Whether you're opening a restaurant, bar, coffee shop or cafe for the first time or you want to give your current premises a face lift, you’ll need to consider the cost.

A restaurant or bar fit out involves designing and constructing a space that allows you to serve your customers quickly and safely. This includes everything from the layout of the dining area to the kitchen and bar equipment. So how much does a restaurant fit out cost?

In this guide, we'll go through the factors that can impact the cost of a restaurant and bar fit out, what you’ll need to spend money on and how to keep to your budget.

How much does a restaurant fit out cost per square metre?

The cost of a restaurant fit out will vary depending on a number of factors, including the size of the space, the complexity of the design, and the level of finish you’d like.

On average, the cost of a basic restaurant fit out including labour and materials can range from £1,000 to £3,000 per square metre. However, for higher-end restaurants or those with more complex designs, the cost can be significantly higher, ranging from £3,000 to £10,000 or more per square metre.

It's important to keep in mind that these estimates are just general guidelines, and the cost of a restaurant fit out can vary widely based on your project requirements.

The final cost will also depend on your location – if your restaurant or bar is in London or a major city, it will cost more to fit out than a shop in a more rural area.

Factors affecting restaurant and bar fit out cost

Size of the space

The size of the space being fitted out is a significant factor in determining how much it will cost. A larger space will require more materials, equipment, and labour, which will increase the overall cost of the project.

Type of establishment

The type of establishment being fitted out can also impact the cost of the project. For example, a fine dining restaurant will require a higher level of finish and more expensive materials than a casual diner. Similarly, a bar with a large number of taps and high-end spirits will require more equipment than a smaller, simpler bar.

Design complexity

The complexity of the design can also impact restaurant and bar fit out costs. A more elaborate design will require more time and labour to complete, as well as more expensive materials. A simpler design, on the other hand, will be less expensive to carry out.

Equipment and fixtures

The equipment and fixtures required for a restaurant and bar fit out can also impact the overall cost of the project. As you’d expect, higher-end equipment and fixtures will be more expensive than lower-end options.

Materials

The materials used in a restaurant and bar fit out can also impact the cost of the project. For example, natural stone or high-end wood finishes will be more expensive than laminate or vinyl flooring.

Location

The cost of a restaurant and bar fit out can vary depending on where your premises is located. For example, the cost of a fit out in a major city is likely to be higher than in a smaller town.

HaMuch has a large database of hourly and daily rates for carpenters, joiners and shop fitters from across the country, so look at the table further down the page to get an idea of how much labour will cost in your area.

How to size a restaurant for a fit-out video

Where will my budget go on a restaurant and bar fit out?

There are lots of steps to fitting out a restaurant and bar. While you may work mainly with trained carpenters or joiners, you may also have electricians, plumbers, architects and waste removal specialists on site.

Here’s a breakdown of where you’ll spend your money on a restaurant fit out:

Design and planning

The design and planning phase of a restaurant and bar fit out typically accounts for 10-15% of the overall cost of the project. This includes everything from initial concept development to final design plans.

Demolition and site preparation

Demolition and site preparation usually accounts for 5-10% of the overall cost of a restaurant and bar fit out. Whether you need to remove existing walls and fixtures or simply prepare the site for work to commence, it all costs money.

Mechanical and electrical systems

Mechanical and electrical systems normally make up about 15-20% of the overall cost of a restaurant and bar fit out.

Consider that you’ll probably need an HVAC (air conditioning) system, plumbing for toilets, kitchens and bar areas and electrical wiring for lighting, kitchen and bar equipment and sound systems or TVs.

Finishes

Finishes, including flooring, wall coverings and paint, usually account for 25-30% of your overall budget. Consider whether you can use laminate flooring instead of wooden flooring and mid-range paint instead of premium paint to save money.

Furniture and fixtures

Expect to spend 15-20% of your budget on furniture and fixtures for your restaurant and bar fit out. This includes everything from tables and chairs to lighting fixtures.

Kitchen and bar equipment

You’ll probably spend between 10-15% of your budget on kitchen and bar equipment for your fit out project. This includes ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers and more.

Contingency

Unfortunately, there’s almost always unforeseen expenses in a big project like a restaurant fit out. Factor some extra money into your budget to cover anything that might go wrong during construction. Typically this is about 5-10% of the overall cost of the project.

4 tips for reducing restaurant and bar fit out costs

1. Plan ahead

Planning ahead is key to keeping costs under control. This includes everything from developing a detailed budget to selecting materials and finishes early in the process.

2. Consider used equipment and fixtures

Used equipment and fixtures can be a cost-effective alternative to purchasing new items. However, it is important to ensure that any used items are in good working order and meet all necessary safety requirements. Make sure you get electrical items PAT tested before using them.

3. Simplify your design

Simplifying the design can help reduce the overall cost of the fit out. This can include everything from choosing simpler finishes to reducing the amount of equipment and fixtures required.

4. Optimise your use of space

Make sure you maximise your restaurant or bar space in your designs. Whether you choose a more efficient layout or get custom-made fixtures to fit your space exactly, it’ll help you save money in the long term.

The cost of a restaurant and bar fit out can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, including the location of the establishment, the size of the space, and the complexity of the design. By carefully planning the project and working with experienced professionals, it is possible to keep costs under control without sacrificing quality.

Post your job on HaMuch now to get quotes from reliable carpenters, joiners and shop fitters that can help you with your restaurant fit out project.

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