Write your business plan with help from industry experts

Business Plan Template for UK Bars & Pubs

Get Started on Opening Your Bar or Pub

Creating a detailed business plan is essential when launching a bar, pub or lounge in the UK. Whether you're setting up in London, Glasgow, or Brighton, your business plan gives structure to your vision and ensures that no important detail is overlooked.

Your business plan acts as a guide at every stage — from licensing and staffing to customer experience and operations. A comprehensive plan will help ensure your business runs smoothly and stays aligned with your goals.

What’s Inside the Bar Business Plan Template?

✅ Easy-to-Fill Sections
From your executive summary to your sales forecasts, each section comes with prompts to guide your writing. Delete what you don’t need and build a business plan that reflects your unique concept.

✅ Sample Menus & Staffing Guidance
Define your drinks list, food offerings, and hiring strategy. Whether you’re serving small plates or strictly spirits, the template helps you plan for logistics, inventory, and team structure.

✅ Targeted UK Market Analysis
Outline your ideal customer base, location analysis, and local competitors. Tailor it to your area—whether you're in a busy city centre or a seaside town.

✅ Financial Planning Made Simple
Project your sales, operating expenses, and break-even point with clarity. We’ve included the categories UK-based investors look for, including licences and alcohol service requirements.

✅ Marketing Strategy Section
Plan out your social promotions, loyalty offers, happy hours, and entertainment. Whether you’re booking DJs or promoting quiz nights, we help you think through your positioning.

Thinking of Opening a Pub or Bar? Here’s What to Consider.

The hospitality industry in the UK is dynamic, creative, and full of opportunity — but it also comes with challenges. It’s a highly competitive space, and success depends on careful planning, clear goals, and strong execution.

Now more than ever, new business owners need to think through every detail — from compliance and cost management to branding and technology. The more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll be in making your venue a success.

That’s why we’ve taken the guesswork out of opening a pub or bar. From writing your business plan and applying for licences to choosing the right point of sale (POS) system and sourcing funding, this checklist will help you start strong.

Download your free PDF checklist to follow every key step — from first ideas through to welcoming your first guest.

Toast: POS Built for British Bars

Whether you’re running a small neighbourhood bar or launching your dream venue, Toast’s all-in-one POS system supports your team every step of the way.

Related UK bar resources:

POS for UK bars and lounges
Bar Licenses and Permits
Bar Business Planning
How to Open a Bar