Restaurant Business Loans for UK Restaurants, Cafés and Catering Businesses

Running a restaurant means juggling rising food and energy costs, staffing, supplier terms, refurbishments, delivery platforms and seasonality — all while protecting margin and cash flow. If funding could help you upgrade a kitchen, fit out a new site, buy equipment or smooth cash flow, we can help you quickly compare your options.

UK Business Loans connects UK hospitality businesses with trusted lenders and brokers who understand restaurants, cafés, takeaways, dark kitchens and catering operations. The process is fast, free and there’s no obligation to proceed. Submit one short enquiry and get matched with suitable finance partners who’ll contact you to discuss tailored options.

Get Started – Free Eligibility Check (no impact on your credit score to enquire)

What We Do (and Don’t)

• We are not a lender and we don’t provide financial advice. We act as an introducer.
• We connect you to reputable UK lenders and experienced brokers who will discuss funding directly with you.
• Our service is free for UK businesses. We may receive a commission from partners if you proceed; this does not increase the price you pay.
• Your enquiry with UK Business Loans will not affect your credit score. Partners may run credit checks only if you choose to progress with an application.
• There is no obligation to accept any offer. Always review terms carefully before committing.

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How UK Business Loans Works

1) Complete a quick form

Tell us about your restaurant, trading history, revenue and what you need the funds for. It usually takes under two minutes.

2) We match you

We connect you with selected UK lenders/brokers that specialise in hospitality and match your requirements.

3) Get fast responses

Expect a call or email — often within hours — to discuss options and request any supporting documents.

4) Compare and choose

Review terms, rates and repayment structures from multiple partners. Pick the solution that suits your cash flow and goals. No obligation.

Get Quote Now – Compare Options From Trusted UK Partners

Who We Help in Hospitality

• Restaurants and bistros
• Cafés, coffee shops and tearooms
• Takeaways and ghost/dark kitchens
• Catering companies and event caterers
• Casual dining and quick‑service brands
• Pubs with food, wine bars and tapas bars
• Multi‑site groups and franchises
• New sites, refurbs and rebrands

What Restaurant Funding Can Be Used For

• Kitchen fit‑outs and refurbishments
• Ovens, refrigeration, EPOS and back‑of‑house tech
• Furniture, bar equipment and front‑of‑house upgrades
• Opening a new site or rebranding an existing venue
• Supplier payments and stock purchases
• Marketing, delivery platform launches and menu rollouts
• Seasonal cash flow and VAT/TAX obligations
• Hiring, training and recruitment campaigns
• Vehicles for catering and delivery

Free Eligibility Check – See Your Options in Minutes

Types of Restaurant Business Finance We Can Connect You With

Unsecured Business Loans

• Use for working capital, marketing, staffing, or refurbishments.
• Fixed‑term, typically 6–60 months, with monthly repayments.
• Often requires a personal guarantee (PG); rate and limit depend on turnover and credit profile.

Merchant Cash Advance (MCA)

• Designed for venues that take card payments. Repay via a small, agreed percentage of daily card takings.
• Flexible: pay more when you’re busy, less when you’re quiet — useful for seasonality.
• One total fixed fee rather than an APR; no fixed monthly instalment.

Asset and Equipment Finance

• Lease or HP for ovens, ranges, refrigeration, dishwashers, EPOS, coffee machines, extraction and vehicles.
• Preserves cash by spreading the cost; may be secured on the asset.

Fit‑Out and Refurbishment Finance

• For shopfitting, design, M&E, furniture and decor.
• Can be structured as unsecured loans, asset finance or staged drawdowns via specialist lenders.

Revolving Credit and Overdraft Alternatives

• Flexible lines of credit you draw and repay as needed.
• Interest typically charged only on funds used.

VAT/TAX and Short‑Term Cash Flow Funding

• Spread HMRC payments or bridge short seasonal gaps.
• Shorter terms with quick decisions; helpful for smoothing cash cycles.

