National Pizza Day is a great excuse to talk about great pizza. It’s also the perfect time to look at one of the most practical and fast-growing formats in food service right now: shipping container restaurants. All over the UK, containers are being reworked into compact, efficient pizza kitchens that suit takeaway, delivery and relaxed outdoor dining.
One of the best examples is Melt Pizza, a container-based pizza restaurant just around the corner from Philspace HQ. It’s in Bitterne, Southampton, and shows how a single container can become a fully functioning food business with strong local demand, five-star reviews and room to grow.
Why Pizza is Perfect for Shipping Container Restaurants
Pizza works exceptionally well from a container kitchen. The menu can be tight, the equipment layout is predictable, and the cooking process is generally really efficient. Unlike full-service restaurants, pizza operations don’t need large front-of-house spaces, so containers are a perfect fit.
Shipping container kitchens allow operators to focus their budget and effort where it matters, like the quality ingredients, skilled chefs and reliable equipment.
They are also quicker to get operational.
Compared with traditional brick-and-mortar units, containers reduce build time, planning complexity and upfront costs. That speed to market is a big advantage in competitive food locations.
Melt Pizza is a Real-World Example
Melt Pizza works from a single container unit in Whitworth Crescent, just off Bitterne Triangle in Southampton. The container is in a former pub garden, now a sun-drenched outdoor space shared with a neighbouring cocktail bar. It’s a relaxed, al fresco setting with room for dozens of diners, while still supporting takeaway and delivery.
The container itself is outfitted with professional cookery equipment sourced from Italy. Inside, the layout is compact but highly functional, designed specifically around pizza production rather than being a generic food unit.
Chef Gino Nicosia and his team bake a range of delicious pizzas in a high-quality stone oven. This is restaurant-standard cooking in a format many still associate with temporary or low-cost setups. The reality is very different.
Menu Control and Quality at Scale
One of the strongest advantages of container pizza restaurants is menu discipline. Melt Pizza keeps its offering intentionally focused. Customers can choose from familiar classics like Margherita and Pepperoni alongside more unique options such as Tandoori Teaser and The Veganator.
For business owners, these leaner menus reduce waste, simplify staff training and make supply chains easier to manage. Melt Pizza sources many ingredients from London suppliers for consistency, with plans to build stronger relationships with local producers over time.
Outdoor Space Without the Overheads
A key reason shipping container restaurants are so popular is their flexibility with space. Melt Pizza’s garden setting means it can create an experience that feels closer to a permanent restaurant than a takeaway unit.
Because the kitchen footprint is contained within the shipping container, more of the site can be dedicated to seating. This is especially valuable in urban and suburban areas where indoor space is limited or expensive.
Outdoor seating linked to a shipping container kitchen can increase covers without significantly increasing build costs. It also works well seasonally, supporting promotions and events such as Melt Pizza’s Easter holiday offer for families.
Planning, Permissions and Practical Reality
One of the challenges highlighted by Melt Pizza’s founder is planning permission. Despite Southampton being a port city with containers in constant use, securing approval for food service can take time.
That said, container restaurants are now widely accepted across the UK, popping up everywhere from Bristol to Yorkshire, and meanwhile-use sites and hospitality-led developments. Clear planning, professional build quality and thoughtful site integration all help smooth the process.
For business owners seeking containers for sale in Southampton, working with experienced container specialists is essential. A food-grade container must meet hygiene, ventilation, electrical and fire safety standards from day one.
Want to Turn a Shipping Container into A Restaurant?
If you are considering a container-based restaurant, we can help you take the first step. At Philspace, we regularly upgrade our stock, which means we have a range of used containers and portable site offices available for sale.
These units offer a cost-effective, durable starting point for food businesses looking to create takeaway kitchens or small restaurant spaces without the overheads of a traditional build. Our used sale items are ideal for conversion and give you the flexibility to shape a space around your concept.
We keep availability as up-to-date as possible, but stock moves quickly. Take a look at our used sale items or give us a call on 023 8022 3333 to check what is available and talk through your plans. All items are subject to delivery costs, and we are always happy to advise on the most practical option for your site.
FAQs
Can used shipping containers really work for restaurants?
Yes, they can. Used containers are structurally sound, highly adaptable and well-suited to food service when properly converted.
Are used containers more affordable than buying new?
They are. Using a pre-owned container can significantly reduce upfront costs while still providing a durable, long-lasting base for a restaurant or takeaway unit.
Can used containers be adapted for commercial kitchens?
Absolutely. Containers can be modified to include ventilation, insulation, service access and space for professional kitchen equipment.
Is delivery available for used containers?
Yes. Used containers and portable units can be delivered to the site, with delivery costs depending on location and access.
Are container restaurants suitable for permanent use?
They can be. While some operators use containers for temporary or trial locations, many go on to operate them long term.
