I’m a tenanted/leased pub with a brewery tie — can I still get finance?

Short answer

Yes — many UK lenders will consider funding for tenanted or leased pubs, even with a brewery tie, if the business shows affordability and stable trading. Your options typically include unsecured business loans, merchant cash advances, equipment and fit-out finance, tax and VAT funding, and specialist cash flow facilities. You won’t usually need to own the freehold, but lenders will want to see lease details, card takings, bank statements, and evidence that rent and brewery obligations are up to date.

How lenders view brewery-tied and leased pubs

A brewery tie does not automatically disqualify you from business finance; it simply changes how lenders assess risk. Because you don’t own the property, most providers focus on trading performance, card revenues, and the strength of the operating team. They will also examine the lease term, rent obligations, business rates, and any restrictions in your tenancy agreement that affect assets or alterations.

Key risk factors include seasonality, wet/dry split, energy costs, and the terms of the tie. Lenders want to confirm your supply agreement, pricing flexibility, and gross margins remain viable under the tie conditions. Evidence that you can pass rent reviews and maintain supplier payments is also important.

Security is different for leased venues. Instead of a property charge, funding may rely on a personal guarantee, a debenture over business assets, or repayments linked to card takings. Some equipment can be financed if ownership is clear and the landlord or brewery consents to fixtures or alterations.

Common hurdles and how to navigate them

• Short leases: Lenders prefer at least 24 months remaining on a fully assignable lease.
• Brewery/landlord consent: For fit-out and equipment funding, consent letters may be required.
• Licensing assurance: A valid premises licence and DPS are essential for most lenders.

Finance options that commonly work for tenanted pubs

Unsecured business loans are widely used by leased pubs to smooth cash flow, fund small refurbishments, or hire staff. Terms often range from 6 to 60 months, with affordability based on recent bank statements, management accounts, and business performance. A personal guarantee is common but asset security is not always required.

Merchant cash advances (MCAs) can be ideal if your takings are mostly by card. Repayments flex with turnover as a small agreed percentage of daily card transactions, helping during quieter weeks. Approval can be quick if you can evidence consistent card revenues for the last 3–6 months.

Equipment and fit-out finance may be available for kitchen equipment, cellar systems, EPOS, furniture, and energy-saving upgrades. Lenders will check ownership and may need a landlord’s licence to alter. Some items can be financed via leasing or hire purchase, which can preserve cash flow and spread costs.

Other routes to consider

• VAT and tax funding: Short-term loans can help manage HMRC liabilities, avoiding late-payment penalties.
• Working capital loans: To cover supplier terms, staff costs, and stock ahead of peak periods.
• Refinance and consolidation: Tidying existing agreements to improve monthly affordability.
• Growth Guarantee Scheme: If eligible, lenders may use a government-backed guarantee to support an application.

What you’ll need to apply — and how to improve approval odds

Lenders want a clear picture of your pub’s financial performance and obligations under the tie. You will usually need 3–6 months of business bank statements, recent management accounts, and your last filed accounts. Prepare a copy of your lease, rent schedule, and any relevant brewery tie agreement.

Card settlement reports are crucial for MCAs and useful for unsecured loans to evidence turnover. If you are seeking fit-out or equipment funding, gather supplier quotes, asset lists, and proof of ownership or permission to install. Ensure your premises licence and DPS details are current and available.

A concise business case can make a difference. Explain how the funds will be used, outline the expected return on investment, and show how repayments fit into cash flow. Address seasonality honestly and demonstrate contingency plans for quieter months.

Application checklist

• 3–6 months bank statements and card takings reports.
• Latest management accounts and filed accounts.
• Lease agreement, length remaining, rent and service charges.
• Brewery tie terms, including supply and pricing obligations.
• Consent letters for alterations or equipment, where needed.
• Premises licence and proof of responsible management.

Costs, terms, and realistic expectations

Rates and fees depend on your credit profile, trading stability, and loan purpose. Unsecured loans can carry higher costs than property-backed lending, reflecting the added risk. MCAs and short-term working capital facilities can be more expensive but offer speed and flexibility when cash flow is tight.

Expect personal guarantees for unsecured borrowing and, in some cases, a debenture over business assets. Fit-out or equipment finance may secure against the asset itself, and you might need landlord/brewery permissions. Lenders will look for affordability, often using debt service coverage and sensitivity to seasonal dips.

Always weigh the total cost of finance against the business benefit, such as increased covers, higher margins, or energy savings. Consider repayment flexibility, early settlement options, and the impact on day-to-day cash. If in doubt, speak to a professional adviser before you commit.

Typical ranges and timelines

• Unsecured loans: Commonly 6–60 months; approvals in days where documents are ready.
• MCAs: Based on average monthly card takings; repayments flex with turnover; quick decisions.
• Equipment/fit-out: Terms aligned to asset life; landlord/brewery consent may be required.
• Tax/VAT loans: Short-term, often rapid once eligibility is confirmed.

