Weeks 9 to 12<\/td><td>Fit-out or move-in, food safety system written, staff trained, platform onboarding started<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Weeks 13 onwards<\/td><td>Listings live, inspection and rating, menu trimmed on the first weeks of order data<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Illustrative sequence for an independent operator, L&#8217;Express Franchise, October 2026. A managed kitchen runs faster; a change of use needing planning permission runs much longer.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Choose the format before the menu<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The format decides the capital, the lease and the planning risk. An operator taking its own unit carries the fit-out, the extraction and the change of use; one moving into a managed kitchen site inherits them from the landlord; a restaurant cooking delivery-only brands in spare capacity carries almost nothing new.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><thead><tr><th>Format<\/th><th>What it looks like in practice<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Own unit<\/td><td>A converted unit in Clapham was advertised in 2026 at \u00a335,000 a year, about \u00a32,917 a month, on a full repairing and insuring lease: three self-contained kitchens of 16 to 23 square metres, three-phase power to all three, gas to two, extraction fitted, and sui generis planning in Lambeth<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Managed kitchen site<\/td><td>Karma Kitchen, which runs sites across London, lets kitchens on short leases of typically about a year, according to its co-founder, with utilities and extraction already in place<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Spare capacity<\/td><td>An existing restaurant or takeaway adds delivery-only brands to the same kitchen and staff<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Licensed virtual brand<\/td><td>The kitchen pays a brand owner a monthly fee or a share of orders for a ready-made menu and listing<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Home kitchen<\/td><td>Still a registered food business; platforms and brand licensors commonly exclude it<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Sources: Rightmove listing, WDB Property Commercial; Bisnow, interview with Karma Kitchen co-founder Eccie Newton.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Cost every order by channel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hot food sent out for delivery is standard-rated for VAT at <strong>20%<\/strong>, so a sixth of every hot order belongs to HMRC once the kitchen is registered, and platform commission is then charged on the order value. The worked example uses illustrative food and packaging costs and the fees Uber Eats publishes for the UK:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><thead><tr><th>\u00a315.00 order of hot food<\/th><th>App delivers<\/th><th>Self-delivery via app<\/th><th>Own website<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>VAT at 20%<\/td><td>\u00a32.50<\/td><td>\u00a32.50<\/td><td>\u00a32.50<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Food cost<\/td><td>\u00a33.75<\/td><td>\u00a33.75<\/td><td>\u00a33.75<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Packaging<\/td><td>\u00a30.70<\/td><td>\u00a30.70<\/td><td>\u00a30.70<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Platform or payment fee<\/td><td>\u00a34.50 (30%)<\/td><td>\u00a31.95 (13%)<\/td><td>\u00a30.45 (3% card and ordering)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Left before rent, labour and any driver<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>\u00a33.55<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>\u00a36.10<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>\u00a37.60<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Illustrative inputs, L&#8217;Express Franchise, October 2026. Platform fees: Uber Eats UK pricing page. Self-delivery and own-website orders also carry the cost of a driver or a delivery service.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The same order leaves more than twice as much through a direct channel as through an app that delivers it, which is why most operators treat the platforms as the source of new customers and a direct ordering page as the source of repeat ones. Minimum order values, a separate delivery menu priced above any in-person equivalent, and sides that travel well are the levers most kitchens use to protect the margin.<\/p>\n\n\n        <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-slider-wrapper\" data-slider-id=\"lf-gut-franchise-slider-6acd7fbd0e40a\">\n            <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-slider swiper\">\n                <div class=\"swiper-wrapper\">\n                                            <div class=\"swiper-slide lf-gut-franchise-card\">\n                            <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-image-wrapper\">\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/franchise-dishd-8-360x240.png\" class=\"lf-gut-franchise-image\" alt=\"Dish&#8217;d\">\n                                                                    <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-logo-center\">\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/logo-franchise-dishd.png\" alt=\"Logo\">\n                                    <\/div>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-content\">\n                                <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-title-content\">\n                                    <div>\n                                        <a class=\"lf-gut-franchise-header-link\" href=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/franchise\/dishd\/\">\n                                            <p class=\"lf-gut-franchise-title\">Dish&#8217;d<\/p>\n                                        <\/a>\n                                        <p class=\"lf-gut-franchise-tag-line\">Restaurant Quality Virtual Brands<\/p>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                    <ul class=\"lf-gut-franchise-info-list\">\n                                        <li data-field=\"category\">\n                                            <span class=\"lf-gut-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M12.5852 