Business finance for restaurants, pubs & hotels — refurbishment & seasonal cashflow

Summary (short answer): Yes — restaurants, pubs and hotels can access refurbishment funding and seasonal cashflow support via UK Business Loans. Typical solutions include fit-out and asset finance, short-term working capital, invoice finance, merchant cash advances and longer-term secured loans. We match hospitality businesses (from single sites with established trading histories to multi-site operators) with specialist lenders and brokers for a free, no-obligation eligibility check. Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check

Short answer

Yes. Hospitality businesses — including restaurants, pubs and hotels — routinely secure both refurbishment funding and seasonal cashflow facilities. UK Business Loans connects you (free) to lenders and brokers who specialise in hospitality projects and working-capital solutions. Our role is to introduce you so lenders can quote — submitting an enquiry is not an application and will not affect your credit score. Start your free enquiry.

Why hospitality needs refurbishment & seasonal cashflow finance

The hospitality sector has capital demands that differ from many other industries. Common drivers for finance include:

• Refurbishment and fit-outs — updating bars, kitchens, guest rooms, bathrooms and dining areas to stay competitive.
• Regulatory and licensing upgrades — compliance works, ventilation and fire-safety improvements.
• Equipment replacement — commercial kitchens, refrigeration and brewing kit.
• Seasonal dips — many venues need cash to cover staffing, stock and bills during quieter months.
• Growth and repositioning — new menus, extended hours or small site roll-outs.
• Energy efficiency projects — LED lighting, insulation, solar and heat-pump works that reduce running costs but require upfront capital.

Types of finance available to restaurants, pubs & hotels

Below are the main finance options hospitality operators use, with typical uses and high-level size/timescale guidance. Exact availability depends on your trading history, security and lender appetite.

Fit-out / refurbishment finance

Purpose: décor refreshes, kitchen reconfigurations, new bars, structural alterations where allowed.

• Products: unsecured or secured term loans, specialised fit-out loans, landlord-approved funding, hire purchase for fixtures.
• Typical amounts: from £10,000 to £1m+ depending on scope.
• Typical terms: 1–7 years.
• Speed: funding often arranged in 1–3 weeks for standard cases; larger projects take longer for valuations and checks.

Working capital / seasonal cashflow

Purpose: cover payroll, stock and bills through quieter months or ahead of busy season.

• Products: short-term business loans, overdrafts, merchant cash advances (MCAs), invoice finance, revolving credit lines.
• Typical amounts: £10k–£250k (varies widely by turnover).
• Typical terms: days to 12 months for short-term products; invoice finance is ongoing.
• Speed: some cashflow products can deliver funds in 24–72 hours once approved.

Asset & equipment finance

Purpose: replace ovens, refrigeration, POS systems, vehicles or brewing equipment.

• Products: leasing, hire purchase, asset refinance.
• Typical amounts: from £10k upwards; terms 2–7 years.
• Benefits: preserves working capital and can be VAT-efficient.

Refinance & consolidation

Purpose: combine multiple facilities, reduce monthly costs, or extend repayment terms.

Green & sustainability loans

Purpose: energy-efficiency upgrades, EV chargers, solar. Some packages pair loans with grants or incentives.

Who can get these funds? Eligibility explained

Most limited companies and trading hospitality businesses with an established trading record can access these facilities. Lenders typically consider:

• Trading history and turnover — many lenders prefer 12+ months trading and predictable turnover.
• Profitability and cashflow — recent accounts or management accounts help.
• Security — business assets, debentures or personal guarantees may be requested.
• Lease and landlord consent — leasehold refurbishments often require permission.
• Credit profile — adverse credit can limit options but specialist brokers can find alternatives.

What lenders commonly ask for:

• Recent company accounts or management accounts
• 3–6 months business bank statements
• Details of leases, licences or planning where relevant
• Outline cost estimates or contractor quotes for refurbishments
• Evidence of VAT registration and turnover

Typical application process & timelines

Working with UK Business Loans is designed to be fast and low-effort:

1. Complete a short enquiry form — takes around 2 minutes.
2. We match your needs to specialist lenders/brokers on our panel.
3. A matched lender or broker will contact you to discuss terms and request documents.
4. You receive quotes and decide whether to proceed to full application.
5. Funds released once documentation and checks are complete.

Typical funding timings (indicative):

• Invoice finance / merchant cash advances: 24–72 hours once approved.
• Equipment leasing & hire purchase: 3–10 working days.
• Refurbishment/fit-out loans (secured or larger): 1–6 weeks depending on surveys and legal steps.
• Commercial mortgages: several weeks to months.

Cost expectations & what affects rates

Costs vary widely by product, security and risk profile. Key cost components include:

• Interest rate or factor rate (for MCAs).
• Arrangement or facility fees.
• Early repayment charges or administration fees.
• Security or legal costs for secured products.

General guidance (representative only): short-term cashflow products typically carry higher effective costs than longer-term secured loans. Exact rates and fees are set by lenders — UK Business Loans does not set rates and will not promise approvals. A matched lender will provide a clear quote showing costs before you proceed.

