Dealdoor

Restaurants for sale in the UK

Restaurant deals live or die on rent as a percentage of turnover, delivery commission and whether the kitchen can serve the current menu without extra headcount.

Compare restaurants and cafés by trading model as well as asking price. A daytime coffee shop, takeaway-led kitchen and full-service restaurant can have very different staffing, equipment and working-capital requirements. Check which assets and stock are included in the sale.

Ask for a breakdown of dine-in, takeaway and platform delivery sales, together with food costs, staff costs, rent and delivery commissions. For leasehold premises, review the remaining term, rent reviews and repair obligations. Check permissions and licences with your advisers, and visit at different trading times with the seller’s agreement.

Common questions

What should I check when buying a restaurant in the UK?

Start with the lease: remaining term, rent reviews and repair obligations, because rent as a share of turnover decides whether the numbers work. Then ask for a breakdown of dine-in, takeaway and delivery-platform sales with food, staff and commission costs, confirm which equipment, stock and licences are included, and check the latest food hygiene rating. Visit at different trading times with the seller's agreement.

Is a café or a restaurant easier to buy?

Neither is easier in general; they differ in cost base. A daytime café usually needs fewer staff and less equipment, while a full-service restaurant has higher staffing, kitchen and working-capital needs. Compare them by trading model and the evidence of profit, not by asking price alone.

Current restaurants & cafés listings

Before you buy

Related categories