21.9314H4.92807C3.01378 21.9314 2.05664 20.9355 2.05664 18.9438V10.9771C2.05664 8.98542 3.01378 7.98957 4.92807 7.98957M12.5852 21.9314C10.6709 21.9314 9.71378 20.9355 9.71378 18.9438M12.5852 21.9314H18.3281C20.2424 21.9314 21.1995 20.9355 21.1995 18.9438V5.00205C21.1995 3.01037 20.2424 2.01453 18.3281 2.01453H12.5852C10.6709 2.01453 9.71378 3.01037 9.71378 5.00205M4.92807 7.98957H9.71378M4.92807 7.98957V5.99789C4.92807 4.90247 5.7895 4.00621 6.84235 4.00621H9.81905C9.74248 4.30496 9.71378 4.63359 9.71378 5.00205M9.71378 7.98957V18.9438M9.71378 7.98957V5.00205M9.71378 18.9438V5.00205M13.5424 7.98957V12.9688M17.3709 7.98957V12.9688M5.88521 12.9688V16.9521M16.4138 16.9521H14.4995C13.9731 16.9521 13.5424 17.4003 13.5424 17.948V21.9314H17.3709V17.948C17.3709 17.4003 16.9402 16.9521 16.4138 16.9521Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke-miterlimit=\"10\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span>Restaurant                                        <\/li>\n                                        <li data-field=\"locations\">\n                                            <span class=\"lf-gut-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"19\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 19 22\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M9.62821 12.2473C11.2775 12.2473 12.6145 10.8563 12.6145 9.14032C12.6145 7.42435 11.2775 6.03329 9.62821 6.03329C7.97893 6.03329 6.64192 7.42435 6.64192 9.14032C6.64192 10.8563 7.97893 12.2473 9.62821 12.2473Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"><\/path><path d=\"M1.60735 7.32788C3.49292 -1.29611 15.7731 -1.28615 17.6491 7.33784C18.7498 12.3967 15.7252 16.6788 13.0739 19.3278C11.1501 21.2597 8.10635 21.2597 6.17292 19.3278C3.53121 16.6788 0.506638 12.3868 1.60735 7.32788Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span>70 Locations                                        <\/li>\n                                        <li data-field=\"contribution\">\n                                            <span class=\"lf-gut-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"25\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 25\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M2.05664 9.19308H21.1995M5.88521 17.1598H7.7995M10.1924 17.1598H14.0209M6.30635 4.21387H16.9402C20.3476 4.21387 21.1995 5.09021 21.1995 8.58561V16.7615C21.1995 20.2569 20.3476 21.1332 16.9498 21.1332H6.30635C2.9085 21.1432 2.05664 20.2668 2.05664 16.7714V8.58561C2.05664 5.09021 2.9085 4.21387 6.30635 4.21387Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span>Liquid capital: \u00a315000                                        <\/li>\n                                                                            <\/ul>\n                                <\/div>\n                                                                <a class=\"lf-gut-franchise-button\" rel=\"follow\" href=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/franchise\/dishd\/?demandedocumentation=1&#038;utm_source=media&#038;utm_campaign=cta-slider&#038;utm_medium=https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/articles\/how-to-open-a-dark-kitchen-in-the-uk\/\">I want more info<\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                        <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-slider-nav\">\n                <div class=\"swiper-button-prev\"><\/div>\n                <div class=\"swiper-button-next\"><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        \n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Design the menu around VAT and travel time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">VAT is decided item by item. Under HMRC&#8217;s catering rules, hot takeaway food is standard-rated, while cold takeaway food is generally zero-rated, except confectionery, crisps, ice cream and soft drinks, which are standard-rated wherever they are sold. A delivery menu built around cold items such as salads, sandwiches or poke bowls carries a different VAT bill from one built around fried food, at the same prices. Travel time matters as much, since a delivered dish is eaten some time after it leaves the pass, and dishes that go soggy or separate on the way are the ones customers rate down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Confirm the planning position in writing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is no settled national answer on which use class a dark kitchen occupies in England. Some councils treat it as Class E(g)(iii), light industrial, which allows movement within Class E without permission; others treat it as sui generis, which means a change of use needs planning permission. The London Borough of Camden took enforcement action in June 2018 against a Deliveroo facility in Swiss Cottage, alleging an unauthorised change of use; in a later appeal against Birmingham City Council, the inspector agreed the use was sui generis but allowed the appeal because the operation suited an industrial area. A written view from the planning authority before the lease is signed is the only reliable answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Check the unit for extraction, power and riders<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Extraction and odour<\/strong>: the most common planning condition on this use, and often more expensive than the cooking equipment in a unit never used for food<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Power and gas<\/strong>: three-phase electricity or a gas supply where the menu needs it; brand licensors such as Dish&#8217;d make one of them an entry condition<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rider access<\/strong>: a collection point that keeps riders off the pavement and away from neighbours&#8217; doors, since vehicle movements through the evening draw most objections<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Waste<\/strong>: in England, businesses with 10 or more full-time equivalent employees have separated food waste since 31 March 2025, and smaller ones must from 31 March 2027<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Register the food business and write the safety system<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Registration goes to the local authority covering the kitchen, is free, and is due <strong>28 days<\/strong> before opening; the Food Standards Agency states that trading without