Tapas pop-up nights

Local diners booking tickets or tables, often through social media, plus groups wanting a themed night out.

Ticket or per-head pricing for a set tapas menu, with drinks sold by you or by the host venue under an agreed split or fee.

• Cooking for groups
• Menu planning and portion costing
• Social media and promotion
• Organising bookings and prep

• Register the food business with your local council, and check whether the host venue's registration and licence cover your activity
• Alcohol must be sold under a valid licence, so check whether the venue's premises licence covers it or whether you need a temporary event notice
• Allergen information is required for every dish
• Public liability insurance, and check what the venue's own insurance covers
• Food safety paperwork, such as a HACCP-based food safety plan, is expected
• Income can be uneven, so don't give up a job until bookings are steady

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £500 to £4,000, depending on the venue arrangement, equipment and ingredients for your first nights. Check what the host venue provides and what insurance you need.

Monthly revenue is typically around £600 to £3,000, depending on how many nights you run, ticket prices and how many diners book. Income can be uneven, so don't give up a job until bookings are steady.

Check that you can register the food business with your local council and whether the venue's registration and licence cover you. Also check alcohol licensing, such as a temporary event notice, and allergen information for every dish.