Budget is the first question every restaurateur asks, and the honest answer is: it depends. But ‘it depends’ isn’t useful when you’re trying to decide whether to proceed, how much to borrow, or what to cut. This guide gives you real numbers for London in 2026, and explains what drives the difference between a £50,000 fit-out and a £300,000 one.

The Short Answer

Modern restaurant interior with three round grey tables set with plates, glasses and slim candle holders, surrounded by velvet grey chairs in a softly lit ambience. — Elegant restaurant tables styled with minimalist tableware and ambient lighting.

For a small restaurant or café (under 40 covers), expect to spend £80,000–£150,000 on a complete interior design and fit-out in London. For a mid-sized venue (40–80 covers), the range is typically £150,000–£350,000. For a flagship or luxury destination, £350,000 upwards is realistic, and in some cases, significantly more.

These figures include everything: design fees, materials, furniture, joinery, lighting, and contractor costs. They do not include kitchen equipment, which is a separate line item and can add another £40,000–£120,000 depending on the concept.

What Drives the Cost Up

Elegant dining room with dark slate walls, green velvet chairs, black tables, large arched window and artwork, inspired by Mediterranean and Art Deco styles. — Luxurious restaurant interior featuring green velvet chairs, black tables and dramatic dark walls with an arched window view.

The single biggest variable is the condition of the space you’re starting with. A shell-and-core unit requires full mechanical and electrical installation, floor screeding, and sometimes structural work before any design element is touched. A former restaurant with existing infrastructure can cost 30–40% less to fit out, even if the design is equally ambitious.

Bespoke elements are the second major driver. Custom joinery, banquette frames, back bars, shelving, and counters cost significantly more than off-the-shelf furniture but last longer and create the visual identity that photographs well and builds brand recognition.

Lighting is frequently underbudgeted. A proper lighting design scheme for a restaurant, with dimmable circuits, feature pendants, and carefully positioned accent lighting, can cost £8,000–£25,000 alone. It’s also one of the highest-impact elements in the space.

Design Fees: What to Expect

Luxury waterfront restaurant interior with crystal chandeliers and panoramic views by Oraanj Interior Design — A stunning commercial restaurant interior featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, crystal chandeliers, and panoramic waterfront views designed by Oraanj Interior Design.

Interior design fees in London typically run at 10–15% of the total project value, though some studios charge a fixed project fee. For a £200,000 fit-out, expect to pay £20,000–£30,000 in design fees. This covers space planning, concept development, material specification, technical drawings, and project oversight.

Some studios, including those that offer a combined design and build service, structure their fees differently, often reducing the overall cost by eliminating the gap between designer and contractor.

Where Do Restaurateurs Typically Overspend?

The image shows a modern lounge-style restaurant with a warm and inviting atmosphere. Plush upholstered chairs and comfortable seating are arranged around wooden tables across the dining area. Overhead, decorative hanging light fixtures in soft, colorful textures create a unique and artistic ceiling display. In the background, a well-lit bar showcases bottles and glassware, with soft teal lighting adding depth and ambiance. Indoor plants and greenery enhance the space, giving it a lively and sophisticated feel. The design blends contemporary furniture, ambient lighting, and decorative elements to create an elegant hospitality environment. — A stylish restaurant interior featuring plush seating, artistic hanging lights, and a warmly lit bar.

The most common mistake is over-specifying materials for low-traffic areas while under-specifying in high-wear zones. Luxury wall coverings in a corridor look good on day one and terrible by year two. Cheap flooring in a busy kitchen pass becomes a safety and hygiene issue within months. Spend where customers and staff will feel it.

The second mistake is underestimating acoustic treatment. London restaurants are notoriously loud. Addressing acoustics at the design stage costs far less than adding acoustic panels after opening because the reviews keep mentioning the noise.

Getting the Most From Your Budget

Garden-style restaurant terrace with hanging lights, lush greenery, and elegant outdoor seating. — An elegant outdoor dining space featuring hanging lights, abundant greenery, and stylish seating.

The key is sequencing: resolve the structural and mechanical work first, then invest in the elements your customers will see and touch. A well-lit room with considered materiality and good acoustics will outperform an expensively furnished space that feels uncomfortable.

Our team specialises in restaurant interior design in London across all budget levels. We can help you understand where to invest for maximum commercial return, and where you can save without compromising the experience. Get in touch for a consultation.