Neighbourhood tapas restaurant

Local couples, friends and groups going out for the evening, plus weekend lunch diners and people booking small celebrations.

Food and drink sales per table. Shared plates encourage several dishes per person, and drinks usually add a good share of takings.

• Cooking or managing a good chef
• Cost control and menu pricing
• Customer service and hosting
• Managing staff rotas

• Register the food business with your local council at least 28 days before opening, and expect a food hygiene inspection
• Selling alcohol needs a premises licence and a personal licence holder, so check with your council
• Check the planning use class of the premises and any extraction or ventilation requirements
• Allergen rules apply to every dish, so you need clear allergen information and staff training
• Public liability and employer's liability insurance once you hire staff
• Rent, wages and ingredient costs are high, and margins can be thin, so test your numbers carefully

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £30,000 to £150,000, depending on the premises, fit-out, equipment, licences and opening stock. Test your numbers carefully, as rent, wages and ingredient costs are high and margins can be thin.

Check that you register the food business with your local council at least 28 days before opening, and expect a hygiene inspection. Also check premises and personal licence needs for alcohol, planning use class, extraction requirements and allergen information for every dish.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on size, location, opening hours and menu pricing. Margins can be thin, so check your costs carefully. Expect to work at least about 45 hours a week.