it is an offence, including for kitchens selling only through apps or social media. Food businesses must maintain procedures based on hazard analysis principles, and the FSA&#8217;s free Safer Food, Better Business pack is what most independents use. Temperature, cleaning, supplier and training records are what an inspector asks for, and what platforms request at onboarding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Build allergen information into the order flow<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Distance selling carries a duty a counter business does not. The FSA states that where food is sold online or by phone, allergen information must be available before the purchase is completed and again when the food is delivered, in writing and free of charge. Where a customer has customised a dish, the delivered information reflects it, and a business selling through a platform tells customers before they order where the information can be found. Responsibility for accuracy sits with the kitchen, not the app.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"lf-gut-blog-post-cta-efference\" style=\"border-color: #fcb900;\"><div class=\"lf-gut-blog-post-cta-efference__icon\" style=\"color: #fcb900;\"><svg class=\"icon-thumb-up\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"35\" height=\"35\" viewBox=\"0 0 48 48\" fill=\"none\" style=\"color: #fcb900;\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M21.4998 4.89989L20.8499 4.13985L20.8474 4.14202L21.4998 4.89989ZM26.5397 4.89989L27.1922 4.14197L27.1842 4.13526L26.5397 4.89989ZM29.6998 7.62011L30.3547 6.86441L30.3522 6.86223L29.6998 7.62011ZM40.4197 18.3401L41.1776 17.6877L41.1754 17.6851L40.4197 18.3401ZM43.1398 21.5L43.8998 20.8501L43.8977 20.8476L43.1398 21.5ZM43.1398 26.54L43.8977 27.1924L43.9044 27.1845L43.1398 26.54ZM40.4197 29.6999L41.1754 30.3549L41.1776 30.3523L40.4197 29.6999ZM29.6998 40.4199L30.3521 41.1778L30.3547 41.1756L29.6998 40.4199ZM26.5397 43.1399L27.1896 43.8999L27.1921 43.8978L26.5397 43.1399ZM21.4998 43.1399L20.8474 43.8978L20.8553 43.9045L21.4998 43.1399ZM18.3398 40.4199L17.6849 41.1756L17.6874 41.1778L18.3398 40.4199ZM7.57978 29.6999L8.34803 29.0597L8.34206 29.0527L7.57978 29.6999ZM4.87977 26.52L4.11427 27.1635L4.11748 27.1672L4.87977 26.52ZM4.87977 21.52L4.11747 20.8728L4.11428 20.8766L4.87977 21.52ZM7.57978 18.3401L8.3421 18.9873L8.348 18.9803L7.57978 18.3401ZM18.3398 7.62011L17.6874 6.86223L17.6849 6.86442L18.3398 7.62011ZM22.6797 31.88L23.3869 31.1729L23.3416 31.1276L23.291 31.0886L22.6797 31.88ZM30.6198 30.4801L29.6694 30.1688L29.6583 30.2028L29.6496 30.2375L30.6198 30.4801ZM32.8597 23.64L31.917 23.3064L31.9131 23.3175L31.9094 23.3288L32.8597 23.64ZM26.3998 20.0802L25.4113 19.9286L25.4089 19.9442L25.407 19.9598L26.3998 20.0802ZM26.8597 17.0802L25.8819 16.8706L25.8758 16.8995L25.8713 16.9286L26.8597 17.0802ZM25.6398 15.0201L25.2859 15.9554L25.3046 15.9625L25.3235 15.9688L25.6398 15.0201ZM23.5798 15.68L22.7523 15.1185L22.7504 15.1213L23.5798 15.68ZM22.1496 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19.7H17.8198V17.7H16.8798V19.7ZM17.8198 19.7C18.3941 19.7 18.5477 19.8104 18.574 19.8344C18.5776 19.8376 18.6998 19.9386 18.6998 20.48H20.6998C20.6998 19.7014 20.532 18.9123 19.9205 18.3556C19.3318 17.8195 18.5455 17.7 17.8198 17.7V19.7ZM18.6998 20.48V29.6399H20.6998V20.48H18.6998ZM18.6998 29.6399C18.6998 30.1755 18.5805 30.2788 18.5752 30.2838C18.5511 30.3061 18.3996 30.4199 17.8198 30.4199V32.4199C18.56 32.4199 19.3484 32.2937 19.9343 31.751C20.539 31.191 20.6998 30.4043 20.6998 29.6399H18.6998ZM17.8198 30.4199H16.8798V32.4199H17.8198V30.4199ZM16.8798 30.4199C16.2914 30.4199 16.1424 30.3079 16.121 30.2883C16.1152 30.2829 16.0888 30.2593 16.0604 30.1704C16.0287 30.0714 15.9998 29.9055 15.9998 29.6399H13.9998C13.9998 30.4097 14.1585 31.2015 14.7685 31.7616C15.3571 32.302 16.1482 32.4199 16.8798 32.4199V30.4199Z\"\/><\/svg><\/div><h3 class=\"lf-gut-blog-post-cta-efference__title lf-transform-none\">Good to know<\/h3><div class=\"lf-gut-blog-post-cta-efference__lede\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-lexpress-highlighted-text-v2 lf-gut-blog-post-cta-efference__lede\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The single-use plastics ban applies to delivery. Since <strong>1 October 2023<\/strong>, businesses in England may not supply single-use plastic cutlery at all, or ready-to-eat food in polystyrene containers, and the ban covers online orders. Plastic trays and containers remain allowed when they are the packaging the food is delivered in. Trading Standards enforces it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. License late-night hot food<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Supplying hot food to the public between <strong>11pm and 5am<\/strong> is late night refreshment under the Licensing Act 2003 and needs a premises licence, whether the food is eaten on site or delivered. Medway Council&#8217;s guidance makes the practical point that the licensable moment is when the food is handed over, not when the order is taken, so last orders, cooking time and packing time all have to fall before 11pm without a licence. Councils grant delivery-only licences with conditions: a dark kitchen on an industrial estate in Wembley applied to Brent for late night refreshment off the premises to serve Uber Eats orders, and Westminster has granted late hours restricted to delivery to a customer&#8217;s home or business address. Tower Hamlets has used a test purchase against a takeaway serving hot food after 11pm without a licence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">9. Get listed, then build a direct channel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Platform access is contractual. Deliveroo&#8217;s published partner policies require a minimum food hygiene rating of <strong>2<\/strong> and state that a partner falling below it can be removed; other platforms set their own thresholds and onboarding documents. Uber Eats publishes UK fees of <strong>30%<\/strong> when its couriers deliver and <strong>13%<\/strong> for self-delivery or collection; other platforms set rates by contract. A direct ordering page, a Google Business Profile linking to it, and a leaflet or code in every bag are how kitchens move repeat customers off the apps, a route many of the <a href=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/our-franchises\/restaurant\/\">restaurant