Run the food side of a pub
Agree a deal with a pub owner to run their kitchen and build a food reputation without taking on the whole pub.
- £5k-25k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
What it is
You run the kitchen and menu of a pub that already has a bar and licence, either paying rent or sharing takings. The pub owner or manager looks after the drinks side while you build the food offer.
Your first three steps
- Draft a sample menu with costings and pricing for a pub setting
- Approach pubs with little or no food offer and pitch a trial period
- Get a solicitor or adviser to check a written agreement covering rent, share of takings, equipment and notice
Who pays
Pub customers ordering meals, plus groups and families booking Sunday lunches or events.
How it makes money
You keep the food sales after costs and any agreed rent or share of takings. A strong menu can also bring in more drinks sales for the pub, which helps when you negotiate terms.
Skills that help
- Professional cooking and menu planning
- Food costing and ordering
- Food safety and allergen knowledge
- Negotiating a fair agreement
Watch out for
- Register as a food business with the local council and hold the right food hygiene qualifications
- Agree clearly who holds the premises licence and who is responsible for food hygiene and allergen information
- Public liability insurance, and employer's liability if you hire staff
- Reliance on one pub owner, so get notice terms in writing
- Check the kitchen equipment, extraction and layout before agreeing terms
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: run the food side of a pub
Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to run a pub kitchen in the UK?
Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £5,000 to £25,000, depending on the kitchen's existing equipment, the deal you agree with the owner and the stock you buy. Check the equipment, extraction and layout before agreeing terms.
How much revenue can a pub kitchen bring in?
Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £8,000 to £35,000, depending on the pub's trade, your menu and any Sunday lunch or event bookings. That is revenue rather than profit, so allow for ingredients, staff and any rent or takings share.
What rules should I check before running a pub kitchen?
Check that you can register as a food business with the local council and hold the right food hygiene qualifications. Also agree who holds the premises licence and who is responsible for food hygiene and allergen information, and check your insurance.
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