Catering equipment, food manufacturing, cookery schools, filming, potography, production…

At The Olive Grows, we endeavour to make starting a catering business, food enterprise or food related project as simple as possible.

Please click on any of the frequently asked questions below and if you still have a question that you would like answered, do not hesitate to call us on 073 7933 9955 or email us at enquiries@theolivegrows.co.uk

General Enquiry

What is the minimum/maximum time I can hire the kitchen?

You can book as little as one half session (of 4 hours). Subject to availability, you can book as many single sessions (of up to 8 hours) as you need, as regularly as you need. For example:

  • One session a week on the same day
  • Two back-to-back sessions (up to 16 hours)
  • A full 24 hours
  • The same session/s every week or on a monthly basis

How far in advance do I have to book?

The sooner you book the better, to ensure your preferred dates can be accommodated, but subject to availability, you can book from the day before.

Once I’ve booked when do I have access?

You can have access from the day before to receive or make deliveries in preparation for your production day. You will need to arrange this separately with us, so please email us with your requirements.

What if I need to extend my shift?

If your production line is vacant for the session immediately after yours, you can extend your booking.

If your production line is booked, you must vacate once your session is complete and leave the production line in a hygienic and safe condition so the next user can start production immediately.

If you need to extend a pre-booked session, please contact us by phone or email as soon as possible to arrange this.

How many users are there one time?

There are two production lines in each kitchen, so on a shared basis, you could be sharing facilities with one other company. We endeavour to ensure that your equipment needs do not clash and you always have your own stainless steel work area and allocated storage/chiller/freezer area.

How many staff can I bring with me?

Up to three people can work on a production line if all are being utilised at the same time. If any of the other production lines are vacant you may be able to bring more staff, so please contact us with your requirements.

Can I bring my own equipment/what is not supplied?

Subject to space and our aproval, you can bring your own equipment. You will need to bring your own knives and chopping boards. You should check with us in advance if you need any specialist equipment as we may not have it available, or may be able to get it for you in time for your session.

Who else has access – what are the security arrangements?

Clients who have made a booking have access to the premises and they are admitted by us.

Can I store ingredients, products or equipment when I am not hiring the production facilities?

Yes, if we have the space available we will do our best to provide storage space. A charge will apply if storage is required for periods longer than your user session plus a day either side.

What is the minimum/maximum time I can hire the kitchen?

You can book as little as one half session (of 4 hours). Subject to availability, you can book as many single sessions (of up to 8 hours) as you need, as regularly as you need. For example:

  • One session a week on the same day
  • Two back-to-back sessions (up to 16 hours)
  • A full 24 hours
  • The same session/s every week or on a monthly basis

Payment & Refund

When do I have to pay?

All hire fees must be paid in advance. You can pay by cheque, cash, credit card or online.

What capital or equipment costs will I incur?

None, unless you have special equipment you wish to bring with you. That is the point of the facilities; we provide a fully functioning kitchen so you don’t have to make a big investment until you are ready for your own commercial premises.

What if I need to cancel?

If you cancel a booking, you will be liable to pay The Olive Grows:

  • 25% of the charges if you cancel within 2 weeks of the commencement of your booking
  • 50% of the charges if you cancel within 72 hours of the commencement of your booking
  • 100% of the charges if you cancel within 24 hours of the commencement of your booking

The cancellation charge will be capped at 25% if we are able to re-book a cancelled session/s, which we will endeavour to do at all times.

Do I have to pay a deposit or make a minimum commitment?

There is no minimum commitment; you can use us just once if that is all you need. We only ask that you pay for your sessions in advance.