Small vegan restaurant or café-restaurant

Vegans and vegetarians, people cutting down on animal products, and groups of friends or families who want somewhere everyone can eat.

Customers pay per meal and drink. Extra income can come from brunch, takeaway orders, delivery apps, private bookings and events.

• Cooking plant-based food well
• Costing dishes and controlling waste
• Managing a small team
• Customer service

• Register the food business with your local council at least 28 days before opening, and expect an inspection
• Allergen rules apply to all food businesses, so check the requirements for labelling and information
• Premises licence needed if you sell alcohol, and planning permission or change of use may be needed, so check with your council
• Business rates, commercial rent and lease terms can be heavy, so get the lease checked by a solicitor
• Employer's liability insurance once you hire, plus public liability and buildings or contents cover
• Check fire safety, ventilation and extraction requirements for the unit
• Claims such as 'vegan' should be accurate, so check for cross-contamination and supplier ingredients

Startup costs are typically around £25,000 to £120,000, depending on the premises, fit-out, equipment and seat numbers. These are estimates, so cost your own lease, kitchen and opening stock carefully before you commit to anything.

Monthly revenue is typically around £10,000 to £45,000, depending on your location, number of seats, menu prices and opening hours. The estimate assumes from about 40 hours a week, and revenue is not the same as profit.

Check that you register the food business with your local council at least 28 days before opening, and expect an inspection. Also check allergen rules, whether you need a premises licence for alcohol, planning or change of use, fire safety, ventilation and lease terms.