Restaurant Business Loans for UK Hospitality Owners

Summary: Fast Business Loans connects UK restaurants with lenders and brokers who specialise in hospitality finance — from fit-outs and equipment to working capital and expansion. Our matching service is free, quick and non-binding. We introduce businesses (minimum funding from approx. £10,000) to the partners most likely to meet their needs. Start with a Free Eligibility Check to get matched and receive quotes fast.

Get a Free Eligibility Check

Key takeaways

• Fast Business Loans introduces UK restaurants to lenders and brokers — we are not a lender.
• Common uses: fit-outs, equipment, working capital, VAT/tax bills, expansion and multi-site roll-outs.
• Funding typically available from around £10,000 upwards across multiple product types.
• Enquiry is free, non-binding and does not affect your credit score.
• Complete a quick enquiry to receive matched quotes from specialists.

Why UK restaurants seek finance in 2024/25

The hospitality sector continues to face pressures that make timely finance important. Rising energy bills, higher staff costs, supply-chain volatility and the need to update kitchens or add delivery-friendly facilities are all drivers for borrowing. Many owners also want to invest in sustainability (LED lighting, ventilation, electrification), or fund relocation and multi-site growth.

What this means for you: flexible, sector-aware lenders and brokers that understand seasonal peaks, card-takings and rapid return-on-investment projects can often offer better-fit solutions than general high-street lenders.

Funding options we can introduce you to

Unsecured restaurant loans

Quick to arrange for established businesses with good trading history. No asset security required in many cases. Ideal for short-term working capital, small refurbishments or covering supplier invoices.

• Typical use cases: boost working capital, payroll gaps, short-term refurbishments.
• Amounts: from ~£10k upwards.

Business cash flow loans

Short-term loans to cover timing gaps in cash flow. Often repaid over 3–24 months and structured to match trading patterns.

• Ideal for: seasonal peaks, pre-Christmas stock, bridging VAT bills.

Merchant Cash Advance (Card Revenue Advance)

Advance against future card takings. Repayments are taken as a percentage of daily card sales — useful for businesses with strong card volumes but limited credit history.

• Good for: high-card-volume restaurants needing rapid finance.

Asset & equipment finance

Finance to buy ovens, refrigeration, extraction or delivery vehicles. Options include hire purchase and lease agreements that preserve cashflow while spreading costs.

• Best for: expensive kitchen kit, vehicles, and fit-out elements.

Invoice finance for catering contracts

Unlock cash tied up in unpaid invoices — especially relevant to caterers and suppliers to larger organisations.

Commercial mortgages & leasehold loans

Funding for property purchase or leasehold improvements. Suitable for relocations, purchases and major expansions.

Quick comparison table

Eligibility snapshot & what lenders consider

Each lender/broker has different rules, but common factors include:

• Trading history and management accounts (often 12+ months preferred for unsecured loans).
• Monthly revenue and card takings — evidence of sustainable cashflow.
• Credit profile (company and directors) — options exist for imperfect credit, but conditions vary.
• Security — unsecured vs secured facilities affect size and cost.
• Purpose and realistic repayment plan — lenders like to see how money will generate returns.

Start-ups and pre-trading venues may still access certain products (equipment finance, landlord-backed facilities) where directors’ experience, forecasts and collateral support the case.

Check Your Eligibility in Minutes

How Fast Business Loans works for restaurants

1. Complete a short enquiry form (takes 2 minutes) with basic business details and funding needs.
2. We match your business to lenders and specialist brokers who understand hospitality.
3. Matched partners contact you to request documents and provide indicative offers.
4. Compare options and accept the offer that best fits your goals — there is no obligation to proceed.

We do not lend money or provide regulated advice — we introduce you to lenders and brokers. Enquiry is free and does not affect your credit score.

Get Matched to Trusted Lenders

Shortlisting finance partners who understand hospitality

We work with brokers and lenders experienced in restaurants and catering — from single-site independents to multi-site groups and franchises. Our partners know how to assess seasonal sales, card revenue trends and fit-out costings so you’re introduced only to those most likely to help.

For more sector-specific information, see our pillar resource on restaurants business loans.

What to have ready before you apply

Having these documents speeds the process:

• Recent management accounts (last 12–24 months if available).
• Business bank statements (3–6 months).
• Details of lease or property ownership and any rent schedules.
• Copy of key contracts (catering accounts, supplier agreements).
• List and costs of equipment to be financed, and supplier quotes if applicable.
• Basic cashflow forecast and explanation of how funds will be used.

Cost considerations & repayment planning

Costs vary by product and credit profile. Some facilities are revenue-linked (merchant advances), some amortise monthly (term loans) and asset finance may include balloon payments. Always compare total cost of credit, fees, and any early repayment charges.

Important: rates and terms are set by lenders and brokers and will vary. Review agreements carefully and consider independent advice where appropriate.

Practical use cases from UK restaurateurs

Here are three anonymised examples of how businesses used finance:

• Fit-out and capacity increase: Independent bistro funded a new extraction system and additional covers via asset finance and a small unsecured loan — turnover rose 18% post-refurb.
• Delivery kitchen setup: Multi-site operator added a delivery-only kitchen using equipment finance and short-term working capital to cover initial marketing costs — new revenue stream covered repayments within 6 months.
• Seasonal cashflow: Family-run restaurant used an invoice finance facility to smooth cashflow after a large corporate catering contract delayed payment — supplier relationships and payroll were preserved.

Start Your No-Obligation Enquiry

Tips to strengthen your application

• Keep management accounts and bank statements up to date and accurate.
• Show consistent card takings where possible — lenders value reliable transaction data.
• Prepare a short narrative: why you need funds and how repayments will be met.
• For newer businesses, highlight directors’ industry experience and any personal investment.
• Compare offers and check all fees, not just headline rates.

Compliance & transparency commitment

Fast Business Loans is an introducer that connects businesses to lenders and brokers. We do not provide regulated financial advice and do not lend directly. Enquiry is free and non-binding. Finance is subject to status and lender terms. Personal guarantees may be required by some lenders.

Your data is handled securely and shared only with selected partners who can help with your enquiry. Submitting an enquiry will not impact your credit score — lenders may carry out checks only if you progress to a formal application.

Frequently asked questions

How quickly can restaurant funding be approved?

Often you’ll receive indicative quotes within 24–72 hours of contact. Formal approvals depend on the product and how quickly requested documents are provided.

Do I need perfect credit to qualify?

No — many lenders and brokers specialise in hospitality and can consider imperfect credit depending on circumstances, security and cashflow. We match you to suitable partners.

Are start-ups eligible?

Some products (equipment finance, landlord-backed lending) may be available to newer businesses when directors’ experience and realistic forecasts are supplied.

What funding amounts are common?

We commonly introduce facilities from around £10,000 upward. Larger commercial mortgages and multi-site funding can reach into the millions.

Will enquiring affect my credit score?

No. Your initial enquiry through our service does not affect your credit rating.

Ready to explore your restaurant finance options?

Fast Business Loans makes finding the right finance simpler and faster. Tell us a few details and we’ll match your restaurant with lenders and brokers who understand hospitality — saving you time and increasing your chance of a suitable offer.

Get Quote Now

Fast Business Loans is a trading style of Fast Business Loans. We are not a lender. We introduce applicants to a panel of finance brokers and lenders. Enquiry has no cost or obligation. Finance subject to status. Terms and conditions apply.

– What types of restaurant finance can you introduce me to?
Unsecured working capital loans, merchant cash advances, asset and equipment finance, invoice finance and commercial mortgages for UK hospitality businesses.

– How fast can UK restaurants get funding?
You can often receive indicative quotes within 24–72 hours and, for faster products like merchant cash advances, funding can complete in under a week once documents are provided.

– What funding amounts are available for restaurants?
Typical facilities start from around £10,000 and can reach into the millions depending on the product, security and business profile.

– Does submitting an enquiry cost anything or affect my credit score?
No — the enquiry is free, no-obligation and doesn’t affect your credit score; credit checks happen only if you proceed to a formal application with a lender.

– Are you a lender?
No — Fast Business Loans is an introducer that connects UK restaurants with trusted lenders and specialist brokers.

– Are start-ups or new venues eligible for restaurant business loans?
Yes — certain options like equipment finance or landlord-backed facilities may be available if directors’ experience, forecasts and any collateral support the case.

– Can I get finance if my takings are seasonal or variable?
Yes — our hospitality-focused partners assess card takings and seasonality differently from many high-street lenders.

– What documents should I have ready to speed things up?
Recent management accounts, 3–6 months of business bank statements, lease/property details, supplier equipment quotes and a simple cashflow plan.

– Will I need security or a personal guarantee?
Some facilities are unsecured, but lenders may require security or a personal guarantee depending on the amount, risk profile and product type.

– What rates, fees and repayments should I expect?
Costs vary by product and credit profile, so compare total cost and fees, with repayments typically fixed monthly for term loans, a percentage of daily card sales for merchant cash advances, or hire purchase/lease structures for asset finance.