Guidance for Kitchen Renters
This guidance is designed to help kitchen owners use Kitchen Connect safely and effectively.
Kitchen Connect is part of the Produce West programme and helps connect kitchen owners with individuals or organisations looking for kitchen space.
This document provides practical advice and considerations for using shared kitchens.
Important
This guidance is provided for information and general good practice only. It is not legal, financial, insurance or regulatory advice.
Kitchen Connect is a connection platform only. Any agreements, payments or arrangements are made directly between the kitchen owner and the kitchen renter. The platform does not manage bookings, payments or contracts between users.
Users are responsible for ensuring they comply with relevant laws, food safety requirements, insurance obligations and any agreements they enter into.
Guidance for Food businesses and projects
Kitchen renters may include early-stage food businesses, caterers, community groups, market traders, food educators or product developers.
Before requesting a kitchen, consider the following.
1. Food safety compliance
Food businesses are responsible for ensuring they comply with food safety requirements.
This may include:
- registering your food business with your local authority
- completing food safety training
- implementing food hygiene procedures
- managing allergens appropriately
You may be asked to provide evidence of food safety certification when using a shared kitchen.
2. Insurance
Many kitchen owners will ask renters to hold their own insurance.
This often includes:
- public liability insurance
- product liability insurance
You should confirm the level of insurance required with the kitchen owner.
3. Planning your kitchen requirements
Before contacting a kitchen owner, consider your operational needs.
For example:
- what type of food you will prepare
- what equipment you require
- how often you need the kitchen
- whether you require refrigeration or freezer storage
- whether you require dry storage
- how much preparation space you need
Being clear about your needs helps kitchen owners determine whether their space is suitable.
4. Storage requirements
Some kitchens may offer storage space while others may not.
You may wish to clarify:
- whether overnight storage is allowed
- refrigeration or freezer availability
- dry ingredient storage
- security arrangements for stored items
5. Cleaning responsibilities
Shared kitchens rely on good hygiene and cooperation between users.
You should clarify with the kitchen owner:
- cleaning requirements
- deep cleaning expectations
- approved cleaning products
- waste disposal arrangements
Most kitchens require renters to leave the space clean and ready for the next user.
Shared responsibilities
Kitchen sharing works best when both parties communicate clearly.
Before agreeing to hire a kitchen, you may wish to discuss:
- access times
- equipment usage
- cleaning expectations
- waste disposal
- storage arrangements
- insurance requirements
- pricing and payment terms
- cancellation arrangements
It is often helpful to record these arrangements in writing between the parties.
Messaging on the platform
Kitchen Connect provides a messaging system to help users make initial contact.
Messaging is only enabled once a kitchen renter submits an enquiry and grants consent for communication.
To maintain safety and compliance:
- messages are text-only
- sharing bank details or personal contact details within the platform is restricted
- messages may be monitored for compliance with platform rules
Once both parties are ready to proceed with arrangements, communication moves off the platform and the platform is no longer involved in the interaction.
Resolving issue
If a dispute or issue arises between a kitchen owner and a renter, it should be resolved directly between the parties.
Kitchen Connect does not manage or enforce agreements between users and cannot mediate disputes related to bookings, payments or use of a kitchen.
Good practice for shared kitchens
To support a positive experience for everyone using the platform, we encourage users to follow good shared kitchen practices.
Examples include:
- communicating clearly about expectations
- respecting equipment and facilities
- reporting any equipment faults
- following hygiene and safety procedures
- leaving the kitchen clean and organised
- respecting other users of the space
Final reminder
Kitchen Connect is designed to support collaboration within the regional food ecosystem by helping kitchen owners and food businesses find each other.
However:
- the platform does not manage bookings or payments
- it does not verify compliance of users or kitchens
- all agreements and responsibilities remain between the kitchen owner and the renter.
Users should ensure they understand their responsibilities and seek professional advice where necessary.