Restaurant Fit-Out Contractor in London
Introduction
LCC is a London restaurant fit-out contractor delivering design, approvals and construction under one roof. Our ARB-registered architects, who are also RIBA and BIID members, work alongside our fully qualified construction team and stay involved from the first concept to opening day. That continuity means the design intent is protected on site, decisions are made quickly, and operators deal with a single team accountable for the whole project.
Since 2014 we have delivered restaurants for independent operators and international brands across London, including Haidilao, Kintan and Yakiniku Like, in high-street units, shopping centres and listed buildings.
Design and Planning
Every restaurant project starts with a clear plan. We develop the layout, front and back-of-house flow, seating capacity, kitchen design and interior finishes with the operator before any construction price is given. This approach removes guesswork, keeps budgets realistic and avoids costly changes once work has started on site.
Where required, we prepare and manage planning applications, change of use, listed building consent and Building Regulations submissions, and coordinate fire strategy, acoustic and ventilation reports.
Landlord Approvals and Licence to Alter
Restaurant fit-outs in London rarely proceed without landlord consent. We prepare Licence to Alter packages, Category A and Category B design submissions, RAMS and programme information to the standard expected by major landlords and shopping-centre management teams. Our experience of working within shopping centres means we understand out-of-hours working, strict access and delivery procedures, hot-works permits and the coordination required in occupied, high-risk environments.
Commercial Kitchens, Extraction and M&E
The kitchen is the engine of any restaurant. We design and install commercial kitchens, extraction and ventilation systems, gas and electrical services, drainage, grease management and fire suppression, coordinated with the kitchen supplier and the landlord's base-building services. All work is tested, certified and handed over with full documentation.
Joinery, Finishes and Front of House
We deliver bespoke joinery, bar counters, banquette seating, feature ceilings, lighting and signage, built to the agreed design and finished to the standard international brands expect.
International Brand Rollouts
LCC has extensive experience delivering restaurants for Chinese and Japanese brands, from Haidilao to Yakiniku Like at Westfield Stratford and Kintan at Oxford Circus. We understand the operating standards, kitchen equipment and dining formats these brands bring, including table grills, hot-pot stations and specialist extraction, and how to adapt them to UK Building Regulations, fire safety requirements and landlord approvals.
Our team speaks English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Japanese, so brand and head-office teams can work with us directly, without losing detail in translation. We act as the local design and delivery partner, protecting the brand's identity while making sure the restaurant is compliant, approved and ready to open on time.
Our team brings over 20 years' experience working with Chinese and Asian brands. We regularly coordinate furniture, joinery, lighting and equipment supplied from China, checking specifications and certification against UK standards, planning deliveries around the programme and installing them on site.
Fast-Track Delivery and Aftercare
We understand that every day a restaurant is closed is lost revenue. Our programmes are planned to protect opening dates, and on refurbishment projects we can phase work to keep trading where possible. After handover, our maintenance team provides reactive and planned support, 7am to 9pm, every day.
Why Operators Choose LCC
- Architect-led design and construction from one team
- Experience with major London landlords and shopping centres
- Commercial kitchens, extraction and M&E delivered in-house and coordinated
- English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Japanese spoken
- Accredited: ARB, RIBA, BIID, CHAS, Constructionline, SSIP
Selected projects
Restaurant fit-out in practice
Haidilao Hot Pot
Piccadilly Circus, London
Yakiniku Like
Westfield Stratford City, London
Kintan Japanese BBQ
Oxford Circus, LondonFrequently Asked Questions
How long does a restaurant fit-out take in London?
It depends on the size of the unit, the condition of the shell, the kitchen and extraction requirements and the landlord's approval process. We agree a realistic programme at design stage and plan around your opening date.
How much does a restaurant fit-out cost?
Cost is driven by the condition of the unit, the kitchen and extraction specification, M&E services, joinery and finishes, and landlord requirements. We give a construction price once the design and your choices are confirmed, so the figure is accurate.
Do I need landlord consent for a restaurant fit-out?
In almost all cases, yes. Most leases require a Licence to Alter before work starts. We prepare and manage the full approval package for you.
Do I need planning permission to open a restaurant?
It depends on the unit's current use class, any external changes, new extraction flues and whether the building is listed or in a conservation area. We check this at the start and handle any applications needed.
Can you design and build my restaurant?
Yes. Our ARB-registered architects design the restaurant and stay involved throughout construction, so you deal with one team from concept to opening.
Do you work in shopping centres?
Yes. We have experience in major London shopping centres, including Westfield, and understand their approval procedures, out-of-hours working and strict site rules.
Can you install commercial kitchens and extraction?
Yes. We design and install commercial kitchens, extraction and ventilation, HVAC, gas, drainage and fire suppression, coordinated with your kitchen supplier and the landlord's services.
Do you work with Chinese and Japanese restaurant brands?
Yes. We have delivered restaurants for brands including Haidilao, Yakiniku Like and Kintan, and our team speaks Mandarin, Cantonese and Japanese.
Can you help an overseas brand open its first restaurant in London?
Yes. We act as the local design and delivery partner, adapting brand standards to UK regulations and landlord requirements and managing the project from start to finish.
Can you work with furniture and equipment supplied from China?
Yes. Our team has over 20 years' experience with Chinese and Asian brands. We coordinate items supplied from China, check they meet UK standards, and plan delivery and installation around the programme.
Do you handle Building Regulations and fire safety?
Yes. We prepare Building Regulations submissions and coordinate fire strategy, means of escape, fire alarm and emergency lighting.
Can you refurbish my restaurant while it stays open?
In many cases, yes. We can phase the work and use out-of-hours working to keep disruption to trading to a minimum.
Do you provide restaurant interior design?
Yes. Our architects and interior designers develop the layout, seating, lighting, finishes and branding to create a restaurant that works for both customers and staff.
Can you take over a unit from a previous tenant?
Yes. We survey the existing unit, advise on what can be reused and what must be replaced, and design around it to save time and cost.
Do you provide bespoke joinery?
Yes. We deliver bar counters, banquettes, feature walls, ceilings and display joinery made to the approved design.
What areas do you cover?
We work across London, including the West End, the City and major shopping centres.
Are you accredited?
Yes. Our team includes ARB-registered architects who are RIBA and BIID members, and LCC holds CHAS, Constructionline and SSIP accreditation.
Do you provide RAMS and health and safety documentation?
Yes. We prepare RAMS, programmes and health and safety documents to the standard landlords and shopping centres require.
What happens after the restaurant opens?
Our maintenance team provides reactive and planned maintenance, 7am to 9pm, every day.
Do you work on hot-pot and Korean or Japanese BBQ restaurants?
Yes. We understand the specialist table extraction, gas and ventilation these formats need.
How do I start a restaurant fit-out with LCC?
Call 020 8960 8899 or email info@lccontractor.co.uk. We start with a consultation and a site visit, then develop the design before giving a construction price.
Planning a new restaurant or refurbishing an existing one?
Speak to our team on 020 8960 8899 or email info@lccontractor.co.uk to arrange a consultation at our Margaret Street office.
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