How long does it typically take from enquiry to funds being released for a pub?

Q: Can a pub ever get same-day funding?

Yes, for smaller unsecured loans or merchant cash advances where the application pack is complete and meets criteria. Most fast cases complete within 24–48 hours.

Q: How long does it take to fund a refurbishment?

Allow 3–10 working days if quotes, permissions, and documents are ready. Complex premises or listed buildings may take longer.

Q: Do brewery ties slow down finance?

They can for secured lending and assignments. Having the tie agreement and any consents ready reduces delays.

Q: What about buying a pub freehold?

Property purchases usually take 4–12 weeks due to valuation and legal work. Some operators use bridging for speed, then refinance longer term.

Short answer and realistic timelines for UK pubs

Most pubs can receive funds in as little as 24–72 hours for simple, unsecured options such as a small business loan or merchant cash advance. More complex or secured funding, such as asset finance or a pub purchase/refinance, can take 1–6 weeks, depending on valuations, legal work, and documentation.

As a practical rule of thumb, allow 1–3 days for fast-working capital solutions, 3–10 working days for fit-out and equipment finance, and 2–6 weeks for secured, higher-value or property-linked transactions. Timelines vary by lender appetite, your trading profile, and how complete your documents are at the point of enquiry.

Best Business Loans does not lend directly. We help UK pub operators understand their options and connect with suitable lenders or brokers so you can move from enquiry to funding as efficiently as possible.

What is Best Business Loans and how we help pubs

We are an independent introducer that helps established UK businesses find relevant finance providers. Our platform uses data-led matching to connect pubs with lenders and brokers who are active in hospitality.

There is no obligation to proceed and no charge to submit a Quick Quote. You decide which route and provider to engage.

For sector-specific guidance, explore our dedicated page for pub operators here: pubs business loans and finance options.

Updated: October 2025

Timeframes and lender practices can change. The information on this page is general guidance only and not financial advice.

Quick timeline guide for common pub finance routes

If you need a fast cash injection for stock, payroll, or utilities, unsecured business loans can be as quick as 24–72 hours from complete application to funds out. This often requires recent bank statements, ID/KYC, and basic trading details.

Merchant cash advances secured against card takings can complete in 1–3 business days once card processing statements are provided. This can suit pubs with strong card volumes and seasonal swings.

Revolving credit or overdraft-style facilities for pubs can take 2–7 working days, assuming straightforward underwriting and clear affordability.

When it usually takes longer

Fit-out and refurbishment finance commonly takes 3–10 working days if uncomplicated. You may need quotes, asset lists, and landlord consent for works.

Equipment and leasing for kitchen kit, cellars, EPOS or furniture can take 5–10 working days, with supplier invoices and asset specs required.

Secured, higher-value, or property-linked facilities (e.g., buying a freehold, refinancing a leasehold, or borrowing against property) typically take 2–6+ weeks due to valuation, legal due diligence, and possible brewery-tie documentation.

Specialist routes for pubs

Invoice finance is less common for traditional pubs but relevant for venues with events/catering B2B invoices. Expect 1–2 weeks to set up, then 24–48 hours for drawdowns.

Growth Guarantee Scheme-backed loans (if available and you are eligible) may take 2–6 weeks depending on the lender’s process and security. These often require detailed financials and affordability assessments.

Bridging finance for urgent pub purchases or short-term cashflow against property can be swift (1–3 weeks), but legal readiness and valuation access are critical.

Typical documents that speed things up

Last 6–12 months’ business bank statements
Latest filed accounts and recent management accounts
Card processing statements (for merchant cash advance)
Proof of premises (lease/freehold), rent statements, and any brewery tie agreements
Photo ID, proof of address, and company information (KYC/AML)

What factors influence the time from enquiry to funds for a pub?

1) Documentation readiness. The biggest accelerator or bottleneck is having the right documents ready. Lenders cannot underwrite without bank statements, ID, and financials. Missing lease or brewery-tie details can add days.

2) Purpose and product selection. Working capital tends to be faster than property-secured or fit-out-heavy finance. Choosing a route that matches your immediate need can compress timelines.

3) Security and valuations. Any facility dependent on a property valuation, asset inspection, or debenture is inherently slower. Availability of surveyors and legal review cycles add to the clock.

Hospitality-sector specifics that matter

Trading volatility and seasonality. Pubs often have peaks around weekends, holidays, and events. Lenders may ask for additional context on current trading vs. prior years to assess affordability.

Wet/dry split and margin profiles. A changing mix of food vs. drink sales can impact gross margins and lender risk view. Clear EPOS or management accounts help.

Licensing, insurance, and compliance. Active licences, public liability, and adherence to health and safety reassure lenders and reduce queries.

Credit history and existing obligations

Adverse credit or HMRC arrears does not necessarily stop funding, but it can extend decision time as lenders assess explanations and mitigations. Provide context and repayment plans upfront.

Existing finance commitments (loans, leases, supplier payments) need to be disclosed and evidenced. Full visibility reduces back-and-forth.

Landlord or brewery consents may be required for certain works or assignments. Securing these early can prevent delays later.

Practical tip

Bundle your documents in a single folder and label files clearly (e.g., “ABC Pub – Bank Statements Apr–Sep 2025”). Reducing friction shortens the path to payout.

Typical end-to-end timescales by finance type

Unsecured business loan (working capital): 24–72 hours from complete pack to release, sometimes same day for smaller advances. Expect ID checks and affordability assessment using bank statements.

Merchant cash advance (card takings): Usually 1–3 business days once card statements are reviewed. Repayments flex with sales, which suits seasonal pubs.

