FAQs

  • Q. What is a Delivery Kitchen?
    A.     Delivery kitchens, also known as dark kitchens, ghost kitchens, or cloud kitchens, are expansive commercial kitchen facilities designed to operate in high-demand delivery areas.

    Q. How Can They Benefit My Food Business?
    A.     Delivery kitchens can significantly enhance your business in two key ways. Firstly, they leverage economies of scale, enabling food brands to increase their daily order volumes. Secondly, they reduce unnecessary costs, as rental expenses are lower than those in high street locations, and fewer staff members are required to operate them.

    Q. Are Delivery Kitchens Only for Large Corporations?
    A.     Not at all. We collaborate with a diverse range of clients, including small independent businesses, established quick-service restaurant (QSR) brands, and a selection of promising startups.

    Q. Does Encore Have Kitchens Outside of London?
    A.     Yes, Encore has locations throughout the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, and Leeds.

  • Q. Are Encore Kitchens Private?
    A.     Yes, all our kitchens are designated for the exclusive use of a specific member and are equipped with keypad locks for added security.

    Q. What is Included With My Kitchen?
    A.     Each kitchen includes the following features:

    • 2 stainless steel work benches

    • 1 double sink with pressure washer

    • Stainless steel wall shelving

    • 1 hand sink

    • Extraction system with stainless steel canopy

    • Fresh air supply

    • 3 gas points

    • 1 three-phase socket

    • 1 single-phase socket

    • Shelving in walk-in fridges

    • Shelving in walk-in freezers

  • Q. What’s included in the price?
    A.     Our prices are all inclusive, which means there are no hidden fees or extra charges. All services and utilities are also included, such as: 

    • Rent

    • Rates

    • Service Charges

    • Cleaning

    • Waste Management

    • Oil Collection

    • Pest Control

    • Internet

    • Gas

    • Electricity

    • Water

    • Ongoing support

    • Facility Maintenance

    Q. Is the Cost of Bills Fixed?
    A.     Our bills charge is not fixed but is based on yearly averages across our existing sites. We have only ever adjusted this figure once.

    Q. Do all Kitchens Have Gas?
    A.     Yes, we have never launched a site without full gas and electrical provision. 

    Q. Can I have a phone line into my kitchen?
    A.     Yes, they come as standard in all of our new kitchens. Some older sites may not have this infrastructure.

    Q. When Can I Access My Encore Kitchen?
    A.     You can access our kitchens 24/7. Trading hours vary from site to site.

    Q. How Do Drivers Collect My Food?
    A.     We keep our systems as simple as possible: the drivers simply follow signs to your door, knock, and pick the food up. 

  • Q. Who is Responsible for My Business's Food Hygiene Rating?
    A.     You are. Food Hygiene Ratings are assigned to businesses rather than properties, so Encore has no responsibility for the hygiene standards maintained by each brand. However, we will do everything within our power to support you in achieving a fair rating.

    Q. Who is Responsible for Ensuring My Equipment is Gas Safe?
    A.     You are responsible. It is essential to ensure that a certified gas engineer has installed and tested your equipment, and you must keep the certification on site.

    Q. Do I Need Insurance?
    A.     Yes, all traders are required to obtain comprehensive insurance that covers the kitchen and its contents, liability, and business interruption.

  • Q. What Type of Agreement Do I Sign?
    A.     Encore operates under a Membership Agreement, which is legally structured as a Licence to Occupy.

    Q. Is There a Deposit?
    A.     Yes, the deposit is approximately equivalent to three months of your Membership Fee.

    Q. How Do I Pay for My Kitchen?
    A.     For your initial payment, you will be charged three months in advance. Subsequently, payments will transition to a monthly direct debit.

    Q. Can I Negotiate My Contract?
    A.     While some aspects of your agreement can be negotiated, the legal framework cannot be altered.

    Q. How Long is My Agreement?
    A.     You are committed to renting an Encore Kitchen for a minimum of one year. At the end of this term, you will have the option to extend or terminate your contract.

    Q. What Happens if I Break My Contract?
    A.     If you break your contract, you will forfeit your deposit or be held liable for the remaining term.

  • Q. I’m interested in seeing a delivery kitchen. How do I book a tour?
    A.     Simply follow this link or click on any of the “Book a Viewing” buttons located on our website. One of our Sales Team members will get in touch with you.

    Q. I’ve seen an Encore Kitchen and want to rent it. What should I do?
    A.     Contact your Sales Representative. They will arrange for a Deposit Agreement to be sent to you via DocuSign. Once you sign it, you’ll receive an invoice for the deposit amount. As soon as this is paid, the kitchen is yours.