🍻 Kernel Brewery Bermondsey – Kitchen & Bar Design and Build

A Full Commercial Fit-Out for One of London’s Leading Craft Breweries

Project Overview: Building a Home for Beer Innovation

The Kernel Brewery is a pioneering craft brewery based in Bermondsey, London. Founded in 2009 by Evin O’Riordain, the brewery began in a small railway arch on Druid Street and quickly became a cornerstone of the now-famous Bermondsey Beer Mile. Inspired by the US craft beer movement, Evin’s vision brought fresh, flavour-forward beers to the UK scene.

Working with Fleet Architects—our trusted collaborators—we were introduced to Evin and brought on to design and build the commercial kitchen and extensive bar for this exciting venue.

📝 Project Brief: Design-Led, Practical and Planning-Compliant

Our scope was to:

• Design a modern, energy-efficient commercial kitchen

• Create a 15-metre stainless steel bar to serve Kernel’s full beer range

• Deliver systems that are planning compliant, particularly in regard to noise and odour control for nearby residents

After presenting our layout and specifications, the client was impressed and commissioned us to carry out the full build of both the kitchen and bar areas.

🔧 Kitchen Area: Safe, Efficient & Fully Equipped

The kitchen required a full commercial installation, including:

• A planning-compliant extraction ventilation system, designed to run quietly while effectively controlling grease and odours

• Fire-rated extract ductwork and a Ceasefire suppression system installed in-house by our team

• New commercial gas pipework and gas safety systems

• Energy-efficient appliances including combi ovens and cooking equipment

All surfaces were upgraded using hygienic wall cladding and slip-resistant vinyl flooring for long-term cleanliness and safety.

🍺 Front of House & Bar: Engineered for High Volume Service with Style and Precision

The front of house area at Kernel Brewery was just as important as the kitchen. It needed to reflect the brand’s stripped-back, industrial aesthetic while delivering the highest functionality and ease of service for busy periods.

We designed and installed nearly 15 metres of custom stainless steel bar equipment, ensuring it would stand up to intensive daily use while being easy to clean and maintain. Key features included:

• Integrated beer drip trays to keep the work area tidy and prevent spillage

• Glass refreshing sprays built into the bar top, allowing staff to rinse and chill glasses quickly between pours for optimal beer presentation

• Under-counter glasswashers to keep up with high demand, reducing turnaround time during peak service

• Refrigerated storage and ice wells to keep garnishes, bottled drinks, and ingredients chilled and ready to serve

Our work didn’t stop with the equipment. We also helped create a comfortable, climate-controlled environment for patrons and staff by installing:

• Samsung 360 air conditioning units that distribute air evenly throughout the seating area without draughts

• A central air handling unit that recirculates cooled or heated air efficiently, helping maintain a consistent indoor temperature regardless of season or external conditions

The end result is a highly efficient, visually striking bar that complements Kernel’s ethos—clean, functional, and built to perform under pressure.

📞 Want Us to Design Your Kitchen or Bar?

If you’re planning a new kitchen, bar, or full commercial fit-out, we’d love to help.

Call us on 01304 249963 to discuss your project with our expert team. We’re ready to bring your vision to life.

📸 Scroll Down to See Photos of the Finished Project

Take a look below to see how the finished bar and kitchen came together—crafted with care, precision, and industry-leading expertise.