Small dessert café-restaurant

Couples and friends on evening outings, families, students and anyone after a treat in the afternoon or after dinner.

Sales of desserts and drinks at table or to take away. Drinks and simple items usually carry the best margins, and evening and weekend trade matters most.

• Dessert making and presentation
• Costing a menu and controlling waste
• Customer service
• Managing staff rotas

• Register your food business with your local council well before opening, usually at least 28 days ahead (check with your council)
• Food hygiene and allergen rules, including clear allergen information for every dish
• Planning use class and any change of use needed for the premises, plus opening hours and licensing if you serve alcohol
• Public liability insurance, and employer's liability insurance once you hire staff
• Rent, business rates and energy costs can be high, so check the numbers before signing a lease

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £25,000 to £100,000, depending on the premises, fit-out, equipment and stock. Rent, business rates and energy costs can be high, so check the numbers before signing a lease.

Check that you register your food business with your council, usually at least 28 days before opening. Also check food hygiene and allergen rules, planning use class and any change of use, alcohol licensing if relevant, and public liability and employer's liability insurance.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around £8,000 to £35,000, depending on location, opening hours, menu pricing and how busy you are. That is revenue before costs. The idea assumes at least around 40 hours a week.