Pool Hall with a Bar
Lease a unit, fit out pool tables and a small bar, and run a social venue for leagues, groups and casual nights out.
- £25k-90k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
What it is
A small venue with several pool tables, a bar and simple snacks, open evenings and weekends. You run league nights, tournaments, private hire and daytime offers to fill quiet slots.
Your first three steps
- Visit several pool halls and bars, note their prices, opening hours and busy times, then draft a simple budget for rent, tables and staff
- Shortlist units in areas with students, workers or few evening venues, and ask the council about permitted use and licensing for each
- Get quotes for tables, fit-out and insurance, and price how many hours of play and drinks sales you need to break even
Who pays
Casual players, friends and groups on a night out, league teams, students, and people hiring the venue for parties.
How it makes money
Table time (per hour or per game), bar sales, league and tournament entry fees, and private hire. Drinks usually bring in a large share of income.
Skills that help
- Customer service and managing a busy room
- Basic bar and cash handling
- Organising leagues and events
- Managing a small team and a budget
Watch out for
- A premises licence (alcohol and possibly late-night entertainment) and a personal licence holder, check with your local council
- Planning permission or change of use for the unit, check before signing a lease
- Public liability and employer's liability insurance, plus cover for tables and stock
- Food hygiene registration if you serve food, and fire safety and noise rules
- High fixed costs such as rent and business rates, and quiet weekday trade
🔒 Full research report for UK
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to open a pool hall with a bar?
Estimates suggest startup costs typically sit around £25,000 to £90,000, depending on the unit, lease, fit-out, tables and stock. Fixed costs such as rent and business rates are high, so check quotes carefully.
How much can a pool hall with a bar make?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated around £6,000 to £25,000, depending on location, opening hours, events and bar sales. Weekday trade can be quiet, so leagues and daytime offers may help fill slots.
What licences and rules should I check for a pool hall?
Check the premises licence for alcohol and possibly late-night entertainment, and that you have a personal licence holder, with your local council. Also check planning or change of use, insurance, food hygiene registration, fire safety and noise rules.
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