A cloud kitchen firm has launched its first coworking kitchen space in London offering both delivery and direct pick-up options for its customers in an innovative new move set to revive the high street.

The Co-Kitchens are a cloud kitchen and food business incubator based in Dubai and the UK offering low-cost coworking kitchen spaces and business development guidance and support for small food startups.

Following the success of their two coworking kitchen spaces in Dubai, the cloud kitchen firm has now opened a new shared space in Dalston complete with a front-of-house that allows for both delivery drivers and customers themselves to pick up their food. Founder Shahzad Bhatti says:

“Cloud kitchens are establishing themselves as a billion dollar industry, but most of them are located in industrial areas or on the outskirts of towns where there are only options for delivery drivers. We’ve created an innovative new concept in the heart of East London that not only allows us to have eight food concepts operating from our kitchen, but also features a front-of-house which allows delivery drivers and customers to come in and efficiently pick up their order from our automated lockers.

This new space is located in a busy central location on the high street rather than industrial or business parks where cloud kitchens are typically located and allows for direct customer sales for our food concepts. Building this tech-enabled retail environment where customers can order online directly with the brand helps them get more money directly in their pocket instead of delivery platforms taking up to 30% commission”.

During their launch phase, The Co-Kitchens have taken on four exciting new food businesses so far – with plans to add several more in the coming weeks:

Mochi Creamery – handmade artisanal treats fusing traditional Japanese mochi and creamy ice cream.

Box Express – authentic Asian, Cajun seafood.

404 Bakery – a specialised chocolate cake shop with a flagship magical 3-texture Gâteau au Chocolat and an original Lisbon Chocolate Cake with a special twist.

Caray – authentic Mexican cuisine.

For UK food businesses, launching a restaurant requires 5-10 staff, 6-12 months to open, and an initial investment of approximately £500,000. To launch with The Co-Kitchens, UK food startups require just 1-3 staff members, up to 3 weeks to open, and an initial investment of under £15,000 for a large, fully equipped kitchen station.

Shahzad explains that this innovative new cloud kitchen concept in the heart of East London is set to change the face of the hospitality and food industry in the UK.

“We’ve been building flexible workspaces for the last 14 years but this particular business model is one of the biggest achievements of my professional life. This model means that we’ll see more brands being able to launch – which is why our incubator element is so important. I want brands to have an experience and build something innovative that will make waves in the food space. We provide them with mentorship, marketing and cross-promotions that they wouldn’t be able to find in other cloud kitchen spaces.

As we grow, our brands and businesses will have the opportunity to grow with us. Over time we will be looking to give different neighbourhoods new food opportunities and replicate this model across the whole of the UK”.

The Co-Kitchens newest Dalston kitchen is located at 584 Kingsland Road, London, E8 4AH.