Outdoor Kitchen Garden Design in London
We design and build outdoor kitchens as part of complete garden transformations across London. Not just a grill on a patio. A properly designed cooking and dining space that works with the rest of your garden, your house, and how you actually use the space. If you are serious about an outdoor kitchen that looks like it belongs, call us on 0203 834 9807 or get in touch online for a free consultation.
What We Design and Build
An outdoor kitchen only works when the whole garden is designed around it. We handle everything from the initial concept through to the finished space. Every project is different, but most outdoor kitchen gardens we design in London include:
- Bespoke kitchen layout designed around your garden shape, whether that is a straight run against a wall, an L-shape, or a full island unit
- Built-in BBQ grills, pizza ovens, sinks, fridges and worktop surfaces specified for outdoor use
- Porcelain, granite or composite worktops rated for UV, frost and rain
- Weatherproof cabinetry in stainless steel, powder-coated aluminium or marine-grade composite
- Gas, water and electrical connections planned and installed by certified tradespeople
- Paving, decking or resin-bound surfacing around the kitchen and dining area
- Integrated garden lighting for cooking, dining and ambience
- Pergola, canopy or louvred roof structures for weather protection
- Planting design around the kitchen, herb beds, screening, softening hard edges
- Dining and lounge seating zones connected to the kitchen
The difference between us and a kitchen supplier is that we design the entire outdoor space. The kitchen does not sit awkwardly on a bare patio. It fits into a garden that has been thought through from boundary to boundary.
Outdoor Kitchen Costs in London
London adds a premium to any build project, and outdoor kitchens are no exception. Here is what you can realistically expect to spend in 2026.
| Project Level | What You Get | Typical Cost (London) |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | Built-in BBQ, prep surface, storage cupboard. Basic paving. No plumbing. | £5,000 – £8,000 |
| Mid-range | Gas BBQ, sink with running water, fridge, granite or porcelain worktop, lighting, surrounding paving and planting. | £10,000 – £18,000 |
| Full specification | Island or L-shape layout, pizza oven, grill, sink, fridge, wine cooler, pergola or louvred roof, bespoke cabinetry, full garden design around the kitchen. | £20,000 – £35,000+ |
These figures cover design, materials and installation. They do not include the wider garden redesign if you want the rest of the space done at the same time, though bundling everything into one project usually saves money compared to doing it in stages.
What Drives the Price
- Appliance specification: A basic three-burner gas grill starts at around £500. A premium built-in model with rotisserie and sear station runs £2,000 to £4,000. Pizza ovens sit between £1,500 and £5,000 depending on wood-fired or gas.
- Worktops: Porcelain from £200/sqm installed. Granite from £300/sqm. Dekton and sintered stone from £350/sqm.
- Plumbing and gas: Running water and waste to a sink costs £800 to £2,000 depending on distance from the house. Gas connection for a grill £400 to £1,000.
- Electrics: Outdoor sockets, lighting circuits and any fridge supply typically £600 to £1,500.
- Structures: A timber pergola over the kitchen area from £2,500. A louvred roof system from £5,000. Both add usability in British weather.
For a full breakdown of garden design and build costs across London, see our garden design cost guide.
How We Work
Every outdoor kitchen project follows our standard design and build process.
- Free consultation and site visit. We come to your garden, measure the space, talk through how you cook and entertain, and discuss your budget. No charge, no obligation.
- Concept design. We produce a layout showing the kitchen position, the dining area, planting zones and any structures. You get a 3D visual so you can see exactly what the finished space will look like.
- Detailed specification. Once you are happy with the layout, we specify every element: appliances, worktop material, cabinetry finish, paving, plants. You get a fully itemised quote.
- Build. Our landscaping team handles everything: groundworks, drainage, gas and electrical (via certified contractors), masonry, cabinetry installation, paving, planting. A typical mid-range outdoor kitchen build takes 2 to 4 weeks on site.
- Handover and aftercare. We walk you through everything, provide care instructions for plants and appliances, and stay available for any questions.
Outdoor Kitchen Ideas for London Gardens
London gardens come with constraints. Most are compact. Many are overlooked. Rear access is often limited. These are things we deal with on every project, and an outdoor kitchen actually works well in tighter spaces because it gives the garden a clear purpose.
Side return kitchens
That narrow strip down the side of a Victorian or Edwardian terrace is often wasted. A linear outdoor kitchen fits perfectly here, with a worktop run against the wall and a grill at one end. We have designed side return kitchens as narrow as 1.2 metres that still include a built-in BBQ, prep surface and storage.
Courtyard and small garden kitchens
In a small courtyard garden, the kitchen can double as a feature wall. Built against the back boundary with a pergola overhead, it creates a defined room within the garden. Pair it with a fold-down or pull-out dining table to save space when you are not entertaining.
Rear garden kitchen with dining terrace
The most common setup in London. The kitchen sits on a paved terrace near the house, with a dining table between it and the lawn or planted area beyond. This keeps the services (gas, water, electric) close to the house, which cuts cost and disruption.