franchises recruiting in the UK<\/a> also run alongside their own sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">10. Manage brands, menus and ratings week by week<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One kitchen commonly lists several brands, which the Sheffield Hallam researchers found makes dark kitchens harder for local authorities to track and for consumers to identify. The same study found consumers want to know where their food is prepared and to see hygiene ratings and allergen details inside the apps. The food hygiene rating is published on the FSA website from <strong>0<\/strong> to <strong>5<\/strong> in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and as Pass or Improvement Required in Scotland; display at the premises is a legal requirement in Wales and Northern Ireland and voluntary in England, but for a dark kitchen the number that matters is the one a platform or licensor checks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3\">Types of dark kitchen business<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Sheffield Hallam researchers recorded dark kitchens in converted industrial units, shipping containers, kitchens rented by the hour and space inside hotels, pubs and stadiums. The arrangements fall into five groups:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><thead><tr><th>Model<\/th><th>Who carries the planning and fit-out<\/th><th>Typical commitment<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Standalone delivery-only unit<\/td><td>The operator<\/td><td>A commercial lease, often full repairing and insuring<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Managed kitchen site<\/td><td>The site operator<\/td><td>Short leases, typically about a year at Karma Kitchen<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Spare capacity in a restaurant<\/td><td>The existing business<\/td><td>None beyond the brand and packaging<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Licensed virtual brand<\/td><td>The kitchen operator<\/td><td>A monthly fee or a share of orders<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Home kitchen<\/td><td>The householder<\/td><td>Registration; platform rules usually restrict listing<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>L&#8217;Express Franchise, October 2026.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4\">How much does it cost to open a dark kitchen in the UK?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No public or official UK source gives an average start-up cost for a dark kitchen. What can be stated are the statutory lines, the fees the platforms publish, and real asking rents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><thead><tr><th>Cost line<\/th><th>Published figure<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Food business registration<\/td><td>Free, 28 days before opening<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Company incorporation<\/td><td>\u00a3100 online, Companies House fee schedule from 1 February 2026<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Business rates, England<\/td><td>Rateable value \u00d7 43.2p small business or 48.0p standard; 38.2p and 43.0p only where the property qualifies as retail, hospitality or leisure<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Small Business Rate Relief, England<\/td><td>100% at rateable value of \u00a312,000 or less, tapering to nil at \u00a315,000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Own unit, example<\/td><td>\u00a335,000 a year for a three-kitchen unit in Clapham, 2026 listing<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Licensed brands<\/td><td>FoodVerse: from \u00a3499 a month for six brand licences<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Platform fees<\/td><td>Uber Eats: 30% when it delivers, 13% self-delivery; others by contract<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Staff<\/td><td>\u00a312.71 an hour at 21 and over; employer NI 15% above \u00a35,000, 0% for under-21s up to \u00a350,270<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Sources: FSA, Companies House, GOV.UK, HMRC, Rightmove listing, FoodVerse and Uber Eats own pages.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The lines that move a start-up budget most are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Extraction, ventilation and grease management in a unit not previously used for food<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Three-phase electricity or a gas connection where the menu needs it<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Planning fees and professional support where a change of use is required<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Refrigeration, cooking equipment and compliant packaging<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Platform commission on every order, and promotional spend inside the apps<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Working capital: platforms pay out on their own cycle while suppliers and staff are paid on theirs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5\">Dark kitchen franchise opportunities in the UK<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What is sold in this sector is mostly brand licensing into a kitchen the operator already has, priced monthly or on a share of orders, rather than a franchise with an initial fee and a protected territory, the structure described in <a href=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/articles\/an-in-depth-guide-to-franchising-in-the-united-kingdom\/\">an in-depth guide to franchising in the United Kingdom<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Dish&#8217;d<\/strong>, which licenses virtual brands into existing kitchens, publishes no investment figure and sets entry conditions instead: commercial extraction and gas or three-phase electricity, a fully halal kitchen, no alcohol on site, and a minimum food hygiene rating of <strong>3<\/strong>. Its brands cannot be prepared from home or a light commercial kitchen<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Discover DISH&amp;apos;D franchise\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/47Jtq2rZNMI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"lf-gut-blog-post-cta-efference\" style=\"border-color: #9b51e0;\"><div class=\"lf-gut-blog-post-cta-efference__icon\" style=\"color: #9b51e0;\"><svg class=\"icon-thumb-up\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"35\" height=\"35\" viewBox=\"0 0 48 48\" fill=\"none\" style=\"color: #9b51e0;\"><path 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30.5387 7.0239 30.3547 6.86442L29.0448 8.3758ZM32.2197 9.56005H35.6198V7.56005H32.2197V9.56005ZM35.6198 9.56005C37.1875 9.56005 38.4797 10.8522 38.4797 12.4199H40.4797C40.4797 9.74759 38.292 7.56005 35.6198 7.56005V9.56005ZM38.4797 12.4199V15.8201H40.4797V12.4199H38.4797ZM38.4797 15.8201C38.4797 16.3655 38.6209 16.9672 38.8174 17.4959C39.0139 18.0247 39.3014 18.5765 39.6641 18.995L41.1754 17.6851C41.0181 17.5036 40.8356 17.1854 40.6921 16.7993C40.5486 16.4129 40.4797 16.0547 40.4797 15.8201H38.4797ZM39.6619 18.9925L42.3819 22.1524L43.8977 20.8476L41.1776 17.6877L39.6619 18.9925ZM42.3797 22.1499C43.2375 23.153 43.2436 24.8652 42.3751 25.8956L43.9044 27.1845C45.396 25.4149 45.402 22.607 43.8998 20.8501L42.3797 22.1499ZM42.3819 25.8876L39.6619 29.0476L41.1776 30.3523L43.8977 27.1924L42.3819 25.8876ZM39.6641 29.045C39.3035 29.461 39.0157 30.0058 38.818 30.535C38.6203 31.0642 38.4797 31.6659 38.4797 32.22H40.4797C40.4797 31.974 40.5492 31.6157 40.6915 31.2349C40.8338 30.8541 41.0159 30.5389 41.1754 30.3549L39.6641 29.045ZM38.4797 32.22V35.6201H40.4797V32.22H38.4797ZM38.4797 35.6201C38.4797 37.1878 37.1875 38.48 35.6198 38.48V40.48C38.292 40.48 40.4797 38.2924 40.4797 35.6201H38.4797ZM35.6198 38.48H32.2197V40.48H35.6198V38.48ZM32.2197 38.48C31.6744 38.48 31.0726 38.6211 30.544 38.8176C30.0152 39.014 29.4633 39.3015 29.0448 39.6642L30.3547 41.1756C30.5362 41.0183 30.8544 40.8358 31.2405 40.6923C31.6269 40.5488 31.9851 40.48 32.2197 40.48V38.48ZM29.0474 39.662L25.8874 42.382L27.1921 43.8978L30.3521 41.1778L29.0474 39.662ZM25.8899 42.3798C24.8867 43.2376 23.1746 43.2437 22.1442 42.3753L20.8553 43.9045C22.6249 45.3961 25.4328 45.4021 27.1896 43.8999L25.8899 42.3798ZM22.1521 42.382L18.9922 39.662L17.6874 41.1778L20.8474 43.8978L22.1521 42.382ZM18.9947 39.6642C18.5787 39.3037 18.0339 39.0159 17.5047 38.8182C16.9755 38.6205 16.3738 38.48 15.8198 38.48V40.48C16.0657 40.48 16.4241 40.5495 16.8048 40.6917C17.1856 40.834 17.5008 41.0161 17.6849 41.1756L18.9947 39.6642ZM15.8198 38.48H12.3597V40.48H15.8198V38.48ZM12.3597 38.48C10.792 38.48 9.49976 37.1878 9.49976 35.6201H7.49976C7.49976 38.2924 9.6875 40.48 12.3597 40.48V38.48ZM9.49976 35.6201V32.1999H7.49976V35.6201H9.49976ZM9.49976 32.1999C9.49976 31.6539 9.35826 31.0572 9.16508 30.5353C8.9714 30.0121 8.69178 29.4723 8.348 29.0598L6.81156 30.3401C6.96777 30.5276 7.14815 30.8478 7.28945 31.2296C7.43127 31.6127 7.49976 31.966 7.49976 32.1999H9.49976ZM8.34206 29.0527L5.64205 25.8728L4.11748 27.1672L6.81749 30.3472L8.34206 29.0527ZM5.64525 25.8766C4.79794 24.8685 4.79794 23.1715 5.64525 22.1635L4.11428 20.8766C2.64159 22.6285 2.64159 25.4115 4.11428 27.1635L5.64525 25.8766ZM5.64205 22.1672L8.34206 18.9873L6.81749 17.6928L4.11748 20.8728L5.64205 22.1672ZM8.348 18.9803C8.69178 18.5677 8.9714 18.028 9.16508 17.5047C9.35826 16.9828 9.49976 16.3861 9.49976 15.8401H7.49976C7.49976 16.074 7.43127 16.4273 7.28945 16.8104C7.14815 17.1922 6.96777 17.5124 6.81156 17.6999L8.348 18.9803ZM9.49976 15.8401V12.4199H7.49976V15.8401H9.49976ZM9.49976 12.4199C9.49976 10.8522 10.792 9.56005 12.3597 9.56005V7.56005C9.6875 7.56005 7.49976 9.74759 7.49976 12.4199H9.49976ZM12.3597 9.56005H15.8198V7.56005H12.3597V9.56005ZM15.8198 9.56005C16.3651 9.56005 16.9669 9.4189 17.4956 9.22247C18.0244 9.02599 18.5762 8.7385 18.9947 8.3758L17.6849 6.86442C17.5034 7.02171 17.1852 7.2042 16.799 7.34769C16.4127 7.49123 16.0544 7.56005 15.8198 7.56005V9.56005ZM18.9922 8.37798L22.1522 5.65777L20.8474 4.14202L17.6874 6.86224L18.9922 8.37798ZM19.1685 30.4314L22.0685 32.6714L23.291 31.0886L20.3911 28.8486L19.1685 30.4314ZM21.9726 32.5871C22.3408 32.9552 22.8395 33.1544 23.2304 33.2648C23.645 33.3819 24.0864 33.44 24.4598 33.44V31.44C24.2731 31.44 24.0145 31.4081 23.7741 31.3401C23.6565 31.3069 23.5592 31.2695 23.4859 31.233C23.4093 31.1948 23.3839 31.1699 23.3869 31.1729L21.9726 32.5871ZM24.4598 33.44H27.9998V31.44H24.4598V33.44ZM27.9998 33.44C28.799 33.44 29.5865 33.1456 30.2139 32.6881C30.842 32.2301 31.3818 31.5549 31.5899 30.7226L29.6496 30.2375C29.5777 30.5252 29.3675 30.83 29.0356 31.072C28.7031 31.3145 28.3205 31.44 27.9998 31.44V33.44ZM31.5701 30.7913L33.8101 23.9512L31.9094 23.3288L29.6694 30.1688L31.5701 30.7913ZM33.8025 23.9735C34.1312 23.0445 34.0165 22.0828 33.4742 21.3419C32.9352 20.6053 32.0571 20.2 31.0798 20.2V22.2C31.5024 22.2 31.7444 22.3647 31.8603 22.5231C31.973 22.6772 32.0483 22.9354 31.917 23.3064L33.8025 23.9735ZM31.0798 20.2H27.3398V22.2H31.0798V20.2ZM27.3398 20.2C27.3373 20.2 27.3416 20.1997 27.3504 20.2035C27.359 20.2074 27.3692 20.2142 27.3782 20.2243C27.3876 20.235 27.3914 20.2444 27.3923 20.2472C27.3932 20.2503 27.3881 20.2367 27.3925 20.2005L25.407 19.9598C25.2548 21.2156 26.1799 22.2 27.3398 22.2V20.2ZM27.3882 20.2317L27.8482 17.2317L25.8713 16.9286L25.4113 19.9286L27.3882 20.2317ZM27.8375 17.2897C28.1304 15.9229 27.2511 14.5031 25.956 14.0714L25.3235 15.9688C25.7084 16.0971 25.949 16.5575 25.8819 16.8706L27.8375 17.2897ZM25.9937 14.0848C25.3555 13.8433 24.6881 13.9027 24.1473 14.0902C23.612 14.2757 23.0868 14.6256 22.7523 15.1185L24.4072 16.2415C24.4528 16.1744 24.5875 16.0543 24.8023 15.9799C25.0114 15.9074 25.1841 15.9169 25.2859 15.9554L25.9937 14.0848ZM22.7504 15.1213L18.9104 20.8212L20.5691 21.9387L24.4091 16.2387L22.7504 15.1213ZM15.9998 29.6399V20.48H13.9998V29.6399H15.9998ZM15.9998 20.48C15.9998 20.2144 16.0287 20.0485 16.0604 19.9495C16.0888 19.8605 16.1152 19.837 16.121 19.8316C16.1424 19.812 16.2914 19.7 16.8798 19.7V17.7C16.1482 17.7 15.3571 17.8179 14.7685 18.3583C14.1585 18.9183 13.9998 19.7102 13.9998 20.48H15.9998ZM16.8798 19.7H17.8198V17.7H16.8798V19.7ZM17.8198 19.7C18.3941 19.7 18.5477 19.8104 18.574 19.8344C18.5776 19.8376 18.6998 19.9386 18.6998 20.48H20.6998C20.6998 19.7014 20.532 18.9123 19.9205 18.3556C19.3318 17.8195 18.5455 17.7 17.8198 17.7V19.7ZM18.6998 20.48V29.6399H20.6998V20.48H18.6998ZM18.6998 29.6399C18.6998 30.1755 18.5805 30.2788 18.5752 30.2838C18.5511 30.3061 18.3996 30.4199 17.8198 30.4199V32.4199C18.56 32.4199 19.3484 32.2937 19.9343 31.751C20.539 31.191 20.6998 30.4043 20.6998 29.6399H18.6998ZM17.8198 30.4199H16.8798V32.4199H17.8198V30.4199ZM16.8798 30.4199C16.2914 30.4199 16.1424 30.3079 16.121 30.2883C16.1152 30.2829 16.0888 30.2593 16.0604 30.1704C16.0287 30.0714 15.9998 29.9055 15.9998 29.6399H13.9998C13.9998 30.4097 14.1585 31.2015 14.7685 31.7616C15.3571 32.302 16.1482 32.4199 16.8798 32.4199V30.4199Z\"\/><\/svg><\/div><p class=\"lf-gut-blog-post-cta-efference__title lf-transform-none\">Editor&#8217;s tip<\/p><div class=\"lf-gut-blog-post-cta-efference__lede\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-lexpress-highlighted-text-v2 lf-gut-blog-post-cta-efference__lede\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The hygiene rating is the only shopfront a dark kitchen has, and the law points it at a door no customer uses. No UK law requires the rating to be shown on a delivery app; what fills the gap is contract. Platforms and brand licensors set their own minimum ratings, Deliveroo at 2 and Dish&#8217;d at 3, so a score below theirs closes the sales channel whatever the local authority allows.