March 17, 2026
Lists

Best Business Loan Lenders for Restaurants and Cafes

Discover the best business loan lenders tailored for restaurants and cafes. Find affordable rates, flexible terms, and expert support to grow your hospitality business.
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Best Business Loan Lenders for Restaurants and Cafes
Jesse Spence
Finance content writer / Market researcher

4 years of experience in market research. He focuses on turning lender criteria and market insights into practical, plain-English resources that help business ownersb improve approval chances and choose the right type of finance

Best Business Loan Lenders for Restaurants and Cafes

For UK franchise buyers and operators, this guide compares loan periods and amounts, APRs, and terms across leading providers, with a focus on eligibility and fit. Amounts that could not be verified are left blank, prices accurate as of 2026-03-16.

1. Funding Agent

Funding Agent focuses on enabling UK SMEs to quickly compare multiple business finance options through a streamlined application process. It is suitable for franchise buyers and SMEs looking for clarity on loan types and terms, offering flexibility without collateral requirements. Their platform supports fast eligibility checks and presents a variety of repayment and loan structures.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £1,000,000
  • Min APR: 4%
  • Max APR: 20%
  • Loan Duration: 3–60 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Unsecured business loans, MCA Loans, Working capital
  • Industries: UK SME's

Pros

  • fastest and easiest application process
  • No collateral required

Cons

  • lower track record, only trading 1 year

Sources: Funding Agent

2. SME Loans

SME Loans provides small business loans primarily through online applications to UK businesses, suitable for franchise buyers and startups. Their offerings focus on accessible unsecured loans with a range of repayment options. The service is structured for applicants requiring quick approval and moderate flexibility in loan terms.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £500,000
  • Min APR: 6%
  • Max APR: 30%
  • Loan Duration: Up to 60 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Small Business Loans
  • Industries: Manufacturing, Start-Ups

Pros

  • Low minimum loan amount

Cons

  • High APR rates

Sources: Source

3. Clifton Private Finance

Clifton Private Finance delivers tailored secured and unsecured business loans, focusing on flexible structures for property and asset-related finance. It is suited to clients needing advisory support for larger capital amounts, including franchise refinancing or acquisition. This provider offers a range of loan-to-value options and repayment models reflecting client needs.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £50,000
  • Max Amount: £1,000,000
  • Min APR: 10%
  • Max APR: 30%
  • Loan Duration: Up to 20 years

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Secured Loans, Unsecured Loans
  • Industries: Property, Manufacturing

Pros

  • Expert advisory service

Cons

  • High minimum loan amount

Sources: Source

4. Capify

Capify offers fast, flexible small business loans mainly geared to urgent working capital needs. This UK-based lender suits businesses requiring quick access to funds with various repayment options and minimal delay. They provide alternative funding types including merchant cash advances, with flexible collateral arrangements.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £5,000
  • Max Amount: £1,000,000
  • Min APR: 6%
  • Max APR: 67.89%
  • Loan Duration: 6 months to 2 years

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Small Business Loans, Merchant Cash Advances
  • Industries: Hospitality, Retail

Pros

  • Fast funding approval

Cons

  • Very high APR

Sources: Source

5. Swoop Funding

Swoop Funding acts as a business finance broker, providing tailored loan and equity finance options alongside grant opportunities. It targets SMEs seeking structured solutions across secured and unsecured lending. Their process balances credit requirements with customised offers to match business sectors and financial needs.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £750,000
  • Min APR: 3.9%
  • Max APR: 15.5%
  • Loan Duration: 6 months to 10 years

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Secured Loans
  • Industries: General Business, Construction

Pros

  • Comprehensive finance matching

Cons

  • Loans require good credit score

Sources: Source

6. Union Business Finance

Union Business Finance is a specialist commercial finance broker offering access to secured and unsecured loans, suited to larger borrowing needs. Their services focus on client-specific lending solutions with an emphasis on security options and structured repayment plans. Applications undergo careful assessment to meet strict approval criteria.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £2,000,000
  • Min APR: 7%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: 48 hours approval

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Secured Loans, Unsecured Loans
  • Industries: Healthcare, Retail

Pros

  • High maximum loan amount

Cons

  • Approval can be stringent

Sources: Source

7. Aurora Capital

Aurora Capital focuses on business loans for the hospitality sector, particularly restaurants, offering unsecured lending and asset finance. It is suited to operators seeking straightforward funding with manageable terms and varied repayment schedules. Their service balances competitive rates with an understanding of hospitality business cycles.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £500,000
  • Min APR: 6%
  • Max APR: 12%
  • Loan Duration: 6 to 60 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Asset Finance
  • Industries: Hospitality

