Running a restaurant means juggling service, staff and cash flow. Whether it’s a new fit-out, replacing a range, or smoothing seasonal peaks, the right finance partner matters. Fast Business Loans connects your business to lenders and brokers experienced in restaurant finance—quickly and without obligation.

Get Your Free Eligibility Check
Takes under 2 minutes. Submitting an enquiry won’t affect your credit score.

• Fast matches to lenders/brokers who understand hospitality
• Options for equipment, fit-outs, working capital and invoice finance
• Service is free and no obligation to proceed

Why Restaurants Choose Fast Business Loans

We make the search for restaurant finance quicker and more targeted. Instead of filling multiple lengthy forms and waiting for unsuitable offers, tell us your needs once and we match you to providers with experience in hospitality financing.

• Sector-aware matching: lenders and brokers who understand kitchens, venues and seasonal trading.
• Speed: receive responses and indicative quotes faster than searching individually.
• Range of solutions: equipment, fit-out, working capital, invoice finance and more.
• Transparent and no obligation — you decide whether to proceed.

Note: Fast Business Loans is an introducer — we do not lend directly or provide regulated financial advice. Our service is built to help you compare options and get connected to the most suitable providers.

Restaurant Finance Options We Can Introduce

Unsecured Restaurant Loans

Short to medium-term loans with no asset charge. Useful for working capital, marketing pushes or short-term staffing costs.

• Typical uses: cashflow gaps, inventory, short refurbishments.
• Typical facility sizes: from £10,000 upward (subject to lender criteria).
• Eligibility: trading history and turnover are usually assessed; unsecured facilities may require stronger trading performance.

Secured & Asset-Backed Finance

Loans secured against property or business assets can unlock larger sums and longer terms — helpful for major refits or site acquisition.

• Suitable for multi-site operators or larger refurbishments.
• Can offer lower monthly costs but involves using assets as collateral.

Equipment & Fit-Out Finance

Spread the cost of ovens, fridges, POS systems or a full fit-out over an agreed term — preserving working capital for daily operations.

• Options: hire purchase, lease, or asset finance depending on provider.
• Quick approval possible when using finance specifically for equipment.

Working Capital & Cash Flow Loans

Flexible facilities to manage seasonality, peak periods or temporary dips in sales. Ideal for restaurants with variable monthly revenue.

Merchant Cash Advance Alternatives

Instead of high-cost MCAs, we can introduce lower-cost alternatives or blended solutions that link repayments to card takings more sustainably.

Invoice Finance for Catering Contracts

Useful where restaurants or caterers issue invoices to corporate or event clients — unlock cash tied up in invoices to improve liquidity.

Compare Restaurant Finance Options – Start Your Enquiry

How Our Matching Process Works

1. Complete a short enquiry. Tell us a few details about your restaurant, the funding amount (from £10,000), and purpose — takes around 2 minutes.
2. We match you. We select lenders/brokers from our panel who most closely fit your needs and trading profile.
3. Receive contact. A lender or broker will usually make contact to request documents and provide an indicative offer.
4. Compare and decide. Review options, ask questions, and only proceed if an offer suits your business.

Example match: An independent bistro needing an outdoor dining expansion was introduced to an equipment-and-fit-out broker; an indicative package arrived within 5 days and funding completed within 4 weeks.

Ready to explore your funding options? → Get Started
Submitting an enquiry won’t affect your credit score.

Funding Scenarios We Commonly Support

Launch & Fit-Out Costs

Fit-outs, furniture, licences, and initial stock — lenders may combine equipment finance with working capital to ease launch costs.

Refurbishment & Expansion

Renovations, expanding dining areas, or taking on adjacent premises — secured or unsecured options depending on scale.

Kitchen & Front-of-House Equipment

New ovens, refrigeration, extraction systems or POS upgrades — equipment finance spreads cost and conserves cash.

Staffing & Training

Short-term funding to recruit, train or cover payroll during busy growth phases or staff reorganisation.

Supplier & Stock Management

Seasonal stock purchases or bulk buying discounts can be funded to improve margin and supplier relationships.

Marketing, Delivery & Partnerships

Investment in delivery infrastructure, marketing campaigns or partnerships to grow takeaway and corporate catering revenues.

Eligibility & What Lenders Consider

Eligibility varies by product and provider. Below are common factors lenders and brokers review:

• Trading history and length of operation
• Annual turnover and recent management accounts
• Profitability or cashflow projections (seasonality matters)
• Outstanding debt and credit profile of the business and directors
• Purpose of funds and supporting estimates/quotes
• Collateral if a secured facility is proposed

Note: our partners typically consider facilities starting at around £10,000. Submitting an enquiry is an information step only and will not affect your credit score — credit checks may occur later if you proceed with a particular lender.

Tips to Strengthen Your Restaurant Finance Application

Small changes in presentation can improve the chances of a competitive offer:

• Keep management accounts current: 12–24 months of accounts plus recent banking activity are often requested.
• Prepare a concise forecast: 3–6 month cashflow showing how the funding will be repaid — include seasonal peaks.
• Evidence contracts or delivery partnerships: Signed supplier agreements or corporate catering contracts reduce perceived risk.
• Show occupancy & reservation data: For dining venues, recent reservation levels or EPOS reports help lenders model revenue.
• Get supplier quotes: For fit-outs or equipment, supporting quotes show realistic costings and scope.
• Highlight sustainability plans: Energy-efficient upgrades and waste reduction can support specialised green finance options.

Industry context: hospitality faces tight margins and seasonal swings — up-to-date accounts and clear use of funds go a long way. For sector research and trends, see resources such as UKHospitality and the ONS hospitality statistics (external links).

Need personalised guidance? Request a free eligibility check

Our Commitment to Responsible Introductions

Your privacy and control matter. We only share your details with selected lenders or brokers that are a close match to your enquiry. You remain in control — compare offers and only sign agreements that suit your business. We do not provide regulated financial advice; we introduce you to providers who will discuss options and terms directly.

Data handling: we treat your information securely and in accordance with GDPR. Details are shared only with relevant partners to speed up the process and are retained only as necessary to fulfil the introduction. For full details see our privacy policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of restaurant businesses can apply?

We work with a wide range of UK restaurant and catering businesses — from independent cafés and casual dining to multi-site chains and caterers — subject to lender eligibility criteria.

How quickly can funding be arranged?

After matching, many lenders can provide indicative offers within 24–72 hours once they have necessary documents. Completion times depend on the product complexity and whether security or valuations are needed.

Are start-up restaurants eligible?

Some partners specialise in early-stage hospitality and can consider businesses with limited trading history, but criteria vary. Larger or secured facilities usually favour established trading records.

What documents will lenders request?

• Recent management accounts and bank statements
• Proof of identity for directors
• Business plan or brief use-of-funds statement
• Supplier quotes or invoices for equipment/fit-out

Can I apply with adverse credit?

Possibly. Different lenders have different risk appetites — we may be able to match you with providers experienced in complex credit profiles. Be candid about your situation so we can match accurately.

Is there any fee for using Fast Business Loans?

No — our introduction service is free to restaurant owners. Any fees or charges will be confirmed by lenders/brokers when they provide their offers.

Will lenders contact me directly?

Yes — after you submit an enquiry and agree to being contacted, the matched lender or broker will get in touch to discuss next steps.

How much can I realistically borrow?

Facilities commonly range from £10,000 upwards — small loans, asset finance and larger commercial packages are all possible depending on your business strength and security offered.

Can funding cover VAT or tax bills?

Some lenders can structure facilities that include tax or VAT liabilities, but suitability depends on the product and your overall financial position.

What happens after I submit the enquiry form?

We match your details to suitable partners. You should expect contact from one or more lenders/brokers to discuss the project and request documents. Submitting the enquiry does not obligate you to accept any offer.

Still have questions? Book a free eligibility check

Get Started – Fast Track Your Restaurant Finance

Ready to explore funding for a fit-out, new equipment, or to steady cashflow for a seasonal peak? Complete our short enquiry and we’ll match you with lenders and brokers experienced in restaurant finance. It’s free, quick and won’t affect your credit score.

Start Your Restaurant Loan Enquiry
No obligation. Typical facilities considered from £10,000 and upwards.

For more industry-specific advice on restaurant funding, see our sector guide to restaurants business loans.