Quick intro — get matched to the right restaurant finance fast

Running a restaurant can mean tight margins and unpredictable demand. Whether you need short-term working capital, equipment finance, or money for a refurbishment, finding the right lender quickly matters. Fast Business Loans connects UK restaurants with specialist lenders and brokers so you can compare suitable options without searching dozens of providers yourself.

Free Eligibility Check — our short enquiry takes less than two minutes and does not trigger a credit search.

Why restaurants choose Fast Business Loans

We are a specialist introducer for business finance aimed at hospitality. We don’t lend money or give regulated advice — we match your restaurant with lenders and brokers who do. That makes the process faster, simpler and more targeted.

Specialists in hospitality funding

• Connections to lenders and brokers experienced with restaurants, catering and hospitality.
• Access to multiple product types (working capital, asset finance, fit‑out loans) so you can compare.

Save time — stay in control

• Short, no‑obligation enquiry (typically under two minutes).
• No hard credit search at the enquiry stage — partners will ask for explicit consent before any checks.
• Match with lenders who are more likely to understand your trading pattern and seasonality.

Want to see your options now? Get Started — Free Eligibility Check.

For a broader overview of sector-specific options, see our dedicated restaurants business loans page.

Restaurant funding challenges & opportunities

Hospitality faces sector-specific pressures and growth opportunities. Knowing these helps lenders assess your request and helps you pick the right product.

Common challenges

• Seasonal cashflow swings (quiet periods versus peak weekends).
• Rising operating costs (energy, food supply inflation, wages).
• Need for rapid repairs or equipment replacement with limited notice.

Opportunities lenders will consider positively

• Strong local demand or a growing delivery/takeaway channel.
• Planned refurbishments that increase covers or yield.
• Investments in efficiency and sustainability that reduce running costs.

Understanding these helps you present a clearer case to lenders — and increases the chances of a better match from our panel.

Types of restaurant business finance

Through our network you can be introduced to providers offering a wide range of facilities. Below are common options and typical uses.

• Working capital loans — short to medium term funding for payroll, stock and day-to-day costs.
• Cashflow loans — bridge finances that cover seasonal dips or delayed supplier payments.
• Merchant cash advances — advanced against card sales (suitable for strong card turnover businesses).
• Asset & equipment finance — fund kitchen equipment, ovens, refrigeration or point-of-sale systems.
• Fit-out & refurbishment finance — for refits, expansions or layout improvements.
• Invoice finance — for catering contracts or B2B supply where invoices are unpaid.
• Green / energy efficiency loans — finance for measures that cut energy use (LED, efficient boilers, EV chargers).

Typical loan sizes accessible via our partners start from £10,000 and can scale up for multi‑site or property-backed facilities. To explore tailored options, Get a Free Eligibility Check.

How our enquiry-to-funding process works

We keep the route from enquiry to lender simple and transparent.

1. Complete the quick enquiry. Tell us a few business details and the amount you need — it takes under two minutes.
2. We match you with partners. We identify brokers and lenders who specialise in restaurant finance.
3. Receive offers and discuss. Partners will contact you to discuss terms and any documentation.
4. Compare and decide. You choose which offer to pursue — there is no obligation to proceed.

Compare Your Options — Free

Eligibility snapshot & what lenders look for

Each lender has different criteria, but most will consider the following when assessing restaurant finance requests.

Typical criteria

• Minimum loan size: typically £10,000 and upwards.
• Trading history: established restaurants often find broader options; some partners also support businesses in early trading with a solid plan.
• Turnover and profitability: lenders will review recent turnover and margins.
• Credit profile: historic issues can be manageable depending on product and lender appetite.

Documents to have ready

• Recent business bank statements (3–6 months).
• Management accounts and VAT returns (if applicable).
• Business plan or cashflow forecasts for expansion/refit requests.
• Evidence of licences (e.g., premises licence) or contracts for catering work.

Submitting an enquiry does not trigger a credit search. Lenders or brokers will request your consent before any hard checks.

Costs, repayments & responsible borrowing

Costs vary by product, lender and risk. Below are general pointers to help you compare offers responsibly.

• Rates: indicative costs depend on security and term — unsecured facilities typically carry higher rates than secured loans. Exact rates are set by lenders after assessment.
• Repayment types: fixed monthly repayments, seasonal or turnover‑linked repayments (merchant cash advance), and asset finance structured around equipment life.
• Fees: arrangement, broker or valuation fees may apply — check the full cost over the term (total cost of credit).

Fast Business Loans introduces you to lenders and brokers — we do not provide regulated advice. Always consider whether borrowing is right for your business, and review any facility carefully before accepting.

Case studies — real scenarios

Independent bistro: fit‑out and marketing push

A four‑year‑old bistro needed a £45,000 refit and a short marketing campaign to boost bookings. We introduced the owner to an asset & fit‑out broker who arranged a blended package: a secured fit‑out loan for equipment plus an unsecured short-term loan for marketing. The owner received matched offers within 72 hours and completed funding in under three weeks.

Multi-site casual dining: seasonal cashflow support

A growing casual dining operator with three sites needed £120,000 to cover late-summer stock and staff costs ahead of a busy autumn. We matched them with a lender experienced in multi-site hospitality lending. The agreed facility included a seasonal repayment structure aligned with peak trading months, easing monthly pressure.

Why act now?

Market timing matters. Planning ahead reduces the need for emergency borrowing and improves the range of options available. Consider these triggers to act early:

• Upcoming high season (festive bookings, summer tourism).
• Planned refit or expansion — lenders prefer to see preparation and forecasts.
• Energy efficiency upgrades before seasonal price increases for long-term savings.

Start with a quick enquiry to see what you might access — Get Quote Now.

FAQs — restaurants business loans

Can new or start‑up restaurants apply?

Yes. Some partners consider early‑stage restaurants where the borrower can present a clear business plan and realistic forecasts. Options may differ from facilities for established operators.

What loan amounts are typical?

Our partners work with loans from £10,000 upwards. Packages for multi‑site or property‑backed finance can reach six-figure sums.

How quickly can I receive funds?

Smaller unsecured or asset finance facilities can be completed in days once paperwork is provided. Larger or secured facilities take longer. Matching and initial responses from our partners are often within hours.

Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?

No — the enquiry and match process does not perform hard credit checks. Lenders/brokers will seek consent before any credit search if you choose to proceed with a specific product.

Do you charge business owners for introductions?

No — our service is free for businesses. We are remunerated by partners if and when you proceed with a facility.

Ready to see what you might qualify for? Free Eligibility Check.

Trust, data protection & compliance

Fast Business Loans is an introducer — we do not provide loans or regulated financial advice. We match businesses with lenders and brokers based on the information you provide. Your data is handled securely and shared only with selected partners who can assist with your request.

Information on this page is for guidance only and should not be treated as financial advice. Consider independent professional advice where appropriate. For full details on how we treat your information, see our Privacy Policy and Terms on the site.

Ready to explore your restaurant finance options?

Get matched to lenders and brokers who specialise in hospitality. Complete a short, no‑obligation enquiry and receive a free eligibility check so you can compare tailored offers quickly.

Get Your Free Match Today — Free Eligibility Check

Enquiries do not trigger credit searches. Loans through our partners start from £10,000. Fast Business Loans is an introducer and does not provide regulated financial advice.