Commercial Mortgages and Property‑Backed Options

• For buying a freehold, refinancing, or larger redevelopments.
• Longer terms, typically with security on the property. Specialist advice from lenders/brokers required.

Invoice Finance (for B2B Catering)

• Release cash tied up in invoices if your catering business sells to corporate clients on terms.

Note: Availability, limits and rates depend on your circumstances, sector risk and lender criteria. Your lender/broker will explain any fees, total cost of finance and repayment obligations before you commit.

Get Matched – Speak With Hospitality‑Savvy Lenders/Brokers

How Much Can Restaurants Borrow and How Fast?

• Typical amounts: from £10,000 up to £5 million across our partner network, depending on turnover, trading history, security and purpose.
• Speed: unsecured loans and merchant cash advances can be approved in as little as 24–72 hours once documents are provided; asset/fit‑out and property‑backed options may take longer due to valuations and underwriting.
• Repayments: daily (MCA), weekly or monthly depending on the product. Some lenders offer seasonal payments to reflect trading.

Important: Every offer is bespoke. You will receive specific terms, repayment schedules and a full cost breakdown directly from the lender or broker before you proceed.

Eligibility: What Lenders Typically Look For

Criteria vary widely by product and provider, but lenders may consider:

• Time trading and stability: e.g., 3–12 months+ trading can help, though options exist for new sites with strong plans.
• Turnover and card takings: especially relevant for MCA and unsecured loans.
• Profitability and cash flow: recent performance and sustainability of repayments.
• Credit profile: business and personal credit history. Imperfect credit can still be considered by some lenders.
• Premises and lease: lease length can matter for fit‑out finance.
• Security and guarantees: personal guarantees are common for unsecured borrowing; assets or property may support secured facilities.

New sites and expansions

• Possible routes include unsecured loans, asset finance, fit‑out facilities or franchise finance.
• Robust business plans, cash flow forecasts and up‑to‑date management accounts help.

Documents You May Be Asked For

• Last 3–12 months of business bank statements
• Last 3–12 months of card processing statements (for MCA)
• Management accounts and/or filed accounts
• ID and proof of address for directors/owners
• Business plan and forecasts (especially for new sites)
• Equipment quotes (for asset/fit‑out finance)
• Lease or proof of premises, where relevant
• VAT/TAX statements if financing HMRC liabilities

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Costs, Fees and Repayments — What to Expect

• Pricing format: may be expressed as an APR (unsecured/secured loans, credit lines) or a fixed fee (merchant cash advance). Asset finance uses APR/flat rates with fees.
• Fees: lenders/brokers will disclose any arrangement, documentation or broker fees upfront. UK Business Loans does not charge you a fee.
• Repayments: can be daily (via card takings), weekly or monthly; some facilities allow seasonal variations.
• Early settlement: some products allow early repayment with reduced interest/fees; others may include early settlement charges. Ask your lender/broker to explain clearly.
• Total amount repayable: always request the total repayable, including all fees, before you commit.

We never guarantee approval or specific rates. Eligibility, rate, term and amount depend on your circumstances and lender criteria. Your enquiry with UK Business Loans does not affect your credit score; partners may run credit checks if you proceed with an application.

Example Restaurant Funding Scenarios

• Independent bistro refurb: £60,000 unsecured loan over 36 months to upgrade kitchen and dining area, with fixed monthly repayments aligned to quieter winter months.
• Busy café MCA: £25,000 merchant cash advance repaid via 10% of card takings, enabling a new coffee machine, additional seating and outdoor awnings without fixed monthly instalments.
• Multi‑site fit‑out: £250,000 fit‑out finance combining asset finance for kitchen equipment and an unsecured element for project management and FF&E, funded in stages.
• Event caterer equipment upgrade: £120,000 hire purchase to acquire vehicles, refrigeration and portable cooking units, spreading the cost while preserving cash flow.

Note: Examples are illustrative only. Offers vary.