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6\">The practical difficulties operators report<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Commission sets the ceiling<\/strong>: at 30% on top of 20% VAT, an app-delivered order keeps a fraction of its menu price before rent and labour<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The use class is unsettled<\/strong>: one council treats the use as light industrial, the next as sui generis, and enforcement has followed where permission was not sought<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The customer belongs to the platform<\/strong>: listing, ranking and promotions run on a contract the kitchen does not write<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Late hours need a licence<\/strong>: hot food handed over after 11pm without one is an offence, and councils test-purchase<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Allergens are harder without a counter<\/strong>: the information has to be right twice, in writing, with no chance to answer a question across a till<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Neighbours notice the riders<\/strong>: noise, odour and vehicle movements are what objections and planning conditions concentrate on<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7\">The bottom line<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Opening a dark kitchen in the UK removes the dining room and none of the food law: registration 28 days before trading, a written safety system, allergen information twice on every order, compliant packaging, and a late-night licence if hot food leaves after 11pm. The commercial test is the single order. On illustrative figures, a \u00a315 hot order keeps about \u00a33.55 when an app delivers it and about \u00a37.60 through the kitchen&#8217;s own site, so the format, the menu mix and a direct channel decide whether the kitchen pays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n        <div class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block\">\n                            <span                    class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__title\"\n                    style=\"text-transform: none;\"\n                >\n                    Frequently asked questions about opening a dark kitchen in the UK                <\/span>\n                        \n\n<div class=\"wp-block-lexpress-faq-v2-item lf-gut-faq-v2-block__item\"><h3 class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-wrapper\"><button class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question\" type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" data-target=\".lf-gut-answer-dk7p2qn4m\"><span class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-text\">Do you need planning permission for a dark kitchen in the UK?<\/span><span class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-icon\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"icon-thumb-up\" src=\"https:\/\/feb26.lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/i-chevron-white.svg\" alt=\"\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" decoding=\"async\"\/><\/span><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__answer lf-gut-faq-v2-answer-dk7p2qn4mlf-gut-answer-dk7p2qn4m\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It depends on the council. In England, some planning authorities treat a dark kitchen as Class E(g)(iii), light industrial, so a change from another Class E use may not need permission; others treat it as sui generis, which requires permission. Camden took enforcement action on that basis in 2018, and a later appeal against Birmingham City Council also found the use to be sui generis.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-lexpress-faq-v2-item lf-gut-faq-v2-block__item\"><h3 class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-wrapper\"><button class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question\" type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" data-target=\".lf-gut-answer-dk3r8vt5x\"><span class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-text\">Do dark kitchens get a food hygiene rating?<\/span><span class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-icon\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"icon-thumb-up\" src=\"https:\/\/feb26.lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/i-chevron-white.svg\" alt=\"\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" decoding=\"async\"\/><\/span><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__answer lf-gut-faq-v2-answer-dk3r8vt5xlf-gut-answer-dk3r8vt5x\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. Registration triggers a local authority inspection, and in England, Wales and Northern Ireland that produces a rating from 0 to 5 published on the FSA website. Scotland records Pass or Improvement Required. Display at the premises is required in Wales and Northern Ireland and voluntary in England.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-lexpress-faq-v2-item lf-gut-faq-v2-block__item\"><h3 class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-wrapper\"><button class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question\" type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" data-target=\".lf-gut-answer-dk9h4mw2c\"><span class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-text\">Can you run a dark kitchen from home?