🎭 Leas Cliff Hall – Combi Oven Replacement for Major Theatre Venue in Folkestone

A Historic Local Venue with Big Demands

The Leas Cliff Hall in Folkestone, Kent is one of the region’s most iconic theatres and live music venues. As a long-standing client, we’ve had the pleasure of supporting their catering operations for many years.

When one of their large commercial combination ovens suffered a catastrophic failure after more than a decade of continuous service, we were called in to deliver a replacement solution — quickly and with precision.

🔧 Access Challenges at a Multi-Level Site

The kitchen at Leas Cliff Hall is located two floors below the main auditorium, and access is only possible via small freight lifts. With the replacement ovens being large gas-powered Rational units, we had to measure every clearance to the millimetre.

There was little to no alternative access for such heavy-duty catering equipment, making planning and precision absolutely essential.

🚚 Early Morning Delivery & Complex Installation

To avoid disruption and make use of quiet hours, the equipment was delivered early in the morning and unpacked in the main auditorium.

Key steps in the process:

• Oven doors removed temporarily for tight lift clearance

• Four-man team used to carefully move equipment through narrow access routes

• Lift transit managed with extreme care to avoid damage or delays

🔥 Supplied Equipment

We provided and installed a full Rational system tailored to the venue’s high-volume catering needs:

• 2 × Rational SCCWE201 Combi Ovens

  • Market-leading performance

  • Ideal for heavy-duty, multi-function cooking

  • Excellent post-installation support and reliability

• 10 × Rational Finishing System Trolleys

  • Essential for banqueting operations serving up to 700 guests

  • Enables pre-plating and rapid finishing during service

  • Increases kitchen efficiency and service speed

🧪 Commissioning & Chef Training

After a full day of installation, testing, and commissioning, both ovens were fully operational. But our service didn’t stop there.

We also provided:

• On-site chef training sessions

• Hands-on demonstrations to ensure optimal use of the Rational systems

• Ongoing support to help the team get the most from their investment

✅ Result: Seamless Upgrade for a High-Demand Kitchen

Thanks to detailed planning, on-site experience, and strong supplier relationships, we were able to upgrade Leas Cliff Hall’s core cooking systems with minimal disruption and maximum confidence.

📞 Need Expert Help with a Complex Catering Installation?

Whether you’re running a theatre, school, hotel, or large commercial kitchen — we can help you plan, supply, and install the equipment you need, no matter the logistical challenges.

👉 Call Kent Commercial Kitchen on 01304 249963 to discuss your project.

👇 Scroll down to view photos from the Leas Cliff Hall Rational oven installation.