Lendus.

Pub & Bar Business Loans

Fund your pub purchase, refurbishment, or expansion with the right finance. Lendus compares 200+ lenders to help publicans and bar owners access competitive rates.

200+ UK lenders
2-minute application
No credit check to apply
FCA-regulated brokers

Typical Range

£10k – £2m

Average Loan

£120k

for pub & bar

Decision Speed

24–48 hrs

for unsecured loans

Eligibility requirements

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Loan types available

Unsecured Business Loan

Rate
7.9% – 27.9% APR
Term
1 – 5 years
Security
No security required
Best for
Refurbishments, beer garden upgrades, new stock, and seasonal cash flow support

Secured Business Loan

Rate
4.9% – 14.9% APR
Term
1 – 20 years
Security
Pub premises (freehold or long leasehold) or residential property
Best for
Purchasing a freehold pub, major renovations, or acquiring a new site

Merchant Cash Advance

Rate
Factor rate 1.15 – 1.50
Term
3 – 18 months
Security
Repaid as a percentage of card takings
Best for
Pubs with strong card turnover needing fast, flexible working capital

Representative example

Borrow £120,000 over 36 months at 9.9% APR (fixed). Monthly repayment: ~£3,866. Rates depend on your circumstances and the type of loan.

Market context

There are approximately 46,000 pubs in the UK, contributing over £26 billion annually to the economy. The sector employs around 900,000 people, making it one of the largest hospitality employers in the country.

Common challenges

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Bad credit?

Several of our 200+ lenders work with pub & bar businesses that have imperfect credit. You may need a personal guarantee or higher rate, but options exist. Our eligibility check uses a soft search — no impact on your credit score.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a loan to buy a pub freehold?
Yes, pub freehold purchases are one of the most common uses of secured business loans in the hospitality sector. Lenders typically fund 60-75% of the purchase price, with the property itself acting as security. You'll need a deposit of 25-40% and evidence that the pub's trading income can service the loan. Lendus works with specialist hospitality lenders who understand pub valuations and wet/dry sales splits.
What funding is available for pub refurbishments?
Refurbishment finance typically ranges from £20,000 to £250,000 depending on the scope. Unsecured loans work well for cosmetic upgrades, while secured lending suits major structural work. Some breweries and pub companies offer refurbishment loans to tenants, though these often come with tie-in conditions. Independent finance through Lendus gives you more flexibility and potentially better terms.
Is it harder to get a loan for a tied pub versus a free house?
Tied pubs can be slightly harder to finance because the tie agreement limits your purchasing options and can reduce margins. However, many lenders are experienced with tied agreements and will assess the overall profitability of the business. Free houses generally attract better terms because of higher margins and more flexibility. Lendus can advise on lenders who understand both models.
Can I get finance to add a kitchen or food offering to my pub?
Absolutely. Adding or upgrading a food offering is one of the best investments a pub can make, and lenders view it positively as it diversifies revenue. Kitchen fit-outs typically cost £30,000-£100,000 and can be funded through unsecured loans or asset finance for specific equipment like commercial ovens and extraction systems. The additional food revenue often covers the repayments comfortably.

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