<\/span><span class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-icon\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"icon-thumb-up\" src=\"https:\/\/feb26.lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/i-chevron-white.svg\" alt=\"\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" decoding=\"async\"\/><\/span><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__answer lf-gut-faq-v2-answer-dk9h4mw2clf-gut-answer-dk9h4mw2c\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A home kitchen selling food commercially is a food business and must register with the local authority 28 days before trading, including when it sells only through apps or social media. The inspection and rating follow. Platforms and brand licensors then apply their own rules, and some, such as Dish&#8217;d, exclude home kitchens.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-lexpress-faq-v2-item lf-gut-faq-v2-block__item\"><h3 class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-wrapper\"><button class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question\" type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" data-target=\".lf-gut-answer-dk5c1zr8k\"><span class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-text\">How much commission do delivery apps charge a dark kitchen?<\/span><span class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-icon\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"icon-thumb-up\" src=\"https:\/\/feb26.lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/i-chevron-white.svg\" alt=\"\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" decoding=\"async\"\/><\/span><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__answer lf-gut-faq-v2-answer-dk5c1zr8klf-gut-answer-dk5c1zr8k\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Uber Eats publishes UK fees of 30% of the order value when its couriers deliver and 13% for self-delivery or collection. Other platforms set rates by contract. On an illustrative \u00a315 hot order, an app delivery leaves about \u00a33.55 after VAT, food, packaging and commission, against about \u00a37.60 through the kitchen&#8217;s own website.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-lexpress-faq-v2-item lf-gut-faq-v2-block__item\"><h3 class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-wrapper\"><button class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question\" type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" data-target=\".lf-gut-answer-dk2v6np9t\"><span class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-text\">Is VAT charged on delivered food?<\/span><span class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-icon\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"icon-thumb-up\" src=\"https:\/\/feb26.lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/i-chevron-white.svg\" alt=\"\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" decoding=\"async\"\/><\/span><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__answer lf-gut-faq-v2-answer-dk2v6np9tlf-gut-answer-dk2v6np9t\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hot food sent out for delivery is standard-rated at 20%. Cold takeaway food is generally zero-rated, except confectionery, crisps, ice cream and soft drinks, which are always standard-rated. VAT registration becomes compulsory once taxable turnover passes \u00a390,000.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-lexpress-faq-v2-item lf-gut-faq-v2-block__item\"><h3 class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-wrapper\"><button class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question\" type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" data-target=\".lf-gut-answer-dk8l3xq6w\"><span class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-text\">Does a dark kitchen need a late-night licence?<\/span><span class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-icon\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"icon-thumb-up\" src=\"https:\/\/feb26.lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/i-chevron-white.svg\" alt=\"\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" decoding=\"async\"\/><\/span><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__answer lf-gut-faq-v2-answer-dk8l3xq6wlf-gut-answer-dk8l3xq6w\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, if it supplies hot food between 11pm and 5am. That is late night refreshment under the Licensing Act 2003 and needs a premises licence, including for delivery-only kitchens. The licensable moment is when the food is handed over, so orders cooked before 11pm but collected after it are caught.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-lexpress-faq-v2-item lf-gut-faq-v2-block__item\"><h3 class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-wrapper\"><button class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question\" type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" data-target=\".lf-gut-answer-dk4p7jm1s\"><span class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-text\">What packaging can a dark kitchen use?<\/span><span class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-icon\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"icon-thumb-up\" src=\"https:\/\/feb26.lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/i-chevron-white.svg\" alt=\"\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" decoding=\"async\"\/><\/span><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__answer lf-gut-faq-v2-answer-dk4p7jm1slf-gut-answer-dk4p7jm1s\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In England, single-use plastic cutlery and polystyrene containers for ready-to-eat food have been banned since 1 October 2023, including for online orders. Plastic trays and containers remain allowed when they are the packaging the food is delivered in. Trading Standards enforces the ban.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-lexpress-faq-v2-item lf-gut-faq-v2-block__item\"><h3 class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-wrapper\"><button class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question\" type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" data-target=\".lf-gut-answer-dk6a2kd8r\"><span class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-text\">Who is responsible for allergen information on delivery apps?