Neighbourhood coffee shop

Local residents, office and shop workers, parents, students and passing foot traffic.

Customers pay per drink and snack. Coffee has a good margin, so steady morning trade and add-on food sales are what carry the business.

• Making good coffee consistently
• Customer service and a friendly manner
• Managing stock, costs and staff rotas
• Staying organised through long days

• Register as a food business with your local council well before opening (check how far in advance it is required)
• Food hygiene rules, allergen information and a food safety plan (HACCP-based) need to be in place
• Check the planning use class of the unit and whether you need change of use
• Business rates, lease terms, rent reviews and who pays for repairs, so read the lease carefully and get advice
• Public liability insurance, plus employer's liability insurance once you hire staff
• Playing music publicly may need a licence, and serving alcohol needs a premises licence (check with your council)
• Long hours and thin margins, so cash flow and staffing need careful planning

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £25,000 to £100,000, depending on the unit, fit-out, equipment and lease terms. Read the lease carefully and get advice on rent reviews and repair responsibilities before committing.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around £8,000 to £30,000, depending on location, opening hours and menu. Margins can be thin and hours long, so cash flow and staffing need careful planning.

Check food business registration with your council well before opening, plus food hygiene, allergen information and a food safety plan. Also check the unit's planning use class, business rates, insurance, and whether music or alcohol needs a licence.