Quick answer: Can pubs and breweries refinance for refurbishments or expansion?

Yes. Many pubs and breweries refinance to fund refurbishments, upgrades and growth. Typical goals include releasing equity to pay for a full fit‑out, replacing brewing vessels, improving energy efficiency, or acquiring neighbouring premises.

Common finance outcomes from refinancing:

• Release capital from a freehold/leasehold to fund a refurbishment or extension.
• Lower monthly repayments by switching to a longer-term commercial mortgage.
• Consolidate multiple loans into a single, more manageable facility.
• Access short-term bridging to complete works quickly while arranging long-term finance.
• Obtain asset or equipment finance for brewing kit or commercial kitchen upgrades.

If you want to compare options and costs quickly, complete a short enquiry for a Free Eligibility Check — it won’t affect your credit score and is no obligation.

Why pubs & breweries refinance — common business reasons

Refinancing is chosen for specific business outcomes rather than as a generic “solution”. Typical reasons in the hospitality and brewing sector include:

• Major refurbishment: modernising the bar, toilets, seating, or external beer garden to boost capacity and turnover.
• Expansion: acquiring the next-door unit, extending kitchen space, or opening a taproom.
• Equipment upgrade: replacing kettles, fermentation tanks, refrigeration or cellar equipment.
• Energy & sustainability projects: installing insulation, heat pumps or solar panels to reduce operating costs.
• Debt restructuring: consolidating short-term, expensive credit to improve monthly cashflow.

Benefits include predictable repayments (if you fix a rate), unlocking tax-deductible interest in some cases, and improving the site’s value once works are complete. That said, refinancing increases your debt position and must sit comfortably within projected cashflow.

Refinance options explained — which product suits your project?

Commercial mortgage refinance (remortgage)

Best for freehold or valuable leasehold pubs where you want to replace an existing mortgage and possibly release equity. Typical sizes: from around £50k up to millions. Terms: 5–25 years. Security: usually the property; directors may be asked for guarantees.

Refinance to release equity

Remortgaging to take capital out can pay for a full refurb or deposit on a purchase. Lenders look at property value after works and current borrowing. Bear in mind higher LTV can increase rates.

Asset & equipment finance

Specialist asset finance covers brewing vessels, refrigeration, ovens and cellar kit. Typical amounts: £10k upwards. Terms: 2–7 years or hire-purchase structures. Advantages: preserves cash and matches payments to asset life.

Business term loans

Secured or unsecured term loans for working capital or smaller refurbs. Typical range: £10k–£250k+ (we specialise in matches from £10k upwards). Security, rates and terms vary widely.

Bridging finance

Fast short-term loans (1–6 months) used when you need funds quickly to start works or complete a purchase while arranging long-term refinance. Costs are higher but timeliness can be critical for seasonal businesses.

Debt consolidation / restructuring

Combining multiple facilities into one refinance can reduce admin and possibly lower overall cost, easing cashflow management.

Choosing the right product depends on project size, speed required, security available and your longer-term business plan. For detailed comparison, request a Free Eligibility Check and we’ll match you to the most relevant lenders or brokers.

What lenders and brokers look for — eligibility checklist

Each lender has different criteria, but most will ask for:

• Trading history: usually 12–24 months of trading accounts for established businesses; turnover and gross margin figures.
• Up-to-date management accounts and cashflow forecasts showing ability to repay after refurbishment.
• Property details: freehold vs leasehold, lease length, rent reviews, covenants or beer-tie arrangements.
• Valuation: current site value and estimated post-refurb value, especially for equity release.
• Director information: credit history, personal guarantees may be required for some products.
• Sector specifics: for breweries, production volumes, supply contracts, stock levels and distribution plans.

How to strengthen your application:

• Prepare a one-page business plan for the refurbishment/expansion showing projected sales uplift.
• Supply three-year cashflow projections and recent management accounts.
• Evidence planning permission or landlord consent if structural work or change of use is involved.

Need help getting paperwork ready? Complete a short form for a specialist broker match: Free Eligibility Check.