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Why Choose UK Business Loans for Hospitality Finance

• Speed: enquiry in minutes, responses often within hours.
• Sector focus: partners experienced in restaurants, cafés, takeaways and catering.
• Choice: compare options across unsecured loans, MCA, asset/fit‑out, and more.
• Free and no obligation: we don’t charge you; you decide if an offer suits you.
• Trusted partners: we connect you with reputable UK lenders and brokers.
• Secure and confidential: your details are only shared with relevant approved partners to service your enquiry.

Start Your Enquiry – Match With Hospitality‑Savvy Lenders Today

Frequently Asked Questions (Restaurants)

Will my enquiry affect my credit score?

No. Submitting an enquiry to UK Business Loans will not affect your credit score. If you proceed with a lender/broker, they may run credit checks to provide an offer.

How fast can a restaurant get funding?

Many unsecured loans and merchant cash advances can be approved within 24–72 hours once documents are supplied. Asset, fit‑out and property‑backed funding typically take longer.

How much can I borrow?

Our partners consider amounts from £10,000 up to £5 million depending on turnover, trading history, security and the purpose of the finance.

Can I get funding if I’ve had credit issues?

Potentially. Some lenders look at overall affordability and current performance. Terms may vary to reflect risk.

What if I mainly take card payments?

A merchant cash advance could be suitable — repayments flex automatically with your card takings via a small agreed percentage.

Do you support new sites or expansions?

Yes. Funding for new sites and expansions is available via selected partners. Strong plans, forecasts and relevant experience can help.

Do you charge any fees?

No, our service is free for UK businesses. We may receive a commission from partners if you proceed. Any lender or broker fees will be disclosed to you upfront.

What documents will I need?

Common items include business bank statements, card statements (for MCA), ID, accounts, and quotes for equipment/fit‑out.

Can I repay early?

Many facilities allow early settlement; terms vary by product. Your lender/broker will confirm any early repayment charges or savings.

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Important Information and Transparency

• UK Business Loans is an introducer, not a lender, and does not provide financial advice.
• We connect you with selected lenders and brokers based on your enquiry.
• All financial promotions should be clear, fair and not misleading. We aim to ensure you have the information needed to make an informed decision.
• Always read the lender’s documents, including total amount repayable, fees, security/guarantee requirements and any early settlement terms, before proceeding.
• Ensure affordability. If in doubt, consider independent professional advice.

Get Quote Now – Compare Restaurant Finance Options

1) How do I apply for a UK business loan online with UK Business Loans?
Complete our two-minute enquiry form and we’ll instantly match you with FCA-regulated UK lenders and brokers that fit your needs.

2) How fast can I get business funding?
You’ll usually hear from suitable lenders within hours so you can compare offers and move forward quickly.

3) What types of business finance can I compare?
We connect you to unsecured and secured business loans, cashflow loans, asset and equipment finance, invoice finance, vehicle and fit-out finance, refinance options, sustainability/green loans, and short-term SME funding.

4) Do you lend money or give financial advice?
No—UK Business Loans acts solely as an introducer and does not lend or provide financial advice.

5) Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
No, your enquiry won’t impact your credit score, and any checks are only carried out by partners if you choose to proceed.

6) What loan amounts and terms are available?
Our partners typically offer £5,000 to £5,000,000+ with flexible terms depending on your business and the finance type.

7) Can start-ups or businesses with bad credit apply?
Yes, we work with lenders who consider start-ups, sole traders, and businesses with imperfect credit histories.

8) Which industries do you support across the UK?
We help construction, hospitality, retail, logistics, healthcare, manufacturing, professional services, agriculture, renewables, and more nationwide.

9) What information do I need to get started?
You only need basic business details, contact information, and the funding amount and purpose—no lengthy paperwork upfront.

10) Is the service free and without obligation?
Yes, using UK Business Loans is free, secure, and confidential, with no obligation to accept any offer.