How Best Business Loans can help — and the next steps

Best Business Loans does not lend directly or give advice; we help UK pub operators explore relevant funding routes through our AI-driven matching and professional network. You complete one quick form, and we connect you to lenders or brokers who are active in the pub and hospitality sector. This can save you time while improving the chance of finding a suitable solution.

Whether you need a cash flow boost, a card takings-based facility, or funding for a refurb, we help you compare suitable options. If you run a tenanted or leased pub, our network understands brewery ties, consent requirements, and hospitality seasonality. For more on sector-specific support, visit our pubs business loans overview.

There’s no obligation to proceed, and it’s free to submit your details. You stay in control and decide what works for your pub’s cash flow and goals. Start today with a Quick Quote and see if you are likely to be eligible.

Quick steps to get started

• Complete the Quick Quote form with basic details and your funding purpose.
• Our system analyses your profile against current lender criteria.
• We introduce you to providers who may be a fit for your situation.
• You review offers, compare terms, and decide your next move.

FAQs in brief

Can I get finance if my lease only has a short time remaining? You may still qualify, but more lease length usually helps. Some lenders prefer 24+ months remaining or evidence that renewal is likely.

Do I need the brewery’s or landlord’s consent? For equipment, refurbs, or anything fixed to the premises, consent is often required. Check your lease and tie terms early.

Will I need a personal guarantee? Many unsecured products require a personal guarantee. Always read terms carefully and consider independent advice.

How fast can funds be available? Simple working capital loans and MCAs can be quick if documents are ready. Fit-out finance may take longer due to quotes and consents.

Key takeaways

• You can still get finance as a tenanted or leased pub with a brewery tie.
• Options include unsecured loans, merchant cash advances, and equipment/fit-out finance.
• Strong evidence of trading, card takings, and lease details improves approvals.
• Check consent requirements early to avoid delays.
• Use our Quick Quote to be matched with suitable funding providers.

Important information

Best Business Loans is an independent introducer. We do not provide loans or financial advice, and we are not a party to any agreement you may enter with a lender or broker. Eligibility, rates, and terms are subject to status, creditworthiness, and lender criteria.

Repayment performance can affect your credit rating and failure to keep up repayments may result in additional fees and legal action. Where a personal guarantee is provided, you may be personally liable if the business cannot meet its obligations.

We aim to ensure our content and introductions are clear, fair, and not misleading, and we encourage you to seek professional advice where appropriate. This content is for UK businesses and general information only and is not regulated financial advice.

Who we support

Our platform is designed for established UK businesses. We currently do not support start-ups, sole traders, franchises, property finance, or commercial mortgage applications. Pubs trading as limited companies or LLPs with verifiable turnover are most likely to be eligible for the options outlined above.

We regularly help operators in hospitality, including bars, gastropubs, and community pubs with food-led or wet-led models. If your pub is asset-light but has consistent takings and a clear plan, there are routes we can explore.

Complete your Quick Quote to check eligibility and get introduced to suitable providers. There is no obligation to proceed, and your information is handled securely and confidentially.

Use cases and practical examples

A food-led pub seeking a kitchen upgrade might combine equipment finance for appliances with a small unsecured loan for working capital. This spreads costs and avoids straining cash flow during the upgrade period. A landlord consent letter would typically be prepared before installation.

A wet-led, card-heavy pub might explore a merchant cash advance to align repayments with seasonal trade. During quieter months, the percentage-of-takings structure helps manage cash flow. As trade picks up, the facility can reduce faster without early repayment penalties in many cases.

Pubs facing a VAT or corporation tax peak could use a short-term tax funding facility. This avoids HMRC penalties and preserves supplier relationships. Lenders will want to see affordability and bank statements to support the request.

What to do before you apply

Reconcile your card takings and ensure your EPOS reports match your bank statements. Lenders appreciate clarity and consistency in figures. Prepare brief notes on your trading trends, local competition, and any upcoming events that may boost revenue.

Check your lease for clauses related to equipment, signage, outdoor seating, and structural changes. Securing landlord or brewery approval early removes a common bottleneck. If energy costs are a challenge, consider green upgrades that can be financed and reduce bills.

Finally, set a clear budget for repayments and stress test it against a quieter trading month. This helps you choose the right term and product. A sustainable plan is more attractive to lenders and better for your pub.

Next step: Get your free Quick Quote

It takes minutes to submit an enquiry and there’s no obligation. We use AI-enabled matching to introduce you to lenders and brokers who understand tied and leased pubs. You compare options and decide what’s right for your business.

We don’t promise the lowest rate every time. We do aim to connect you with relevant, active providers who can genuinely help. Start now and see your potential eligibility.

Updated: October 2025