Small standing-only neighbourhood bar

Local residents, office workers after work, and groups of friends looking for a short, casual drink.

Drinks sales are the main income, with snacks adding a little extra. Margins depend on keeping stock tight, controlling wastage and keeping the bar busy at peak times.

• Customer service and a friendly manner
• Stock control and basic bookkeeping
• Managing staff rotas and late finishes
• Choosing a drinks range that suits your area

• You will need a premises licence and a personal licence holder, check the process with your local council's licensing team
• Planning permission or change of use may be needed, check with the council before signing a lease
• Food hygiene: register with your local council if you serve food, and check allergen rules
• Public liability insurance, plus employer's liability once you hire staff
• Late opening can affect neighbours, so check noise and opening hour conditions
• Music licences may be needed if you play music, check what applies
• Rent, business rates and utilities are fixed costs that must be covered in quiet months

Startup costs are typically around £40,000 to £150,000, depending on the unit, fit-out, drinks stock and licensing. Rent, business rates and utilities are fixed costs that must be covered in quiet months, so factor them into your budget.

Check with your local council's licensing team about a premises licence and a personal licence holder. Also check whether planning permission or change of use is needed, whether you need a music licence, and any noise or opening hour conditions.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £12,000 to £50,000, depending on location, opening hours and your drinks range. Fixed costs such as rent, business rates and utilities still need covering in quieter months.