Quick answer (summary)

How quickly you get pub finance depends on the product you choose and the completeness of your application. Typical ranges:

• Fast products (merchant cash advances, online short-term loans, asset finance): contact in hours, funds in 24 hours–7 days.
• Term loans, fit-out/refurbishment finance: decisions in days–weeks, funds in 1–4 weeks when security and paperwork are straightforward.
• Commercial mortgages for buying a pub: 4–12+ weeks due to surveys and legal work.

Many pub owners hear from matched lenders or specialist brokers within hours after submitting our short form. Ready to be matched? Get Quote Now.

How UK Business Loans works — our fast-match process

We do not lend. We connect pub owners with lenders and brokers who specialise in hospitality finance. Here’s what happens after you complete the short enquiry form (it usually takes 2 minutes):

1. Enquiry submitted (0–10 minutes)
   You enter basic details about your pub, the amount you need (we typically facilitate £10,000+), and contact info.
2. Instant match (minutes)
   Our platform matches you to a shortlist of specialist lenders/brokers suited to pubs and hospitality.
3. Initial contact (hours–1 business day)
   Matched partners often call or email within hours; some contact on the same business day.
4. Application & documentation (24 hours–2 weeks)
   You and the lender/broker exchange documents. Simpler products require fewer documents and are faster.
5. Decision & offer (same day–4 weeks)
   Lenders make underwriting decisions; offers are issued by email and phone.
6. Funds transferred (same day–several weeks)
   After contracts/agreements are signed and any security is registered, funds are released.

Ready to start? Complete a free eligibility check and we’ll match you with the right specialists: Free Eligibility Check.

Typical timelines by finance type

Below are realistic fastest-to-longer timelines for popular pub finance types, plus the usual documents you’ll be asked for.

Short-term business loans / merchant cash advances

Timeline: contact in hours; funds in 24 hours–5 days for approved applications. Documents: recent bank statements, ID, proof of trading. Fastest when revenue is stable and accounts are in order. Note: these products are typically more expensive.

Invoice finance

Timeline: 24 hours–10 days. Documents: sales ledger, invoices, business bank statements, company accounts. Suitable if you invoice trade customers or operate a pub chain with B2B customers.

Asset & equipment finance (kitchen, cellar, furniture)

Timeline: 3–10 days. Documents: supplier quotations, equipment details, business bank statements. Often quick because the finance is secured on the asset itself.

Business term loans (unsecured or secured)

Timeline: 3 days–4 weeks. Documents: 12 months bank statements, management accounts or latest year accounts, lease or property docs, identification. Secured loans may need valuations if property involved.

Fit-out / refurbishment funding

Timeline: 1–4 weeks depending on security and builder quotes. Documents: contractor quotations, project plan, bank statements, accounts. Faster if you have fixed-price quotes and clear start dates.

Refinance or debt consolidation

Timeline: 2–6 weeks. Documents: details of existing borrowings, bank statements, accounts. Speed depends on how quickly the lender can verify current debts.

Commercial mortgage (buying pub premises)

Timeline: 4–12+ weeks. Documents: full commercial mortgage pack, property valuation and surveys, solicitor instructions. This is the slowest product due to legal and survey requirements.

Want a tailored timeline for the finance you need? Get Quote Now and we’ll match you to lenders who can give a practical timetable for your situation.

What affects how fast you get pub finance

Speed is influenced by:

• Type of finance — unsecured short-term products are quicker; mortgages are slowest.
• Loan size and security — larger amounts and property security require valuations and more checks.
• Credit profile — director credit history and business credit can affect underwriting time.
• Quality of documentation — well-prepared accounts and bank statements speed up decisions.
• Property status — freehold vs leasehold, change-of-use or planning issues can add time.
• Lender pipeline — volumes at the lender or broker can delay processing.
• Using a broker — specialist brokers that we match you to often speed the process by packaging applications correctly.

Do this to speed up the process: gather the checklist below before you submit your enquiry.

How to prepare so you get funds faster — checklist

Do this first. Then do this next. Preparing documents in advance is one of the fastest ways to reduce delays.

