Pub Finance

Pub Finance for UK Businesses

Pub finance from is available for licensed premises across the UK, including freehold acquisitions, refurbishments, working capital facilities, and equipment purchases.

Whether you operate a single community pub, a food-led gastropub, or a small group of managed sites, we work with a broad panel of banks and alternative funders to find the right finance for your business.

Our team manages the process from initial enquiry through to funding, so you can focus on running your business.

What is pub finance?

Pub finance is a term used to describe the range of commercial funding products available to licensed premises and hospitality businesses. It covers several different types of finance, including commercial mortgages for freehold purchases, unsecured business loans for working capital, and asset finance for equipment and fit-out costs.

Unlike standard commercial lending, pub finance takes into account the specific characteristics of the licensed trade, including seasonal income patterns, as well as the nature of the premises. Funders who are active in this space understand how pub businesses operate and can assess applications accordingly.

Pub finance can be used for a variety of purposes, from acquiring a new site to refurbishing an existing venue or managing cash flow during quieter trading periods.

 What are the benefits of pub finance?

• Access to funders who understand the licensed trade and assess pub businesses on their own terms.
• Repayment structures that can be tailored to reflect seasonal income patterns and trading cycles.
• A range of finance products available, from short-term working capital through to long-term commercial mortgages.
• Fast access to funds, with unsecured facilities often available within 24 to 72 hours of a completed application.
• No early repayment fees on unsecured facilities, giving you flexibility to settle ahead of schedule.
• Refinancing options to consolidate existing borrowing and reduce monthly outgoings.
• Equipment and fit-out finance available without drawing on working capital reserves.
• No obligation to proceed — we provide quotes before you commit to anything.

How we helped a pub operator fund a site refurbishment

A family-run pub approached BTG to help them arrange funding for development of inside the premises. The business had plans to redevelop the kitchen areas, as well as the pubs interior, with a renovation of the furniture, fixtures and fittings.

We reviewed the business’s financial position and identified two funders on our panel willing to support the deal. We secured £75,000 in unsecured lending across two facilities, structured over four and five-year terms respectively. The funding allowed the client to complete the refurbishment without disrupting day-to-day operations.

What finance options are available for pub businesses? 

Commercial mortgages - A commercial mortgage allows pub operators to purchase or refinance a freehold property using the premises as security. Loan terms typically run from 10 to 25 years, making them suitable for significant capital investments.

Unsecured business loans - Unsecured business loans are available from £10,000 to £750,000 with repayment terms of 3 to 72 months. No assets are required as security, and approval is based on the creditworthiness and trading history of the business.

Working capital loans - A working capital loan provides short to medium-term funding to cover the everyday costs of running a pub, including wages, stock, utilities, and maintenance. This type of finance is particularly useful during quieter trading periods or ahead of a busy seasonal period where upfront costs need to be covered.

Asset finance - Asset finance allows pub operators to acquire kitchen equipment, cellar cooling systems, furniture, or other operational assets without paying for them outright. The cost is spread over a fixed term, preserving working capital for day-to-day use. Finance is available for both new and used equipment.

Secured business loans - A secured business loan uses an asset, typically a property, as collateral. This allows businesses to access larger loan amounts and longer repayment terms than are generally available on an unsecured basis. Secured loans are often used for larger refurbishments, acquisitions, or debt consolidation.

Apply for pub finance

We work with a wide panel of banks and alternative funders and can assess which option provides the most competitive solution for your pub business.

If you would like to get a quote or need further information, simply fill in the form and we will be in touch. If you would like to speak to someone directly, call us on 0115 958 6872 and a member of our team will be happy to speak to you. Alternatively, email us at [email protected].