Pros

  • Low starting rates

Cons

  • Limited maximum amount

Sources: Source

8. 365 Finance

365 Finance specialises in restaurant-specific financial products, delivering quick cash advances to support operating expenses and seasonal fluctuations. It is suitable for hospitality businesses requiring niche funding solutions with industry focus. Their offerings prioritise speed and accessible terms, with limited detail publicly available on rates.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £5,000
  • Max Amount: £0
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: Unknown

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Cash Advance
  • Industries: Hospitality

Pros

  • Specialized industry focus

Cons

  • Limited information on rates

Sources: Source

9. MCL Finance

MCL Finance offers flexible loan products for hospitality businesses seeking swift funding, focusing on restaurants and similar operators. The provider caters to SMEs needing versatility in loan amounts and repayment, though specific terms may vary. It is suited to businesses needing tailored financial solutions without extensive collateral.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £0
  • Max Amount: £0
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: Unknown

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business Loans
  • Industries: Hospitality

Pros

  • Flexible options

Cons

  • Limited range

Sources: Source

10. Go Compare

Go Compare is a loan comparison platform that aggregates offers from various UK business lenders without affecting credit scores. It suits businesses looking to explore a wide range of loan products across sectors before applying directly. It does not provide loans itself but helps identify suitable lenders and terms.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £0
  • Max Amount: £0
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: Unknown

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Comparison Service
  • Industries: General Business

Pros

  • Wide comparison range

Cons

  • Not a direct lender

Sources: Source

How to choose

When selecting the best business loan lender for restaurants and cafes, consider your specific funding needs and the lender's focus area. Match loan sizes and APRs carefully to your cash flow and repayment ability, bearing in mind the seasonal nature of hospitality revenue. Check the eligibility criteria closely, as some lenders require good credit scores or collateral. Balance your need for speed versus flexibility, especially if quick access to capital is critical. Finally, review all fees and repayment terms, including early repayment options, to ensure the loan fits your long-term business strategy.

Conclusion

Choosing the right business loan lender depends on your purpose, whether it is securing a 200 thousand pounds loan, managing cash flow, or expanding operations. Banks may suit highly structured loans, brokers offer wider access with personal advisory, and specialists focus on sector-specific solutions like hospitality. Funding Agent stands out for fast, multi-option comparisons useful for SMEs prioritising speed and clarity. Always align your choice with your financial goals and ensure transparency on all terms before committing.

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FAQs

What types of business loans are available for restaurants and cafes?
How can a restaurant qualify for a business loan?
What are the typical interest rates for restaurant business loans?
How long does it take to get approved for a restaurant business loan?
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1Funding AgentFunding Agent helps UK SMEs compare business finance options fast, with a simple application journey and quick eligibility matching.£10,000–£1,000,000; 4%–20% APR; 3–60 months
2SME LoansSME Loans specializes in small business loans for UK-based companies, offering a range from £1,000 to £500,000 with online applications.£1,000–£500,000; 6%–30% APR; Up to 60 months
3Clifton Private FinanceClifton Private Finance offers expert advice on a range of business finance options, including secured and unsecured loans tailored to client needs.£50,000–£1,000,000; 10%–30% APR; Up to 20 years
4CapifyCapify, based in the UK, offers quick and flexible small business loans with funding possible in 24 hours.£5,000–£1,000,000; 6%–67.89% APR; 6 months to 2 years
5Swoop FundingSwoop Funding offers quick access to business funding, matching businesses with tailored loans, equity finance, and grants.£10,000–£750,000; 3.9%–15.5% APR; 6 months to 10 years
6Union Business FinanceUnion Business Finance is a specialist commercial finance broker offering secured and unsecured loans up to £5 million.£10,000–£2,000,000; 7%–0% APR; 48 hours approval
7Aurora CapitalAurora Capital specializes in helping businesses secure restaurant business loans with a wide range of options.£10,000–£500,000; 6%–12% APR; 6 to 60 months
8365 Finance365 Finance provides restaurant-specific financial solutions, offering quick capital to boost cash flow and manage expenses.£5,000–£0; 0%–0% APR; Unknown
9MCL FinanceMCL Finance provides flexible hospitality business loans that give restaurants quick access to needed funds.£0–£0; 0%–0% APR; Unknown
10Go CompareGo Compare allows businesses to compare loans from various UK lenders without affecting their credit score.£0–£0; 0%–0% APR; Unknown