Costs, fees and risks to consider

Refinancing isn’t free. Typical costs include:

• Arrangement fee or product fee (often 1–3% of the loan)
• Valuation & surveyor fees
• Legal fees (lender and borrower side)
• Broker fees (if applicable) and potential early repayment charges on existing loans

Interest: rates vary by product and risk profile — fixed, variable or a mix. Higher LTV, weaker cashflow or poor credit history usually means higher rates.

Risks:

• Increasing secured debt can put the property at greater risk if trading deteriorates.
• Personal guarantees may be requested, exposing directors personally.
• Over‑optimistic revenue forecasts can create repayment strain.

We recommend comparing several offers and seeking accountant/legal advice on tax and security implications before proceeding. For indicative costs tailored to your situation, Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check.

Process & typical timelines

Refinance steps (overview):

1. Quick enquiry — complete the short form for a free eligibility check (Start here).
2. Introducer matches you to suitable lenders/brokers — often within hours.
3. Receive indicative offers and a lender checklist.
4. Formal application, valuation and legal work.
5. Completion — funds released and refinance executed.

Typical timelines:

• Bridging finance: 1–4 weeks (fast but higher cost)
• Asset finance: 1–4 weeks
• Commercial mortgage refinance: 6–12 weeks (can be longer for complex cases)

Tax & legal considerations

Interest on business borrowing is often tax-deductible for companies, but rules vary — consult your accountant. VAT may apply to fit-out contractors and some equipment. Significant structural changes may require planning or landlord consent if leasehold.

This is general information and not legal or tax advice. Speak to your solicitor and accountant for guidance specific to your business.

Short case studies — typical outcomes

Case study 1: Town-centre pub refurb

An independent pub remortgaged to release £150k equity to fund a full refurbishment and beer garden extension. Post‑works, turnover rose 30% and the site’s market value increased, enabling a longer-term refinance on a lower rate.

Case study 2: Microbrewery capacity upgrade

A microbrewery used asset finance plus a short-term working capital facility to buy a new 10HL brewhouse and additional fermenters. Production doubled within nine months and wholesale contracts expanded.

Want to explore similar options? Free Eligibility Check — often same‑day matches.

FAQs

Can pubs and breweries refinance to support refurbishments or expansion?

Yes. Many pubs and breweries refinance to fund refurbishments, extensions or to free cash for growth using commercial mortgages, asset finance, bridging loans or business loans.

Can pubs and breweries use refinancing to fund refurbishments or growth?

Yes — refinancing can release equity, lower monthly payments or consolidate debt to free up capital for investment and growth.

Are pubs and breweries able to refinance for refurbishments or expansion?

Yes, provided the business can demonstrate sufficient cashflow, property value (if applicable) and a sensible project plan.

Can pubs and breweries refinance to finance upgrades or growth?

Yes. Asset finance is often used for equipment, while remortgaging or term loans fund larger projects.

Can pubs and breweries refinance to pay for refurbishments or expansion?

Yes — many operators do. Costs, eligibility and timelines vary by product and lender; compare offers before proceeding.

Will applying affect my credit score?

Submitting an enquiry here does not affect your credit score. Lenders may perform credit checks when you formally apply.

I’m a new site — can start-ups refinance?

Start-ups or sites with limited trading history may find refinancing more difficult — lenders typically prefer established trading performance. Alternative options like asset finance or bridging may be available.

What documents will I need?

Typical documents: management accounts, historic accounts, cashflow forecast, property details, director ID and proof of address, and project cost estimates.

How UK Business Loans helps

We do not lend. We introduce you to lenders and brokers who specialise in hospitality and brewing finance. Complete a short enquiry and we’ll match you to the partners most likely to help—saving you time and increasing your chance of a suitable offer.

Our service is free and no obligation. We work with a wide panel to find solutions for loans and finance from around £10,000 and upwards.

Get Started — Free Eligibility Check

Next steps — ready to explore refinance options?

Complete our short enquiry for a quick, no‑obligation eligibility check. You’ll be matched to specialist lenders or brokers who understand pubs and breweries and will contact you with tailored options.

Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check

Important: UK Business Loans is an introducer — we do not lend or provide regulated financial advice. Submitting an enquiry is not an application and will not affect your credit score. Offers, eligibility and terms are provided by third‑party lenders and brokers. Typical fees and risks apply.