Real-world examples (anonymised)

1) Pub refurbishment
A community pub needed a new kitchen and bar area to increase covers. A broker arranged a secured fit-out loan of £120,000; planning and landlord consent were managed, and funds were released within four weeks. Result: improved covers and a 20% rise in weekly takings within three months. See if you’re eligible — Get Quote Now

2) Seasonal cashflow for a seaside restaurant
A coastal restaurant faced a long winter lull. They took a short-term working-capital facility of £25,000 via invoice finance and a small overdraft, bridging to peak season. Funds were available within 48 hours. Result: staff retained and inventory ready for summer trade. Get Quote Now

3) Hotel kitchen equipment upgrade
A boutique hotel upgraded major kitchen appliances via hire purchase for £65,000. Monthly payments preserved cashflow and the VAT treatment was favourable. Equipment supplier fitted new kit within two weeks of approval.

How UK Business Loans helps — matching process & benefits

We act as an introducer to lenders and brokers. The benefits of using UK Business Loans include:

• Speed — one short enquiry connects you to multiple relevant partners.
• Sector expertise — we match hospitality businesses to partners who understand the trade.
• No cost to you — enquiries are free and without obligation.
• Confidential — your details are only shared with lenders/brokers who can help.

We’re not a lender. Submitting an enquiry is not an application — it simply helps us match you to the best available solutions. For more on the types of support we can find, see our business finance overview on business finance.

Compliance note (displayed beside CTAs): UK Business Loans is an introducer — not a lender or financial adviser. Submitting an enquiry is free and does not affect your credit score. Lenders may carry out credit and identity checks if you proceed.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a loan for a full pub refurbishment?

Yes. Lenders and specialist fit-out financiers offer packages for full refurbishments, often combining term-loans with asset finance and staged drawdowns to match contractor milestones.

Will applying through UK Business Loans affect my credit score?

No. The initial enquiry is a soft introduction and does not trigger a credit search. Lenders may perform credit checks at the formal application stage.

What’s the fastest way to get seasonal cashflow?

Invoice finance, merchant cash advances and short-term unsecured business loans are typically the fastest. Speed depends on documentation and lender processes — some offers complete within 24–72 hours.

Do I need landlord consent to borrow for a leasehold refurbishment?

Many lenders expect proof of landlord consent for structural or long-term changes. Some specialist lenders will consider smaller works without consent — your broker will advise.

Can businesses with previous credit issues apply?

Yes — some lenders specialise in higher-risk cases. Options may carry higher costs or require additional security. We’ll try to match you appropriately.

How much does UK Business Loans charge?

Our introduction service is free to businesses. You only pay any agreed fees or charges to the lender or broker you choose to proceed with.

How long until a lender contacts me?

Often within a few hours during business hours. For complex enquiries it may take longer while we find the best match.

Final CTA — get a free eligibility check

Ready to explore options? Click below to complete a short enquiry (about 2 minutes). We’ll match you to suitable lenders and brokers who can provide quotes and next steps.

Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check

Submitting an enquiry is free and not an application. UK Business Loans is an introducer — not a lender or financial adviser. Lenders may carry out checks if you proceed.

Related resources

• Guide: Fit-out finance for restaurants & bars
• Guide: Options for seasonal cashflow in hospitality
• How to improve your hospitality finance application

Want specialist insight? Complete our short form and we’ll connect you to brokers and lenders who understand hospitality lending.

For a broader overview of the products and providers we work with, read our main business finance page on business finance.

Important: UK Business Loans is an introducer and does not provide lending, credit broking or financial advice. Information on this page is for guidance only. Submitting an enquiry is free and not a loan application. Lenders may carry out credit searches and due diligence checks if you proceed with a formal application.

1. Can restaurants, pubs and hotels get a business loan for refurbishment or fit-out?
Yes — hospitality businesses commonly access fit-out and refurbishment finance (term loans, asset finance, hire purchase or specialist fit-out lenders) to fund kitchens, bars, rooms and structural works.

2. What short-term options are available for seasonal cashflow in hospitality?
Typical options include invoice finance, merchant cash advances (MCAs), short-term business loans and overdrafts which can bridge payroll, stock and bills through quieter months.

3. How quickly can I get funds once I apply for seasonal cashflow or equipment finance?
Speed varies by product, but some cashflow products and invoice finance can deliver funds in 24–72 hours while equipment leasing usually takes 3–10 working days and larger secured loans 1–6 weeks.

4. Will submitting an enquiry via UK Business Loans affect my credit score?
No — submitting a free eligibility check is a soft introduction and does not affect your credit score, although lenders may carry out credit checks if you proceed to a formal application.

5. How much can I borrow for a hospitality project or working capital?
Lenders on our panel typically offer facilities from around £10,000 up to £1m+ depending on the product, your turnover and security provided.

6. Do I need landlord consent to borrow for leasehold refurbishments?
Often yes — many lease agreements and lenders require landlord consent for structural or long-term changes, though some specialist lenders may accept smaller works without consent.

7. Can I get hospitality finance with a poor credit history?
Yes — some specialist lenders and brokers work with higher-risk businesses, but options may carry higher costs or require additional security or guarantees.

8. What documents do lenders usually ask for when applying for a business loan for pubs, restaurants or hotels?
Lenders commonly request recent company accounts or management accounts, 3–6 months of business bank statements, VAT registration, lease/licence details and contractor quotes for refurbishments.

9. How much will UK Business Loans charge to introduce me to lenders or brokers?
Our introduction service is free to businesses — you only pay any fees or interest charged by the lender or broker you choose to proceed with.

10. How does UK Business Loans match my hospitality business to the right lenders?
We use a short enquiry to understand your needs and trading profile, then connect you with trusted, FCA-regulated lenders and brokers who specialise in hospitality finance for tailored quotes.