🏟️ Project Spotlight: Matches Sports Bar – Canterbury

📣 Canterbury’s ‘Cathedral of Sport’ Opens Its Doors

Matches Sports Bar has officially launched in the heart of Canterbury, setting a new benchmark for immersive, entertainment-led hospitality venues in the UK foodservice industry.

This exciting new destination redefines how people watch, play, party, eat, and drink, offering:

• 27 Ultra HD screens for the ultimate sports viewing experience

• 3 interactive darts lanes

• 3 cashless pool tables

• Shuffleboard, karaoke, and private-hire rooms for group entertainment

With its energetic atmosphere and state-of-the-art facilities, Matches has quickly become Canterbury’s go-to venue for live sports, socialising, and casual dining.

🔧 Our Involvement

Having already worked with the client on previous hospitality projects—including Matches Ashford—Kent Commercial Kitchens was delighted to be selected to lead the design and build of the commercial kitchen and back-of-house areas at Matches Canterbury.

Our continued collaboration demonstrates our reliability and expertise in delivering bespoke catering equipment installations across the hospitality sector.

📋 Scope of Work

In just six weeks, we completed a full refurbishment of the kitchen and support infrastructure, combining new commercial catering equipment with the client’s existing reconditioned units. Our team ensured that every item was serviced, installed, and fully integrated into the revised layout.

Key upgrades included:

• Installation of hygienic white UPVC wall cladding

• New slip-resistant vinyl flooring for health and safety compliance

• Suspended ceiling system in the kitchen to improve lighting and airflow

💨 Mechanical & Ventilation Systems

A major focus of this project was a full overhaul of the site’s mechanical and ventilation systems, essential for maintaining a compliant and energy-efficient commercial kitchen setup.

Our installations included:

• A complete commercial kitchen extraction system

• New HVAC and air handling systems

• Dedicated cellar cooling and server room cooling units

The building’s central urban location presented logistical challenges—particularly with the installation of 12 remote cooling and ventilation units on the roof. With tight access and limited space, our team worked closely with engineers and contractors to complete the task safely, efficiently, and without disruption to surrounding businesses.

🍻 Emergency Bar Fit-Out – Going the Extra Mile

Just three days before launch, the client was let down by another contractor responsible for the back bar installation—a critical component of the hospitality area.

Kent Commercial Kitchens stepped in to save the day.

Working alongside our trusted stainless steel fabrication partner, we:

• Designed, built and installed two full stainless steel bar units

• Delivered over 15 metres of bespoke bar fit-out

• Completed the installation within 72 hours, enabling the venue to open on time

🏆 The Outcome

Despite strict deadlines and on-site constraints, the full project was delivered on schedule and to an exceptional standard.

Today, Matches Canterbury is thriving—welcoming sports fans, groups and food lovers alike. It stands as a shining example of what can be achieved with thoughtful design, expert coordination, and a can-do attitude.

📞 Want to Know More?

Thinking of opening or upgrading a hospitality venue?

Call our office today on 01304 249963 to speak to our expert team about your next project.
👇 Scroll down to check out photos from the Matches Canterbury fit-out and see the transformation for yourself!