Revolving credit facility/overdraft-style: 2–7 working days, subject to underwriting and company profile. Useful for recurring cash flow dips.

Fit-out, equipment, and asset finance

Fit-out finance and refurbishment loans: 3–10 working days if quotes and permissions are ready. Complex works, multiple contractors, or listed buildings may extend timelines.

Equipment loans and leases: 5–10 working days. Supplier invoices, serial numbers, or asset schedules may be needed prior to payout.

Vehicle finance (delivery vans, mobile bars): 2–7 working days, depending on supplier readiness and documentation.

Secured and property-linked funding

Pub purchase or refinance (secured): 4–12 weeks is common due to valuation, legal enquiries, title checks, and tie agreements. Planning ahead is essential.

Bridging loans: 1–3 weeks where legal and valuation access is fast. Useful for time-sensitive acquisitions or VAT bridging.

Government-backed options (e.g., Growth Guarantee Scheme): 2–6 weeks with more documentation and due diligence. Lenders’ criteria vary and availability can change.

If you need funds quickly

Consider a staged plan. Use a fast unsecured or cash-advance facility for immediate needs, then refinance into a longer-term or secured product once the business case and legal steps are complete.

The steps from enquiry to funds — and how to move faster

Step 1 — Quick enquiry and initial match (same day). Submit a concise profile of your pub, funding purpose, and amount required. We introduce you to suitable lenders or brokers aligned with hospitality.

Step 2 — Document pack (same day to 2 days). Gather bank statements, ID, accounts, and any sector-specific items (lease, brewery tie, rent statements). A complete pack can halve the time to decision.

Step 3 — Underwriting and queries (1–5 days). Lenders review affordability, cash flow, and risk. Respond to all queries promptly and directly to prevent resets.

Steps that extend timelines for secured or complex cases

Valuation and legal (1–8 weeks). Property or asset valuations and legal due diligence can add significant time. Book valuations early and ensure your solicitor is on standby.

Offer and acceptance (same day to 2 days). Once approved, review terms and ensure consents are in place. Clarify any covenants or information undertakings.

Funds release (same day to 3 days after completion). Lenders release funds when conditions are met. Provide drawdown details early to prevent banking delays.

How pubs can accelerate approval

Share clear purpose: stock, payroll, refurbishment, kitchen kit, outdoor area, or energy upgrades.
Provide up-to-date management accounts and EPOS snapshots to evidence current trading.
Explain seasonality, events calendar, and any one-off costs that influenced recent cash flow.
Disclose HMRC or supplier arrears early and outline your plan to clear them.
Secure landlord/brewery consents for fit-out before you apply where possible.

Common pitfalls

Delays often occur due to missing bank statements, unsigned ID copies, undisclosed finance, or late valuation bookings. Anticipate these and prepare in advance.

Next steps, FAQs, and compliance information

Every pub is different, and the quickest route depends on your trading pattern, venue type, and the purpose of funds. Our role is to help you navigate choices and meet providers who actively lend to pubs.

To find out how fast your specific case could move, complete a short form. You’ll get matched to suitable providers for a Quick Quote or indication of eligibility.

Start your Quick Quote now. It’s fast, secure, and there’s no obligation to proceed.

FAQs: Pub funding timelines

Can a pub ever get same-day funding?

Yes, in limited cases for smaller unsecured loans or merchant cash advances where the application is complete and meets criteria. Most fast cases still take 24–48 hours.

How long does it take to fund a refurbishment?

Expect around 3–10 working days if your quotes, permissions, and documents are ready. Complex premises or listed buildings can take longer.

What if I have adverse credit or HMRC arrears?

Specialist lenders may still help, but expect more questions and slightly longer timescales. Provide full context and a repayment plan early.

Do brewery ties slow down finance?

They can, especially for secured lending and assignments. Having the agreement and any required consents ready reduces delays.

What about buying a pub freehold?

Property purchases normally take 4–12 weeks due to valuation and legal work. If timing is critical, consider interim bridging while longer-term finance completes.

Important information and fair, clear, not misleading messaging

Best Business Loans is an independent introducer. We do not provide loans or credit decisions and we are not a lender.

Any finance is subject to status, affordability, and the criteria of the lender or broker you choose. Timeframes are indicative and not guaranteed.

This page is for general information only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or accounting advice. Always consider professional advice before committing to any finance.

Why pubs choose Best Business Loans

We match your pub’s profile and funding purpose with providers who actively support hospitality. That can shorten the journey from enquiry to drawdown.

We are transparent that we cannot guarantee the lowest rate or approval. Our aim is to help you find a relevant route quickly and confidently.

Complete your Quick Quote and we will connect you with suitable providers so you can compare options and timelines side by side.

Key takeaways

Fastest routes for pubs: unsecured loans and merchant cash advances in 24–72 hours when documentation is complete.
Fit-out, equipment, and asset finance usually complete in 3–10 working days.
Property or secured borrowing often takes 2–6+ weeks due to valuation and legal steps.
Have bank statements, accounts, ID, lease/brewery docs, and quotes ready to cut days off the process.
We introduce you to suitable lenders and brokers; you stay in control of the decision.

Compliance note

We aim to ensure our information and introductions are fair, clear, and not misleading, in line with FCA and ASA guidance for financial promotions. We do not approve or communicate financial promotions on behalf of lenders and are not authorised to provide regulated advice.

If you proceed, your chosen lender or broker will provide product-specific disclosures, eligibility criteria, and terms. Always read documents carefully and ask questions before signing.

Ready to explore timelines for your pub? Get your free Quick Quote and we will connect you with providers who can help.