Kitchen Connect is a platform that helps connect kitchen owners with individuals or organisations looking for kitchen space.

The service allows kitchen owners to list their kitchens and food businesses or community groups to enquire about using them.

Kitchen Connect forms part of the Produce West programme, which supports the regional food ecosystem by helping people find suitable kitchen spaces.

Kitchen Connect helps kitchen owners and renters:

• discover available kitchen spaces
• connect with potential partners
• start conversations about kitchen hire

The platform provides a safe and structured way for users to make initial contact.

No.

Kitchen Connect is a connection service only. The platform does not:

• manage bookings
• process payments
• negotiate agreements
• enforce contracts

Any arrangements, agreements, or payments are made directly between the kitchen owner and the renter.

Kitchen Connect may collect documentation during registration, but the platform does not independently verify:

• kitchen suitability
• business credentials
• regulatory compliance
• insurance validity

Users are responsible for carrying out their own checks before entering into agreements.

The platform is designed for:

Kitchen owners, such as:

• community centres
• schools
• charities
• churches
• shared commercial kitchens
• hospitality venues with spare kitchen capacity

Kitchen renters, including:

• food businesses
• caterers
• street food traders
• product developers
• food educators
• community food projects

Users must be at least 18 years old and capable of entering into agreements.

To contact a kitchen owner, you submit an enquiry form on the kitchen listing.

Submitting an enquiry allows the kitchen owner to message you within the platform.

Messaging can only begin once the renter has given permission to be contacted.

To protect users and maintain a safe environment, messaging is only enabled once a renter submits an enquiry.

This ensures kitchen owners only receive messages from people who have expressed genuine interest.

No.

To protect users and maintain platform rules, the messaging system restricts sharing of:

• personal contact information
• bank details
• payment information

Messages are monitored to ensure compliance with platform policies.

Once a kitchen owner and renter decide to proceed, communication moves off the platform.

At that stage:

• agreements
• bookings
• payments
• contracts

are arranged directly between the parties.

Kitchen Connect is not involved in the arrangement once communication moves off the platform.

When registering, renters may be asked to provide:

• business or project details
• contact information
• information about food activity
• kitchen equipment requirements
• how often kitchen space is needed

Providing accurate information helps kitchen owners determine whether their space is suitable.

Many kitchen owners require renters to hold food safety certification before using a kitchen.

You may be asked to provide a food hygiene certificate as part of the registration process

Many kitchen owners require renters to hold public liability insurance.

You should confirm insurance requirements with the kitchen owner before using the space.

Storage availability varies between venues.

You should discuss storage arrangements with the kitchen owner before agreeing to hire the kitchen.

Some kitchens may allow refrigerated or dry storage, while others may require equipment and ingredients to be removed after use.

Kitchen renters are typically responsible for:

• following food safety procedures
• complying with the kitchen owner’s rules
• cleaning the kitchen after use
• managing waste appropriately
• respecting shared equipment and facilities

Clear communication with the kitchen owner helps ensure expectations are understood.

Kitchen owners and renters are responsible for ensuring they meet all relevant legal, regulatory and insurance requirements.

Kitchen Connect does not assume responsibility for the safe operation of kitchens or food businesses.

If a dispute arises between a kitchen owner and a renter, it should be resolved directly between the parties.

Kitchen Connect does not mediate disputes or enforce agreements between users.

If you need help using the platform or completing registration, the Kitchen Connect team can provide onboarding support.

You can request support during the registration process.