Clean with a wire brush to flake out any loose mortar. Re-point if you need to on any loose areas. Then use any masonry paint. If it's a newly built room, then maybe you'll need to consult with Building regs dept, but if it's an existing but with just a change of use, then unlikely, but very good point. Nobody wants to come a cropper!

I agree with Jane, keep them as there are without paint. We are working with clients in Devon at the moment and they have kept a beautiful exposed wall in their kitchen and it looks stunning. They have no regrets.

Bricks are a fired clay product and will give you 4 hours fire resistance so do not worry about fire. If the wall is internal then no problem re heat insulation, however if the wall is an external wall then the insulation to a new wall should meet the current heat insulation standards for a dwelling.How you meet the requirements will depend on the construction. If a new structure it should have been checked by the Building Inspector. If an existing wall then check out the construction to assess where and how it can be insulated - cavity fill would be most discrete if you wish to avoid heat loss. Traditionally almost any paint can be used but will need regular freshening . if you like the bricks then simply seal them with a proprietary brick sealant and no more painting of that wall.

Yes indeed Annarocks. That will work very well. Mander Bros of Wolverhampton used to market a ' thinned version ' of pva in the early 70's ready for use as a brick sealant before they went into demise. It is very effective and can give a gentle sheen to the brickwork and stops the dusting. Enjoy messing about, but try on a sample first to see the effect, and then go for it.

I would consider other materials in the kitchen if you're looking to paint as painted white bricks can look quite cold and your bricks don't have that much texture to them. I'd personally just seal them but it could work if you have lots of wood etc to bring warmth