Japanese sweets and tea café

Dessert lovers, students, shoppers, office workers and people interested in Japanese food and culture.

Sales of sweets and drinks eaten in or taken away, plus gift boxes and pre-orders for special occasions.

• Baking or confectionery skills
• Good food hygiene habits
• Customer service
• Managing stock and costs

• Food business registration with your local council, and a food hygiene inspection
• Allergen rules: Natasha's Law and labelling for nuts, soy, sesame, wheat and others, check current requirements
• Planning permission or change of use for the premises, check with your council
• Public liability insurance, plus employer's liability once you hire
• Sourcing imported ingredients such as matcha and red bean paste reliably and at a steady price
• Rent, rates and staff costs can be heavy for a small café, so plan your cash carefully

Startup costs are estimated at typically around £15,000 to £70,000, depending on the premises, fit-out and equipment. Rent, rates and staff costs can be heavy for a small café, so plan your cash carefully.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around £5,000 to £25,000, depending on location, opening hours and menu. That is before rent, rates, staff and ingredients. Sourcing imported ingredients such as matcha at a steady price also affects your margins.

Check food business registration with your local council and the food hygiene inspection. Also check allergen rules, including Natasha's Law and labelling, planning permission or change of use for the premises, and public liability insurance.