Quick answer: Yes — but details depend on location and need

Finance for pubs is available throughout the UK. Lenders and brokers offer commercial mortgages, refurbishment loans, asset & equipment finance, working capital, bridging and refinance solutions. What differs between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland is the mix of active lenders, legal processes for property transactions, local business support schemes and how underwriters treat seasonal or tourist-driven trade.

Because pub lending often involves property, licences and complex cashflow cycles, matching to the right specialist lender or broker is important. Our short enquiry is not an application — it’s used to match your pub with providers who can give a tailored quote. For a bespoke comparison, start a Free Eligibility Check — Get Quote Now.

What is “pub finance”?

“Pub finance” covers the range of commercial finance products used by pubs, bars and taprooms. Typical uses and products include:

Typical uses

• Refurbishment and fit-out (bars, kitchens, toilets, furniture)
• Buying a freehold or leasehold pub
• Working capital (seasonal peaks, payroll, stock)
• Purchasing equipment or cellar kit (asset finance)
• Refinancing existing loans or consolidating debt
• Bridge funding during purchases or renovation

Common finance types

• Commercial mortgages for property purchases
• Secured and unsecured business loans for working capital
• Asset & equipment finance for kitchen, cellar and bar kit
• Bridging loans for short-term purchase/renovation needs
• Invoice finance / merchant cash advances for turnover smoothing

How availability differs by nation

England

England has the broadest range of lenders active in the pub sector: national banks, challenger banks, specialist hospitality lenders and many brokers. In major urban centres (London, Manchester, Birmingham) there’s strong competition and a wider product set; rural and coastal venues are assessed more on seasonality and local tourist flows. England also follows England & Wales property law for conveyancing, so timelines for commercial mortgages and legal checks are familiar to most lenders.

If you need funding for a tie buy-out, refurbishment or to purchase a freehold, specialist hospitality lenders and brokers often structure deals that reflect trading potential and property value. Ready to compare? Get Quote Now.

Scotland

Scots law and conveyancing differ from the rest of the UK, which affects property transactions and timescales. Several UK lenders and Scottish specialist lenders provide pub finance; local knowledge — particularly of licensing and business rates reliefs — can be valuable. Brokers with Scottish experience will understand how to present security, property and lease documentation to speed underwriting.

For Scottish pubs, ensure your broker is comfortable with Scots property law and local licensing practice. Start a Free Eligibility Check — Get Quote Now.

Wales

Wales is served by UK-wide lenders and regional intermediaries. Lenders will evaluate seasonality carefully if your trade depends on tourism or national park footfall. Devolved support schemes occasionally provide local grants or relief that can complement funding — your broker can flag these when preparing a proposal.

If you operate a tourist-facing pub, make sure cashflow forecasts reflect seasonal swings; brokers can source solutions that smooth income during quieter months. Free Eligibility Check.

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland typically has a smaller pool of specialist lenders. Cross-border complexities (if owners or trading links extend to the Republic of Ireland) can require bespoke structuring. Many brokers maintain relationships with the lenders that actively finance Northern Irish hospitality businesses — this focused knowledge often uncovers options that general commercial lenders might not offer.

If you trade or own property across the island, tell your broker early — it helps identify the most appropriate lenders. Get Quote Now.

What lenders look for (eligibility & documentation)

Underwriting varies by provider, but common requirements include:

• Trading history and turnover figures (management accounts, VAT returns)
• Profit & loss and balance sheet (company borrowers)
• Details of property: freehold deeds or lease terms
• Business plan and costings for refurbishments or expansion
• Licences (alcohol, food, live music) where relevant
• Security and personal guarantees — lenders will advise depending on loan size

Specialist lenders may consider venues with imperfect credit histories, but terms and security will reflect risk. Prepare documents in advance to speed decisions. Free Eligibility Check.

Typical loan sizes, terms & costs for pubs

Funding needs vary widely. Typical ranges are:

• Working capital / short-term loans: from around £10,000 up to £100,000
• Refurbishment & fit-out: commonly £20,000 to £500,000+
• Commercial mortgages: from c. £50,000 to multi-million for higher-value properties

Typical terms:

• Bridging: 1–24 months
• Medium-term loans: 1–5 years
• Commercial mortgages / long-term loans: 5–25 years

Costs depend on credit profile, product, security and lender competition — interest, arrangement fees, valuation and legal costs are common. For an accurate, tailored estimate request a quote — Get Quote Now.

How UK Business Loans helps pub owners

We don’t lend money nor do we provide regulated financial advice. UK Business Loans connects pub owners with lenders and brokers who can provide quotes suited to your needs. Our service is free and designed to save time and improve your chances of a suitable match.

How it helps:

• Short enquiry (under two minutes) to capture the essentials
• Matches to specialist lenders and brokers with pub/hospitality experience
• Multiple contacts compete for your business so you can compare offers
• Confidential — your details are only shared with likely providers

Learn more about options for pubs on our dedicated page about pubs business loans. Ready to be matched? Get Quote Now.

Step-by-step: applying for pub finance via UK Business Loans

1. Complete the short enquiry form with business details, postcode, loan amount and purpose.
2. We match you to suitable lenders or brokers experienced in pub finance.
3. A lender or broker will contact you to discuss options and request documentation.
4. Compare offers, ask questions, and select the best fit.
5. Provider completes underwriting and arranges funds if you accept their terms.

Tip: have recent management accounts, lease or freehold paperwork, and a simple refurb plan ready to speed the process. Start a Free Eligibility Check — Get Quote Now.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get pub finance with poor credit?

Some specialist lenders will consider imperfect credit histories, but expect different pricing and security requirements. A broker can identify those lenders most likely to consider your case. Get Quote Now.

Can I finance a tied pub (brewery tie)?

Yes — lenders assess tied agreements differently. Specialist lenders and brokers familiar with tied pubs will consider the terms of the tie and trading potential when structuring offers.

How quickly can I get funds?

Short-term loans or advances can sometimes be arranged in days; commercial mortgages and larger loans take longer (often several weeks) due to valuations and legal work.

Do I need to provide a personal guarantee?

Personal guarantees are common for smaller businesses or where the company has limited assets. The need for guarantees depends on loan size, lender policy and security offered.

Is the enquiry form an application?

No — the enquiry form is used only to match you to lenders/brokers who can give a quote. It is not an application and does not commit you to borrow. Complete our short form to compare options — Free Eligibility Check.

Final notes & contact

Pub finance is available across the UK, but the best outcome comes from matching your business to lenders who understand the hospitality sector and local market conditions. We help you do that quickly and at no cost — our service connects you to lenders and brokers that can provide tailored quotes for loans from around £10,000 and up.

Ready to explore your options? It only takes a couple of minutes to start. Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check and no obligation.