Do you provide property finance or commercial mortgages for restaurants?

Updated October 2025

The short answer, scope and our promise

Short answer: no — we do not provide or arrange property finance or commercial mortgages for restaurants. Best Business Loans is an independent introducer that helps established UK businesses explore non‑property commercial finance through suitable lenders and brokers. We offer information and intelligent matching for trading finance only, not mortgages or property-backed lending.

If you’re looking specifically for a commercial mortgage or a property acquisition loan, you should speak to an FCA‑authorised mortgage broker. We do not accept mortgage enquiries, give mortgage advice, or process any property finance applications. Any information below about mortgages is general and educational only.

What we can do is help restaurants, bars, cafés and foodservice operators access funding for fit-outs, equipment, working capital and growth. Our AI‑powered platform matches your profile with finance providers that are actively lending to established hospitality businesses. It’s fast, no obligation, and designed to save you time.

Who we can help today

We support established UK companies that need non‑property business finance for trading purposes. Typical use cases include refurbishments, kitchen equipment, EPOS systems, vehicles, cash flow smoothing and growth projects. If that’s your goal, we can guide you towards relevant options and providers.

Clear, fair, and not misleading

All content here is designed to be clear, fair and not misleading. We do not guarantee acceptance, rates, or outcomes. Your eligibility depends on your business profile, credit standing, affordability and lender criteria at the time of application.

Restaurant-friendly finance we can help you explore

While we don’t handle property finance, many restaurants don’t need a mortgage to move forward. Below are common non‑property finance routes our platform can help you explore through suitable providers. Each option may fit different goals, cash flows and asset profiles.

Fit‑out and refurbishment finance

Ideal for front-of-house refurbishments, seating, lighting, signage and décor. Funding can be structured so repayments better align with your trading cycle. This helps preserve cash while you upgrade the guest experience.

• Use for: layouts, washrooms, bar areas, branding, air con.
• Benefits: conserve working capital, spread cost, upgrade sooner.

Equipment and asset finance

Acquire or upgrade essential kit such as ovens, ranges, refrigeration, dishwashers, coffee machines and extraction. Asset finance can be hire purchase, lease or refinance of owned assets. It often comes with manageable monthly payments.

• Use for: kitchen line, prep equipment, EPOS, delivery tech.
• Benefits: protect cash, potential tax efficiencies, keep pace with demand.

Cash flow loans and revolving credit

Short‑to‑medium term working capital can stabilise cash during seasonal troughs, VAT peaks, or supplier price shifts. Revolving facilities can be drawn and repaid to match weekly takings. This gives flexibility to handle the unexpected.

• Use for: inventory, payroll, utilities, marketing, menu rollouts.
• Benefits: speed, flexibility, match repayments to trade.

Invoice finance (for eligible B2B income)

If a portion of your revenue is B2B, such as catering contracts or venue hire with invoices on terms, invoice finance can unlock cash tied up in receivables. It’s less common for pure B2C restaurants but powerful where B2B exists.

• Use for: corporate catering, events, wholesale lines.
• Benefits: accelerate cash, reduce debtor days, scale with sales.

Refinance and consolidation

Refinancing existing asset agreements or consolidating multiple facilities can simplify repayments. It can also release equity from owned assets to reinvest in the business. Suitability depends on valuations and current terms.

• Use for: reorganising obligations, reducing complexity.
• Benefits: clarity on cash flow, potential cost control.

Growth Guarantee Scheme (where eligible)

Some established SMEs may be eligible for government‑backed borrowing support through participating lenders. This can aid appetite to lend but is not a grant or guaranteed approval. Criteria, limits and availability apply.

Typical eligibility factors for non‑property finance

• Time trading, turnover trends and profitability.
• Credit profile of the business and directors.
• Affordability through cash flow and margin resilience.
• Assets to finance or refinance (for asset‑backed routes).

Considering a commercial mortgage? What to know first

Some restaurants do pursue a commercial mortgage to buy their premises or refinance a landlord‑owned site. We do not arrange these and we cannot advise on them. However, here are neutral points to consider before you approach an FCA‑authorised mortgage broker.

When might a commercial mortgage suit?

Owning your trading property can offer long‑term control over occupancy costs. It may also enable fit‑outs without landlord constraints. The trade‑off is the need for a deposit and the additional costs and risks of ownership.

• Use cases: buying freehold, refinancing existing commercial mortgage, purchasing a mixed‑use property with restaurant use.
• Alternatives: negotiate lease terms, use non‑property finance for upgrades.

Typical lender expectations (illustrative, not advice)

• Deposit and LTV: many lenders cap at 60–75% LTV depending on risk.
• Trading history: stable, evidenced revenue with strong EBITDA and hygiene of accounts.
• Affordability: a debt service cover ratio often in the 1.25x–1.5x range or higher.
• Valuation: an independent commercial valuation of the property and trading impact.
• Costs: valuation, legal fees, arrangement fees, potential ERCs, and SDLT where applicable.
• Stress tests: ability to repay at higher interest rates or with variations in trade.

Important risks and costs

If the loan is secured on the property, your premises could be at risk if repayments are missed. Interest rates and terms vary and can change. Always seek impartial guidance from an FCA‑authorised mortgage broker before making decisions.

Best Business Loans does not handle mortgage enquiries and cannot advise on regulated home finance. We focus strictly on non‑property commercial funding for trading businesses. That ensures we keep our support clear, fair and appropriate to our remit.

If your primary goal is to improve cash flow or upgrade operations, a non‑property route may be quicker than property purchase. Many restaurants maintain flexibility by separating premises decisions from trading finance planning. That can reduce complexity during busy service seasons.

How our AI matching works for restaurant finance (non‑property)

Our platform combines practical finance knowledge with AI matching to steer you towards providers that are more likely to support restaurants. It is built to save you time and help you make confident, informed decisions. Here’s how the process works.

Simple steps to your Quick Quote

1. Complete a short online Quick Quote form with your funding goal and amount.
2. Our system analyses your profile against lending criteria in our network.
3. We connect you with lenders or brokers who may be suitable for your needs.
4. You review options and decide what, if anything, to pursue — no obligation.

We don’t promise the lowest rate every time, but we aim to help you find relevant, credible finance options for your restaurant. Your information is handled securely, and we share it only with relevant professionals related to your enquiry. You stay in control at every step.

What to have ready

• Basic company details and trading history.
• Latest accounts and recent management figures if available.
• Purpose of funding and a rough budget or supplier quotes for assets.

Fast, clear information often leads to faster decisions from providers. If you are focused on rolling out a refurb or upgrading kitchen equipment, having quotes and timelines helps. You can also include brief notes on seasonality or upcoming events that may impact cash flow.

Restaurant sector experience matters

Many providers assess sector risk and operational resilience in hospitality. It helps to highlight your operational controls such as GP protection, stock management, EPOS data and labour scheduling. Providers often value evidence that you manage costs and adjust menus to market prices.

For more detail on how we support restaurants, visit our guide to restaurant finance options. It covers popular funding routes and typical scenarios. You will also find tips on making your application documentation as strong as possible.

FAQs, compliance and next steps

FAQ: Do you provide property finance or commercial mortgages for restaurants?

No. We do not provide, broker or arrange property finance or commercial mortgages, and we do not accept mortgage enquiries. If you need a mortgage, contact an FCA‑authorised mortgage broker for regulated advice. Any information on this page about mortgages is general and educational only.

FAQ: Can you introduce me to a mortgage broker?

We do not operate in the commercial mortgage market. You should independently choose and verify an FCA‑authorised mortgage intermediary. Check the Financial Services Register and ask for clear disclosures of status, fees and scope before you proceed.

FAQ: What finance can a restaurant typically access quickly?

Options may include equipment finance, fit‑out funding, cash flow loans, revolving credit and, for eligible B2B income, invoice finance. Speed depends on your documentation, credit profile and lender capacity. Approvals and terms are never guaranteed.

FAQ: Are you a lender?

No, we are an independent introducer that uses AI matching to connect businesses with suitable providers. Submitting a Quick Quote is free and without obligation. You remain in control of what you choose to pursue.

Our compliance approach

We aim for communications that are clear, fair and not misleading. We do not give financial, legal or tax advice. Rates, fees and eligibility are set by providers and can change; always read terms and seek professional advice where appropriate.

Key takeaways

• We do not provide or arrange property finance or commercial mortgages for restaurants.
• We specialise in non‑property business finance introductions for established UK restaurants.
• Options include fit‑out, equipment and asset finance, cash flow loans, revolving credit and refinance.
• For mortgages, speak to an FCA‑authorised broker and assess deposit, LTV, DSCR and costs.
• Submit a Quick Quote to explore non‑property funding matched to your needs — no obligation.

Ready to explore non‑property finance for your restaurant? Complete your Quick Quote and let our AI guide you towards relevant providers. For guidance before you submit, email hello@bestbusinessloans.ai — we’ll help point you in the right direction.