Hythe & Saltwood Sailing Club

Commercial Kitchen & Bar Extension Project

Overview: Bringing New Life to a Coastal Institution

The Hythe & Saltwood Sailing Club, steeped in over six decades of coastal tradition, is a key fixture of the Hythe waterfront in Kent. Established in 1961 under its original name, the Saltwood Sailing Society, the club has evolved from humble beginnings into a thriving community of water sports enthusiasts.

Originally located at Cannongate—half a mile east of the Hotel Imperial—the club moved to its current site in Hythe in 1971, where a purpose-built clubhouse was opened to accommodate the growing number of members and activities. Over the years, this clubhouse has served as a social and sporting hub, offering a welcoming space for sailors, locals, and visitors alike.

Project Brief: Modernising with Purpose

In 2024, the club embarked on a transformative upgrade to expand its facilities and enhance hospitality offerings. The goal was to construct a new kitchen and bar extension, elevating both the form and function of the clubhouse.

The brief we received was focused, yet multifaceted:

• Design and install a fully electric commercial kitchen with no access to gas infrastructure

• Provide dual servery access: one for the general public and another dedicated to club members

• Create a clean, safe, and visually attractive space, given that the kitchen would be in direct view of customers

• Incorporate durable materials and professional-grade appliances that could handle both day-to-day member service and occasional public events

This project represented not only a physical transformation of the club’s amenities, but also a step toward its long-term sustainability—offering broader community engagement and revenue potential through improved catering capabilities.

Design and Materials: Functional Beauty

Given the visibility of the kitchen from both servery windows, aesthetics played a central role in the design. Clean lines, professional finishes, and hygienic surfaces were essential, all without compromising on the durability and functionality required in a working kitchen.

Flooring & Wall Cladding

To ensure long-term safety and cleanliness:

• Slip-resistant commercial vinyl flooring was installed, designed for wet and greasy environments

• Hygienic white uPVC wall cladding was applied throughout, offering a bright, clean look that’s also resistant to mold, stains, and moisture

These materials make the kitchen easy to maintain, helping the club remain compliant with food hygiene regulations while reducing long-term maintenance.

All-Electric Cooking Solution

Due to the absence of a gas line at the site, the kitchen was designed around electric-only appliances. A selection of high-performance units was installed, each chosen for its efficiency and ease of use. These included:

• Commercial electric ovens and hobs

• Griddle and warming units

• Ventilation managed by a simple but effective extraction canopy installed above the cookline

Storage and Sanitation

To support seamless operation, we included:

• Commercial refrigeration and freezer units for perishable goods

• A high-speed commercial dishwasher to keep up with high turnover during events

• Bespoke stainless steel benches, shelving, and deep sinks, custom-fitted to maximize prep and wash-up space while maintaining a cohesive, industrial aesthetic

Outcome: A Kitchen Ready for the Next Chapter

The completed installation has transformed the club’s food and beverage capabilities. The new kitchen is modern, clean, and efficient—perfectly suited for serving club members on a regular basis and accommodating special events or increased footfall during regattas and seasonal gatherings.

Although the timing coincided with a national lockdown, delaying the full launch of the new kitchen, the club is now fully equipped and prepared for increased hospitality operations as activities resume.

This project not only upgraded the facilities—it future-proofed them, offering a flexible and reliable workspace for the years ahead.

Client Feedback

“The team delivered exactly what we needed: a practical, attractive kitchen that has already made a big difference in how we serve our members and guests. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved together.”
— Committee Member, Hythe & Saltwood Sailing Club