Do you offer fit-out and refurbishment finance for restaurants, bars and bakeries?
Short answer: we help you find it — fast, fair and tailored to hospitality
Yes — Best Business Loans can help established UK restaurants, bars and bakeries find fit-out and refurbishment finance by matching you with suitable lenders and specialist brokers. We’re an independent introducer, not a lender, and our AI-driven platform connects you with providers that actively fund hospitality refurbishments, equipment, and premises upgrades. Submit a Quick Quote to check eligibility and get introduced to relevant partners for a decision in principle.
Whether you’re upgrading a kitchen, refreshing front-of-house, rebranding, or expanding seating capacity, our network covers funding options such as equipment finance, fit-out loans, asset refinance and card turnover-based solutions. We aim to make the process clearer, faster and more practical for busy operators who want to invest without stalling cash flow.
All finance is subject to status, terms and lender criteria. We don’t promise the lowest rate every time, but we’ll help you find providers aligned to your project, sector and budget.
Who this is for
This page is for established UK hospitality businesses seeking funding to refurbish or refit trading premises. Common applicants include casual dining restaurants, independent bakeries, artisan patisseries, pubs, wine bars, cocktail lounges and multi-site operators.
We currently do not support start-ups, sole traders, franchises, property finance or commercial mortgages. Your business should be UK-based, actively trading and looking for commercial finance for business purposes only.
If you operate across food production, catering or food retail, you can also explore our sector hub for food industry loans.
Typical projects we support
- Kitchen replacements, oven lines, extraction and ventilation
- Seating, counters, shelving, refrigeration, POS and display cases
- Electrical, plumbing, flooring, lighting and acoustic treatments
- Brand refreshes: décor, signage, frontage and accessibility upgrades
- Energy-efficiency improvements: insulation, heat pumps, LEDs
How our fit-out finance matching works
Our process is designed to save you time and reduce guesswork by aligning your needs to lenders that understand hospitality. It’s straightforward, confidential and obligation-free to start.
Step 1 — Quick Quote: Tell us what you need funding for, your budget and timeline. This takes a couple of minutes.
Step 2 — AI analysis: We assess your profile, sector, project type and use-of-funds to identify relevant funding routes.
From match to decision in principle
Step 3 — Introductions: We connect you with lenders or brokers likely to support your fit-out or refurbishment scope. You’ll avoid multiple cold applications that can waste time.
Step 4 — Review options: Compare terms, repayments, security and drawdown structure. You remain in full control throughout.
Indicative timelines: Simple, unsecured decisions can be as fast as a few days; staged fit-out facilities or asset finance may take longer, depending on complexity and documentation.
What you can finance
- Hard costs: equipment, fixtures and furniture, mechanical and electrical works
- Soft costs: design, project management, install, some building works (case-by-case)
- Green upgrades: energy-efficient ovens, refrigeration, HVAC, LEDs and insulation
Eligibility, terms and allowable uses vary by lender; you’ll receive clear information before proceeding.
We never charge to submit your enquiry, and we’ll only share your details with relevant finance professionals.
Essential documents to prepare
- Latest accounts and recent bank statements
- Itemised quotes or supplier invoices for the refurbishment
- Premises details: lease, landlord consent, planning permissions (if applicable)
- Proof of ID and address for directors/owners
Common fit-out and refurbishment finance options
No two venues are identical, and the most suitable finance depends on your project scope, cash flow and asset mix. Below is a quick comparison of routes hospitality operators commonly consider.
| Finance Type | Typical Use | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment Finance (Hire Purchase/Lease) | Ovens, mixers, refrigeration, POS | Spreads cost over term; may use asset as collateral |
| Unsecured Business Loan | General refurbishment costs | Fast decisions; usually requires PG; fixed repayments |
| Merchant Cash Advance | Card-taking venues (bars/cafés) | Repay via % of card sales; flexible with seasonality |
| Asset Refinance | Unlock value from owned equipment | Releases cash against existing assets |
| Staged Fit-Out Facilities | Larger projects with milestones | Drawdowns aligned to project phases |
| VAT/Tax Funding | Manage VAT on project costs | Short-term cash flow smoothing |
| Growth Guarantee Scheme | Eligible SMEs needing support | Government-backed guarantee; lender criteria apply |
Equipment finance for kitchen and front-of-house
Hire Purchase and Leasing are popular for ovens, refrigeration, coffee machines, mixers, dishwashers and display cases. These can align repayments with the working life of the kit and preserve cash.
Ownership outcomes differ between HP and lease structures. You’ll receive full disclosure on terms, fees and end-of-term options before you sign.
Unsecured loans and staged fit-out funding
Unsecured loans can cover décor, flooring, electrical works and seating where assets are not easily financed. They often move quickly with straightforward documentation.
For bigger refurbishments, staged funding can align drawdowns with contractors’ milestones, reducing interest on undrawn funds and improving cash control.
Merchant cash advances for card-heavy venues
If most of your takings are by card, a merchant cash advance lets you repay via a small, agreed percentage of daily card sales. This can flex with quieter trading periods.
It is not a traditional loan and may suit seasonal or variable turnover businesses such as bars and cafés.
Green and energy-efficiency upgrades
Some lenders have appetite for sustainable kit and energy-saving refurbishments, such as LED lighting, heat recovery and eco ovens. This can reduce operating costs and support ESG goals.
Availability, incentives and terms differ by provider and project scope. We’ll match you with partners who actively support sustainability investments where possible.
Eligibility, criteria and what lenders look for
While criteria vary, hospitality lenders generally assess affordability, trading history and project viability. Clear plans and realistic cash flow forecasts help strengthen applications.
Indicative factors include time trading, turnover, profitability, existing liabilities and credit profile. Some facilities may require personal guarantees or security.
What strengthens your case
- A detailed cost breakdown and supplier quotes
- Evidence of demand: bookings, footfall, delivery partners
- Operating plan: timeline, opening hours, menu or concept updates
- Premises position: lease length, landlord consent if needed
Strong management experience and clear outcomes from the refurbishment (e.g., more covers, higher average spend, improved throughput) can be persuasive.
Fast-track tips for a decision in principle
- Provide up-to-date financials and three to six months of bank statements
- Prepare a concise project brief and timeline
- Confirm whether planning or building control approvals are required
- Check that your insurance will cover refurbishment works
Who we can and cannot help
We commonly assist limited companies and established SMEs across hospitality. Multi-site groups can also be supported depending on structure.
We do not currently support start-ups, sole traders, franchises, property finance or commercial mortgages. Finance is for business purposes in the UK only and subject to status.
Typical timelines
Unsecured decisions can be quick when information is complete. Asset-based or staged facilities may take longer due to valuations or project controls.
We’ll set expectations early and keep you informed of each step after introduction.
Costs, repayments and risk — what to consider before you proceed
Refurbishment should increase revenue capacity, operational efficiency or brand appeal. It’s important to model repayments against a conservative trading forecast.
Rates and fees vary by product, risk profile, term and security. You’ll receive clear explanations of the total amount payable and any early settlement costs before you commit.
Managing cash flow through the build
- Plan your drawdowns to minimise interest on undrawn funds
- Time works to reduce downtime and preserve revenue
- Phase purchases so equipment finance aligns with delivery and install
Consider supplier lead times, delivery windows and commissioning. Build in contingency for snagging.
Security, guarantees and responsibilities
Some facilities require a personal guarantee or asset security. Lenders will explain obligations and risks, and you should consider independent advice if unsure.
Never proceed if you don’t understand the costs or commitments. Clear, fair and not misleading information is essential for informed decisions.
Seasonality and revenue mix
Bars, cafés and bakeries often experience peak and off-peak periods. Facilities that flex with turnover can support seasonality, but they may cost more overall.
If you have a strong delivery or takeaway channel, factor this resilience into cash flow assumptions. Conservative assumptions are safer for planning.
Compliance and transparency commitments
We aim to ensure promotions are fair, clear and not misleading in line with FCA, ASA and Google guidelines. We’re an independent introducer, not a lender or adviser, and we do not provide regulated advice.
All finance is subject to status, terms and eligibility, and is for business purposes only. We may receive a commission from the finance provider if you proceed.
Getting started — Quick Quote, FAQs and next steps
Ready to explore your fit-out finance options? Complete our Quick Quote to check eligibility and get introduced to suitable lenders or brokers for your restaurant, bar or bakery.
It’s free to enquire, with no obligation to proceed. You’ll receive transparent information so you can compare options on their merits.
If you prefer guidance before submitting, our UK support team can point you in the right direction.
Quick checklist before you apply
- Project scope, budget and timeline agreed
- Quotes or pro forma invoices from suppliers
- Recent accounts and bank statements accessible
- Lease and landlord consent (if required) in hand
Submitting a complete pack can accelerate decision-making. Keep communication lines open with contractors and suppliers.
Frequently asked questions
Can you help start-ups? We currently do not support start-ups, sole traders or franchises. We focus on established UK businesses.
How fast is funding? Simple cases may receive a quick decision in principle once matched, while staged or asset-backed facilities can take longer. Timings depend on documentation and complexity.
What can be covered? Many lenders fund equipment, fixtures, décor, M&E and some soft costs; allowable uses vary by product and provider.
Key takeaways
- We help established restaurants, bars and bakeries find fit-out and refurbishment finance by introducing you to suitable providers.
- Options include equipment finance, unsecured loans, merchant cash advances, asset refinance and staged facilities.
- It’s free to submit a Quick Quote, with no obligation to proceed.
Updated: October 2025
About Best Business Loans
BestBusinessLoans.ai is an independent introducer helping UK businesses explore commercial finance through AI-powered matching and a professional network. We don’t offer loans directly and we don’t claim to search the whole market.
Your enquiry is handled securely and shared only with relevant finance professionals. Finance is subject to status, terms and provider criteria; over-18s, UK businesses only.
Nothing on this page is financial advice; consider independent advice if you’re unsure whether a product is suitable for your circumstances.
Next step: Get your free Quick Quote
Complete a short form to check eligibility for fit-out and refurbishment finance options. We’ll introduce you to providers who understand hospitality and can progress your project quickly and transparently.
Fast. Secure. No obligation.