Garden room and kitchen combination
Increasingly popular in larger London gardens. An insulated garden room for year-round use, with an outdoor kitchen built into a covered area alongside it. Check our guide on garden room planning permission before committing to this route.
Planning Permission for Outdoor Kitchens
Most outdoor kitchens in London do not need planning permission. They fall under permitted development as long as the structure is not more than 2.5 metres high at the eaves, does not cover more than 50% of the garden, and is not forward of the principal elevation. A freestanding kitchen or one built against a fence is almost always fine.
The exceptions: if you are in a conservation area, a listed building, or want to add a permanent roofed structure over 2.5 metres, you may need to apply. We check all of this at the design stage so there are no surprises.
Gas and electrical work must be carried out by certified professionals and signed off. We handle all of that as part of the build.
Materials That Work Outdoors in London
The British climate is the main design constraint. Everything in an outdoor kitchen needs to handle rain, frost, UV exposure and temperature swings from -5 to 35 degrees. We specify:
- Worktops: Porcelain slabs (Dekton, Neolith, Lapitec) are our default recommendation. Frost-proof, UV stable, heat resistant, non-porous. Granite is the next choice for a more natural look.
- Cabinetry: Marine-grade stainless steel or powder-coated aluminium. No timber frames, no MDF. Soft-close drawers and push-to-open doors rated for outdoor use.
- Grills and ovens: 304-grade stainless steel minimum. We typically specify brands like Napoleon, Beefeater, or Bull for built-in grills. For pizza ovens, Alfa and DeliVita perform well in UK conditions.
- Paving: Porcelain paving tiles (20mm outdoor grade) around the kitchen. They are non-slip, frost-proof and easy to clean. Budget from £40 to £80/sqm for materials plus £40 to £60/sqm for installation.
For more on choosing the right hard landscaping materials, see our materials guide.
Areas We Cover Across London
We design and build outdoor kitchens across Greater London, with particular experience in:
- South West London: Fulham, Chelsea, Hammersmith, Putney, Barnes, Wandsworth, Battersea, Clapham, Richmond, Wimbledon
- North London: Islington, Camden, Highgate, Hampstead, Muswell Hill, Crouch End
- West London: Kensington, Chiswick, Ealing, Shepherd's Bush
- South East London: Greenwich, Blackheath, Dulwich, Forest Hill, Lewisham
We also work across Kent, Surrey, Essex and Buckinghamshire. If you are outside these areas but within the M25 or Home Counties, get in touch and we will let you know.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an outdoor kitchen cost in London?
A basic built-in BBQ setup starts from around £5,000. A mid-range outdoor kitchen with grill, sink, fridge, worktops and lighting typically costs £10,000 to £18,000 including installation. Full specification kitchens with pizza ovens, pergolas and bespoke cabinetry run £20,000 to £35,000 or more.
Do I need planning permission for an outdoor kitchen?
Usually not. Most outdoor kitchens fall under permitted development. The main restrictions are on height (under 2.5m), coverage (under 50% of garden) and position (behind the front of the house). Conservation areas and listed buildings have stricter rules. We check this during the design stage.
Can you build an outdoor kitchen in a small London garden?
Yes. We have designed outdoor kitchens for gardens as small as 15 square metres. A linear run against a boundary wall or fence works in tight spaces. Side returns are another option that most homeowners overlook.
How long does it take to design and build an outdoor kitchen?
Allow 2 to 3 weeks for the design phase and 2 to 4 weeks for the build. Total project time from first meeting to cooking your first steak is typically 6 to 8 weeks. Complex builds with extensive plumbing, gas, or structural work may take longer.
What is the best worktop material for an outdoor kitchen in the UK?
Porcelain slab (Dekton, Neolith) is our go-to recommendation. It handles frost, heat, UV and staining better than any natural stone. Granite is the second choice, but needs periodic sealing. Avoid marble, timber or standard kitchen laminate outdoors.
Can I use an outdoor kitchen in winter?
Absolutely. A well-designed outdoor kitchen with a pergola or louvred roof, patio heaters or a fire pit, and good lighting gets used year-round. Most of our clients cook outside at least twice a week from March to October and once or twice a month through winter.
Do you just design the kitchen or the whole garden?
We design the whole garden. An outdoor kitchen works best as part of a complete garden design, not bolted onto an existing space. That said, if your garden is already well designed and you just want a kitchen added, we can work with what you have.
Get Started on Your Outdoor Kitchen
The first step is a free consultation and site visit. We will look at your garden, discuss how you want to use the space, and talk through realistic budgets. No obligation, no hard sell.
Call 0203 834 9807 or get in touch online to book your free consultation. We have been designing and building gardens across London and the South East for over fifteen years. Fully insured, RHS and City and Guilds qualified, and members of the Association of Professional Landscapers.
See examples of our work on our portfolio page, or explore our other London services: