Pubs & breweries financing: how soon can I fund refurbishment, stock or new premises?
Summary: Short answer — funding can be in your bank from 24 hours to 12+ weeks depending on the route. Urgent stock or short-term cashflow needs are often met fastest (merchant cash advances, invoice finance, supplier credit or short-term loans). Fit-out and equipment finance usually take days–a few weeks. Property-related lending (commercial mortgages, full development finance) typically takes 6–12+ weeks due to valuations and legal work. Read on for a practical timeline, the fastest finance types for pubs and breweries, a documents checklist to speed approval, plus how UK Business Loans helps you get matched quickly to specialist lenders and brokers.
Author: UK Business Loans Content Team • Published: 31 October 2025
The short answer — typical timeframes at a glance
Practical roadmap: if you need cash for a busy weekend or an emergency stock top-up, you could be funded within 24–72 hours. For equipment or staged fit-outs expect days to a few weeks. For buying or mortgaging premises, plan on 6–12+ weeks.
| Product | Typical approval → drawdown | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Merchant cash advance / revenue-based finance | 24 hours – 7 days | Urgent stock; short-term cashflow |
| Short-term business loan (unsecured) | 48 hours – 2 weeks | Small refurbs; working capital |
| Asset / equipment finance | 3 – 14 days | Chillers, tanks, ovens |
| Invoice finance | 1 – 7 days (setup 1–3 weeks) | Businesses with invoices; fast liquidity |
| Supplier / staged fit-out finance | 1 – 4 weeks | Refurbishments with supplier agreements |
| Bridging / development finance | 1 – 6 weeks | Urgent property deals, short-term projects |
| Commercial mortgage | 6 – 12+ weeks | Buying permanent premises |
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UK Business Loans is an introducer and is not a lender or authorised to give regulated financial advice. By contacting us you consent to us sharing your details with selected brokers and lenders. Submitting an enquiry will not affect your credit score. All lending decisions, terms and eligibility are made by the lender.
Why speed varies — key factors lenders check
The headline: timing depends on the product and on factors the lender needs to verify. Typical checks include:
- Documentation completeness — bank statements, management accounts and supplier quotes accelerate decisions.
- Security required — unsecured lending can be quicker, but asset- or property-secured lending takes longer (valuations, charges).
- Credit profile — director credit history and company performance influence underwriting time.
- Lease length and covenants — lenders want an appropriate tenancy/lease for pubs.
- Valuation & legal — property or fixed-asset valuations and solicitor work add weeks.
- Industry experience & seasonal trading — lenders who specialise in hospitality may underwrite faster because they understand margins.
Brokers who specialise in pubs and breweries can shorten times by pre-screening, matching you to the right lender and preparing documents before formal submission.
Free Eligibility Check — Get Quote Now
Our Business Finance Matching Process
Step 1
Complete Your Details
It takes just 1 minute on average to complete your business and contact details.
Step 2
We Match Your Business
With the best business finance broker or lender most suitable for your needs.
Step 3
You Get Free Quote + Advice
You receive a free quote along with complimentary expert financial advice.
It’s fast and free to get a quote from one of the UK’s leading finance brokers / lenders who will contact you directly with your quote/s.
Complete Our 1-Minute Enquiry Form Now – Get a No-Obligation Quote
UK Business Loans is an introducer and is not a lender or authorised to give regulated financial advice. By contacting us you consent to us sharing your details with selected brokers and lenders. Submitting an enquiry will not affect your credit score. All lending decisions, terms and eligibility are made by the lender.
Which finance types are fastest for pubs & breweries (and when to use them)
Merchant cash advances & revenue-based finance
Timeline: 24 hours – 7 days. These provide rapid access to cash based on card takings or future revenue. Good for urgent stock, paying holiday wages or bridging a seasonal spike. Cost is usually higher — treat as short-term emergency funding.
Our Business Finance Matching Process
Step 1
Complete Your Details
It takes just 1 minute on average to complete your business and contact details.
Step 2
We Match Your Business
With the best business finance broker or lender most suitable for your needs.
Step 3
You Get Free Quote + Advice
You receive a free quote along with complimentary expert financial advice.
It’s fast and free to get a quote from one of the UK’s leading finance brokers / lenders who will contact you directly with your quote/s.
Short-term business loans (unsecured)
Timeline: 48 hours – 2 weeks. If your credit and accounts are in order, some lenders can issue offers quickly. Good for small refurbs and working capital.
Asset / equipment finance
Timeline: 3 – 14 days. Finance against new or used equipment (kegs, chillers, boilers, vessels). Lenders will often fund against supplier invoices, so a quote or invoice speeds approval.
Invoice finance / debtor finance
Timeline: funds against invoices in 24–72 hours once approved; setup 1–3 weeks. Useful for breweries supplying bars or wholesalers with outstanding invoices.
Supplier / staged fit-out finance
Timeline: 1 – 4 weeks. Many fit-out suppliers offer staged payment plans or can introduce finance for the project which only releases funds at agreed milestones — this can be quicker than general loans.
Bridging finance & development loans
Timeline: 1 – 6 weeks. Quick for short property purchases or urgent site acquisition, but typically higher fees and rates; plan an exit strategy (e.g., refinance to a commercial mortgage).
Complete Our 1-Minute Enquiry Form Now – Get a No-Obligation Quote
Commercial mortgage (new premises)
Timeline: 6 – 12+ weeks. Expect valuations, solicitor searches and lender underwriting. If the property is complex (conversion, planning conditions) allow more time.
For general borrowing options and product explanations see our business loans page if you want to compare typical products in more detail: business loans.
Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check
UK Business Loans is an introducer and is not a lender or authorised to give regulated financial advice. By contacting us you consent to us sharing your details with selected brokers and lenders. Submitting an enquiry will not affect your credit score. All lending decisions, terms and eligibility are made by the lender.
Typical broker & lender process — step by step (and how long each takes)
- Initial enquiry & pre-screen — hours to 1 day. A broker checks suitability and suggests the best product routes.
- Document collection & application — 1–7 days if you have accounts, bank statements and quotes ready.
- Underwriting / credit committee — 24 hours to 3 weeks depending on lender complexity.
- Formal offer & terms — 24–72 hours after approval.
- Valuation & legal (if required) — 1–6+ weeks for property or complex security.
- Drawdown & funds transfer — 1–7 days after legal completion or final paperwork.
How to speed things up: have recent management accounts, 3–6 months’ bank statements, supplier quotes, a copy of the lease, and a short cashflow forecast ready to share. A broker can collate and format these so lenders can assess faster.
Start Your Enquiry — Free Eligibility Check
UK Business Loans is an introducer and is not a lender or authorised to give regulated financial advice. By contacting us you consent to us sharing your details with selected brokers and lenders. Submitting an enquiry will not affect your credit score. All lending decisions, terms and eligibility are made by the lender.
Documents checklist to speed approvals
Having the right paperwork ready dramatically shortens timelines. Typical fast-track checklist:
- Proof of ID and proof of address for directors
- Company registration documents and shareholder details
- 3–12 months business bank statements
- Latest management accounts and VAT returns
- Cashflow forecast showing how funds will be used
- Lease agreement (or title deeds if buying premises)
- Supplier/contractor quotes for refurbishments
- Stock lists or invoices (for invoice finance)
- Business plan summary for larger refits or property purchase
Free Eligibility Check — Get Matched to Lenders
UK Business Loans is an introducer and is not a lender or authorised to give regulated financial advice. By contacting us you consent to us sharing your details with selected brokers and lenders. Submitting an enquiry will not affect your credit score. All lending decisions, terms and eligibility are made by the lender.
Our Business Finance Matching Process
Step 1
Complete Your Details
It takes just 1 minute on average to complete your business and contact details.
Step 2
We Match Your Business
With the best business finance broker or lender most suitable for your needs.
Step 3
You Get Free Quote + Advice
You receive a free quote along with complimentary expert financial advice.
It’s fast and free to get a quote from one of the UK’s leading finance brokers / lenders who will contact you directly with your quote/s.
Cost, signals & things to watch
Speed often costs more. Typical cost signals:
- Higher rates / fees for faster products — merchant cash advances and bridging loans are usually more expensive than long-term mortgages.
- Arrangement and exit fees — check for arrangement fees, early repayment charges and whether fees are added to the loan.
- Security & personal guarantees — quicker lenders may request personal guarantees or fixed charges; weigh risk vs speed.
- Effective cost comparison — compare total cost over the term, not just headline rate.
Important: We introduce you to lenders and brokers. All lending decisions, terms and eligibility are made by the lender. Compare offers carefully before you sign.
Get a No-Obligation Quote — Free Eligibility Check
UK Business Loans is an introducer and is not a lender or authorised to give regulated financial advice. By contacting us you consent to us sharing your details with selected brokers and lenders. Submitting an enquiry will not affect your credit score. All lending decisions, terms and eligibility are made by the lender.
Case study snapshots — realistic timelines
Community pub — partial refit + stock
Situation: 30‑seat pub required bathroom upgrade, new bar fridges and extra stock for seasonal trade. Route chosen: supplier staged finance for fridges + short-term loan for stock. Timeline: enquiry to drawdown = 10 days. Outcome: refit completed, stock replenished before peak weekend.
Micro-brewery moving to new premises
Situation: craft brewer needed bridging to secure premises while waiting on commercial mortgage. Route chosen: short bridging loan, then refinance to commercial mortgage. Timeline: bridging offer in 2 weeks, completion in 4 weeks; mortgage process concluded at week 11. Outcome: brewery moved with minimal downtime.
Want a tailored plan like these? Start Your Enquiry — Get Quote Now
UK Business Loans is an introducer and is not a lender or authorised to give regulated financial advice. By contacting us you consent to us sharing your details with selected brokers and lenders. Submitting an enquiry will not affect your credit score. All lending decisions, terms and eligibility are made by the lender.
How UK Business Loans helps speed your finance
We don’t lend. We match operators to specialist brokers and lenders who understand pubs and breweries. Our fast process:
- Complete a short enquiry (typically under 2 minutes).
- We match you to partners best placed to help with your amount and purpose (we typically handle enquiries from around £10,000 upwards).
- A broker or lender contacts you to progress the application and funds as quickly as the product allows.
Get Started — Free Eligibility Check
UK Business Loans is an introducer and is not a lender or authorised to give regulated financial advice. By contacting us you consent to us sharing your details with selected brokers and lenders. Submitting an enquiry will not affect your credit score. All lending decisions, terms and eligibility are made by the lender. Read our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.
Frequently asked questions
How fast can I get funds for urgent stock?
In many cases merchant cash advances, invoice finance or short-term loans can release funds within 24–72 hours once initial approval is granted. Speed depends on your documents and the lender’s process.
Will applying via UK Business Loans affect my credit score?
No — submitting an initial enquiry on our site does not affect your credit score. Lenders may carry out credit checks later if you proceed with an application.
Can limited companies and established SMEs apply?
Yes — our network commonly supports limited companies and SMEs seeking funding from £10,000 upwards for stock, refurbs, equipment or premises.
What if my credit record isn’t perfect?
Imperfect credit doesn’t always prevent funding. Some specialist lenders and brokers consider industry experience, turnover and security rather than just credit history. We will match you to partners who can assess your full position.
Do lenders always require a business plan for refurbishments?
For small refurbs a short summary and supplier quotes may be enough. For larger refits or property purchases lenders typically want a brief plan and cashflow forecast showing how the investment improves trading.
How much can I borrow for a pub refit?
Ranges vary: small projects might be funded from around £10k; larger fit-outs and property purchases run into hundreds of thousands. Your options depend on revenue, security and lease length.
Get a Free Eligibility Check — Get Quote Now
UK Business Loans is an introducer and is not a lender or authorised to give regulated financial advice. By contacting us you consent to us sharing your details with selected brokers and lenders. Submitting an enquiry will not affect your credit score. All lending decisions, terms and eligibility are made by the lender.
Final note: If you need funds quickly, gather the checklist items above, then complete our short enquiry to get matched to specialist lenders and brokers who can give you a realistic timetable and a no-obligation quote.
Start Your Enquiry — Free Eligibility Check
UK Business Loans is an introducer and is not a lender or authorised to give regulated financial advice. By contacting us you consent to us sharing your details with selected brokers and lenders. Submitting an enquiry will not affect your credit score. All lending decisions, terms and eligibility are made by the lender.
1. How quickly can I get funds for urgent stock or a busy weekend? — Merchant cash advances, invoice finance or short-term loans can often deliver funds in 24–72 hours once initial checks are passed, depending on documentation and lender process.
2. How long does it take to fund a pub refurbishment or fit‑out? — Equipment and staged fit‑out finance typically takes days to a few weeks (usually 3–14 days for equipment, 1–4 weeks for staged supplier finance).
3. How soon can I complete a commercial mortgage to buy new premises? — Commercial mortgages for premises usually take 6–12+ weeks because of valuations, legal work and lender underwriting.
4. Which finance products are fastest for pubs & breweries? — The fastest routes are merchant cash advances, invoice finance, unsecured short‑term loans, asset/equipment finance and bridging loans for urgent property deals.
5. What documents speed up a pub or brewery loan application? — Having director ID, 3–12 months’ bank statements, recent management accounts, VAT returns, lease/title deeds, supplier quotes and a short cashflow forecast ready will accelerate approval.
6. Will submitting an enquiry via UK Business Loans affect my credit score? — No — the initial enquiry is just for matching and does not affect your credit score, although lenders may run checks later in the application process.
7. Can I get funding if my credit history isn’t perfect? — Yes — specialist lenders and brokers in our network often consider trading performance, security, sector experience and lease length as well as credit history.
8. How much can I borrow for a pub refit or expansion? — Loan amounts vary from around £10,000 for small refits to hundreds of thousands for large fit‑outs or property purchases depending on turnover, security and lease terms.
9. Are faster finance options more expensive? — Generally yes — faster products like merchant cash advances and bridging loans tend to carry higher rates and fees, so compare effective total cost and any personal guarantees.
10. What does UK Business Loans do and how does it help speed funding? — We’re an introducer that matches your enquiry to specialist UK brokers and lenders quickly (our free eligibility check takes minutes) to get you realistic timetables and quotes.