2025 F&B Design Trends: Future-Proofing Your Restaurant Space

As the commercial catering industry evolves, so too do the design trends that shape the spaces in which businesses operate. In 2025, our design team are seeing pioneering changes in the industry that your customers could benefit from.

From cutting-edge technology to biophilic design, here are the key trends that are set to dominate F&B design this year.

1. Biophilic Design: Bringing Nature Indoors

Biophilic design continues to gain momentum in commercial spaces, especially in the catering sector. By integrating natural elements, businesses can create spaces that improve employee well-being, enhance customer experiences, and increase productivity.

Key Features:

• Green Walls & Indoor Plants: Living walls and indoor plants not only create a calming, visually pleasing environment but also improve indoor air quality. These elements help reduce stress and enhance mood.
• Natural Materials: Wood, stone, and bamboo are increasingly being used to add warmth and comfort to dining and kitchen spaces. These materials contribute to a more organic, inviting atmosphere.
• Natural Light: Maximising natural light with open floor plans and large windows can improve energy efficiency and create a healthier work environment for employees.

2. Digital Ordering & Flexible Kiosk Design: Revolutionising Catering

The "McDonaldisation" of cafés is boosting speed of service and operator efficiency through digital ordering systems and kiosks, enhancing the customer experience, streamlining operations, and reducing labour costs.

Key Features:

• Digital Ordering Systems: Mobile apps, self-service kiosks, and QR code streamline processes, reduce wait times and personalise customer experience.
• Flexible Kiosk Design: Modular kiosks with digital screens allow businesses to quickly adapt layouts and update menus or promotions, ideal for pop-ups, food courts, or events.
• Operational Efficiency: Combining digital ordering with adaptable kiosks reduces labour needs, speeds up service, and improves flexibility during peak periods.

3. Cutting-Edge Automation: Redefining Cafés and Commercial Kitchens

Automation is transforming the food service industry, boosting efficiency and customer experiences. From automated coffee stations to smart kitchen tech that'll ensure consistency. Robotics and IoT are revolutionising food prep, service, and cleanliness for faster operations.

Key Features:

• Robotic Arm for Coffee: Robotic arms are capable of preparing coffee drinks with precision, handling tasks like grinding, brewing, and frothing milk, ensuring consistent quality and reducing human intervention in busy environments. ifse are currently working with a leading university to introduce this into their new café space.
• IoT for Kitchen Automation: IoT-connected appliances, such as smart ovens and refrigerators, allow for remote monitoring and management, improving energy efficiency and reducing food waste.
• Smart Stock Monitoring: AI-driven inventory systems can track stock levels in real time, automatically updating inventory and generating purchase orders when supplies run low. This reduces the risk of overstocking or running out of ingredients, streamlining operations.

4. Sustainability: Creating a Greener Future

Sustainability is no longer optional, it’s a vital part of modern commercial catering design. As the world shifts towards more eco-conscious practices, businesses in the catering sector are prioritising sustainability to reduce their environmental impact and enhance their brand reputation.

Key Features:

• Eco-Friendly Materials: Sustainable materials like reclaimed wood, bamboo, and recycled metals are increasingly being used in design. These materials not only help reduce waste but also contribute to a healthier environment.
• Energy Efficiency: Energy-efficient lighting, HVAC systems, and renewable energy sources like solar panels are helping reduce operational costs and minimise environmental footprints.
• Waste Reduction: The use of modular furniture and equipment ensures longevity, allowing businesses to reduce waste by reconfiguring and repurposing existing assets rather than discarding them.

5. Flexible Workspaces: Catering to the Hybrid Workforce

As hybrid work models become the norm, commercial catering spaces must evolve to support a variety of work styles and environments. Flexible workspaces are designed to accommodate the diverse needs of employees and customers, fostering creativity, collaboration, and well-being.

Key Features:

• Adaptable Kitchen and Dining Areas: Movable kitchen equipment and multi-purpose dining spaces allow for quick reconfigurations to meet the needs of various events, such as corporate functions or intimate gatherings.
• Collaboration Zones: Collaborative meeting areas and breakout zones are becoming a core feature in commercial spaces. These areas encourage teamwork, brainstorming, and interaction among employees, ensuring productivity in a flexible environment.
• Wellness Zones: Quiet zones and wellness areas are being integrated into office and catering spaces to promote mental well-being. These spaces provide employees with an opportunity to recharge and reduce stress.

Conclusion: Embracing the Future of Commercial Catering Design

The commercial catering industry is evolving at a rapid pace, and businesses must stay ahead of the curve to remain competitive. By embracing the trends of biophilic design, modular design, cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and flexible workspaces, businesses can create spaces that foster productivity, creativity, and employee well-being.

These design trends not only meet the current needs of businesses but also lay the foundation for a more sustainable and adaptable future in commercial catering!

Ready to Future-Proof Your Catering Space? If you're looking to stay ahead of these trends and transform your commercial catering space, we’re here to help. Contact us today to discuss how we can bring your vision to life!

Call us on 020 8667 1167 or email [email protected] to get started.