I'm a kitchen table girl too - a kitchen diner is perfect for me, the table has a bench at one side, Grandma's inherited jumble sale mismatched chairs with wipe-clean cupcake seats at the other and an auction find second hand balloon back at the head, room for 8 - table stretches to 12 when needed. Currently the table houses 50th birthday flowers, a get well soon card (sciatica), a box of wine delivered yesterday but not yet opened (temptation too great when on these tablets!), the ubiquitous condiments and this laptop. Eating will happen somewhere else tonight. My sister in law has two dishwashers in her island with the double sink (stretchy tap) and waste disposal. They tick my boxes too as long as I'd also have room for my precious well-scrubbed kitchen table.

We have a ceiling mounted extractor in a very large room and it works really well. We ended up with a Brittania BEST extractor (bought from John Lewis) simply because we have a structural steel running above and the position of the internal ducting fit best with that model, though it's a bit bigger than we ideally wanted. The slightly lowered section of ceiling around the extractor is also because of the steel and wouldn't otherwise have been needed. We were actually told that there is a minimum height, rather than maximum, for it to work properly - see http://www.besthoods.co.uk/2011/08/ceiling-extractors-8-things-you-need-to-consider-before-buying-a-ceiling-hood/ It's very powerful and we've had no issues with it. A family member has the pop up option and that has been a bit of a hassle - it's not that powerful and ends up getting dirty from cooking every time.

You could also consider a long linear pendant. You need to shop around to find one that has the power supply at just one end rather than the middle but a lot are made like that.

I would deconstruct it carefully and in sections - take off the plinth first to check what the flooring situation is underneath it. If it's the same as the rest of the room, then remove the higher section. Lay a big bit of cardboard over the remaining units to see whether a single-height peninsula would work for you. If still too much, remove all the units and see how you like the open space. I think I'd be tempted to replace it with a small-ish round table - which can be moved in the space as required, perhaps closer to the window - easier spot to have quick breakfast/lunch at (esp if you have kids).