Independent tea room

Local residents, shoppers, visitors and tourists, older customers, friends meeting up and people booking afternoon tea.

Sales of drinks, food and afternoon tea sets, with extra from takeaway, gift items and private bookings. Profit depends on rent, staffing and keeping food waste low.

• Baking or simple food preparation
• Welcoming customer service
• Cash flow and stock control
• Managing and scheduling staff

• Register as a food business with your local council at least 28 days before opening (check current guidance)
• Food hygiene training, allergen information and a food safety management system
• Check the lease, planning use class and any need for extraction or signage permission
• Public liability insurance, and employer's liability insurance once you hire
• Rent, business rates and staffing costs can be heavy, so test your sums carefully
• Check TV licence, music licence and alcohol licence needs if relevant

Startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on your premises and set-up. These are estimates, so test your own sums carefully, as rent, business rates and staffing costs can be heavy.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £6,000 to £25,000, depending on your location, opening hours and menu. Revenue is not profit, so check your sums against rent, business rates and staffing costs before you commit.

Check that you register as a food business with your local council at least 28 days before opening (check current guidance). Also check food hygiene training, allergen information, a food safety management system, your lease, planning use class, insurance, and any TV, music or alcohol licence needs.