1. Latest 12 months’ business bank statements (all pages).
2. Last 2–3 years’ filed accounts, or up-to-date management accounts.
3. VAT returns (if applicable) and company tax references.
4. Lease, tenancy or freehold title documents and any recent rent review/lease terms.
5. Quotations and invoices for the fit-out, equipment or renovation work.
6. Valid ID and proof of address for company directors (passport/driving licence plus utility bill).

Having these ready means lenders can assess faster — sometimes enabling same-week decisions on straightforward cases. When you’re ready, Start Your Enquiry.

Fastest finance options for pubs — recommended routes

If speed is the primary objective, consider these routes (trade-offs noted):

• Merchant cash advance / revenue-based lending — fastest contact and funding but higher cost; suitable for short-term working capital.
• Asset finance — quick for new equipment as the asset itself secures the loan.
• Invoice finance — fast where applicable (if you have trade invoices).
• Online short-term business loans — can fund in days but check fees carefully.

If you’re buying a pub or need long-term, lower-cost funding, a commercial mortgage or longer-term loan is more appropriate even though it takes longer.

Need a specialist fast match? Get matched now — Free Eligibility Check.

Common delays and how UK Business Loans helps

Common causes of delay include missing documents, delayed property valuations, lease complications, and underwriting queues. UK Business Loans helps reduce these delays by:

• Matching you to lenders and brokers who specialise in pubs and hospitality.
• Encouraging a clear document pack before introductions are made.
• Putting you in touch with brokers who can package applications professionally to improve speed and success rates.

Start with a free eligibility check and let us connect you quickly: Free Eligibility Check.

Costs, fees and transparency

Rates and fees vary widely by product, lender and the speed required. Ask any lender or broker you’re put in touch with for:

• Representative interest rate / APR
• Arrangement, broker or facility fees
• Early repayment charges or exit fees
• Any monthly service fees (for invoice/asset finance)

UK Business Loans does not lend money — we introduce your enquiry to specialist lenders and brokers so you can compare cost versus speed. Always request full written terms before accepting an offer.

Important notice

UK Business Loans is an introducer and does not provide regulated financial advice or lend money. We connect businesses with lenders and brokers who can provide finance. Submitting an enquiry does not automatically create an application with a lender and does not affect your credit score. Read lender terms carefully and ask for full cost information before borrowing.

Frequently asked questions

How quickly will a lender contact me after I submit my enquiry?

Most matched lenders or brokers contact within hours during business hours; in some cases you may get a call or email the same day. More complex cases may take longer to assign an appropriate specialist.

What documents will lenders ask for?

Typical requests include 12 months’ bank statements, the latest 2–3 years’ accounts or management accounts, VAT returns (if applicable), lease/title, and ID for directors. Specific products may require extra paperwork (valuations, contractor quotes).

Can new pubs or recent start-ups get finance quickly?

Yes. Some lenders specialise in early-stage hospitality finance, but available amounts and rates depend on trading history, projected cashflow and security offered. Be prepared to provide management accounts, projections and a clear business plan.

Will applying through UK Business Loans affect my credit score?

No — submitting an enquiry through our site itself does not affect your credit file. Individual lenders may carry out credit checks if you apply directly with them.

Which finance option is fastest for a pub refurbishment?

Asset finance (for equipment) and short-term business loans are generally fastest. For larger fit-outs consider a lender that offers refurbishment funding; timing depends on security and contractor quotes.

Can I get funds if I have adverse credit?

Yes — specialist lenders and brokers work with imperfect credit histories, though terms and costs will vary. Complete our short enquiry to be matched to appropriate specialists.

What happens after I get a quote?

You’ll receive terms from a lender or broker. Review fees, repayment schedule, and any security. If you accept, the lender or broker progresses to contracts and funds transfer once conditions are met.

Want a tailored answer to any of the above? Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check.

Get a fast, no‑obligation quote

Ready to see realistic timelines and rates for your pub? Complete our short free enquiry (takes around 2 minutes) and we’ll match you to specialist lenders and brokers who understand pubs and hospitality. Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check.

We also have a dedicated overview page about pubs finance — learn more about options available for pubs and breweries: pubs business loans.