<\/span><span class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-icon\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"icon-thumb-up\" src=\"https:\/\/feb26.lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/i-chevron-white.svg\" alt=\"\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" decoding=\"async\"\/><\/span><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__answer lf-gut-faq-v2-answer-dk6a2kd8rlf-gut-answer-dk6a2kd8r\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The food business, not the platform. The FSA requires allergen information before the order is completed and again at delivery, in writing and free of charge, and expects customised dishes to be reflected in what is delivered.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-lexpress-faq-v2-item lf-gut-faq-v2-block__item\"><h3 class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-wrapper\"><button class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question\" type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" data-target=\".lf-gut-answer-dk1r9fb3n\"><span class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-text\">How much does it cost to rent a dark kitchen?<\/span><span class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-icon\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"icon-thumb-up\" src=\"https:\/\/feb26.lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/i-chevron-white.svg\" alt=\"\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" decoding=\"async\"\/><\/span><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__answer lf-gut-faq-v2-answer-dk1r9fb3nlf-gut-answer-dk1r9fb3n\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No national average is published. A three-kitchen unit in Clapham was advertised in 2026 at \u00a335,000 a year on a full repairing and insuring lease, and managed sites such as Karma Kitchen let kitchens on short leases of about a year. Licensed brand models such as FoodVerse start from \u00a3499 a month on top of the kitchen itself.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-lexpress-faq-v2-item lf-gut-faq-v2-block__item\"><h3 class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-wrapper\"><button class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question\" type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" data-target=\".lf-gut-answer-dk7m5ts2h\"><span class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-text\">What hygiene rating do delivery platforms require?<\/span><span class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-icon\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"icon-thumb-up\" src=\"https:\/\/feb26.lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/i-chevron-white.svg\" alt=\"\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" decoding=\"async\"\/><\/span><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__answer lf-gut-faq-v2-answer-dk7m5ts2hlf-gut-answer-dk7m5ts2h\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is set by contract, not law. Deliveroo&#8217;s partner policies require a minimum of 2 and allow removal below it, and brand licensor Dish&#8217;d requires at least 3. Other platforms set their own thresholds at onboarding.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n\n        ","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Dark kitchens make up around 15% of all food retailers on the major delivery platforms in England, according to publicly funded research led by Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Sheffield. Each one carries the same food law as a restaurant, plus a commission on every order and a planning position councils have not [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":994,"featured_media":1819961,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_titles_title":"How to open a dark kitchen | %%currentyear%% guide","_seopress_titles_desc":"Opening a dark kitchen in the UK in %%currentyear%%: food business registration, the allergen rule for delivery, the planning use class, hygiene ratings and costs.","_seopress_robots_index":"","_seopress_robots_follow":"","_seopress_robots_imageindex":"","_seopress_robots_snippet":"","_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_robots_breadcrumbs":"","_seopress_robots_freeze_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_custom_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_canonical":"","_seopress_social_fb_title":"","_seopress_social_fb_desc":"","_seopress_social_fb_img":"","_seopress_social_fb_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_height":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_title":"","_seopress_social_twitter_desc":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_height":0,"_seopress_redirections_value":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled_regex":"","_seopress_redirections_logged_status":"","_seopress_redirections_param":"","_seopress_redirections_type":0,"_seopress_analysis_target_kw":"","_seopress_news_disabled":"","_seopress_video_disabled":"","_seopress_video":[],"_seopress_pro_schemas_manual":[],"_seopress_pro_rich_snippets_disable_all":"","_seopress_pro_rich_snippets_disable":[],"_seopress_pro_schemas":[],"content-type":"","_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"1817414,1566624,1381359,1818754,81911,1816870","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[875,3583],"tags":[],"type-de-post":[438],"class_list":["post-1819670","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-getting-started","category-entrepreneurship","type-de-post-articles"],"acf":[],"permalink_manager":null,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1819670","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/994"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1819670"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1819670\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1819875,"href":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1819670\/revisions\/1819875"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1819961"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1819670"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1819670"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1819670"},{"taxonomy":"type-de-post","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/type-de-post?post=1819670"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}