Bar Franchises For Sale
The UK’s pub and bar industry revenue has increased by 2.2% over the past five years and is estimated to reach £28.1 billion in 2024, according to IBISWorld. This is a positive sign considering the big hit that the night time economy took during the pandemic, however, it could be better.
Those businesses that can adapt to changing consumer demands such as those looking for premium ales and tee-total alternatives may be in a good position to capitalise.
In this guide, we’ll look at the huge array of brands you could invest in, what it takes to be successful, and how you can get started.
Bar Franchise Opportunities
For other industry opportunities please go to our franchise directory
What is a franchised pub?
Under a franchise scheme, aspiring pub owners (known as franchisees) pay an existing company, like Greene King, to use their branding and business concept. The franchisees will pay an initial investment fee and receive equipment and support in setting up.
They’ll then likely pay ongoing fees for marketing and head office support. However, the revenue belongs to the franchisees.
Sometimes, people assume pub chains always operate under a franchise model, but there are also other routes that you should consider before committing to a franchise.
For instance, some pubs have lease models via management companies, which means a pub owner rents the brand but there is usually less flexibility in how the pub is run in comparison to a franchise. Other pub brands have multiple locations, but these are all corporate owned which means you wouldn’t be able to sign a franchise agreement with them.
Where can I find pub franchisee opportunities?
Most businesses that are recruiting franchisees will actively advertise their opportunities. You can find brands on franchising directory portals such as What Franchise, as well as at franchising events like the International Franchise Show, and via associations such as the British Franchise Association.
If you’re keen on investing in a specific brand it could be a good idea to check the business’ website for a franchise section and reach out to their franchise team directly. (However, it is always wise to research and compare numerous brands before investing).
What pub franchise costs I need to consider?
There are several costs you’ll need to factor into your financial plans before opening up a pub or bar business under a franchise model. (We recommend you talk to an independent financial advisor to ensure your plans are financially manageable for you). Banks will have franchise branches in place to offer tailored support, and some franchises offer payment plans.
You will need to consider costs such as:
- Franchise fee: Paid to the franchisor to use the brand and business concept. This is estimated to be around £15,000-£40,000, depending on brand and chosen location.
- Property: You’ll need to find a suitable space for your business and renovate in accordance with the brand’s guidelines. Costs for this can range dramatically depending on what’s needed.
- Equipment: Your space will need furniture, kitchen equipment (if you’re serving food), and bar equipment.
- Initial inventory: A bar isn’t a bar without alcohol and snacks. This could cost £15,000 upwards depending on concept.
- Working capital: Cash reserves are essential for paying staff and bills until you start seeing a return on your investment. Most franchises will stipulate that you need to have a specific amount of capital.
- Licences and permits: Ensure you’ve paid for your permits such as an alcohol licence before opening.
Choosing the right pub or bar franchise for you
The pub and bar industry is one of the most diverse when it comes to brand choice. This means you will really need to consider what you’re trying to achieve with your business and what you envision it to look like. We’ve outlined some of the business options below, but you can find the full list in the What Franchise directory.
READ: How to start your own pub franchise businessTraditional pub franchise
A classic public house presents consumers with a sense of familiarity and tradition. However, these businesses may include inn facilities and a food menu.
Pub gardens are a particular draw to punters in the summer and there has been a surge of interest in dog friendly pub franchises – so something to consider when you investigate brands.
Marston’s pub and Greene King are both pub franchises operating in this space.
Some brands are aiming to elevate traditional no-frills pubs to luxury or bespoke status by rolling out fine dining menus or craft beers, so also look out for these opportunities.
We know BrewDog pubs have started franchising internationally, so it may be worth investigating whether this will happen in the UK too.
Entertainment bar franchise
Experiential drinking experiences are becoming incredibly popular with the drinking British public. This not only means you’ll have to serve up good quality drinks but also deliver on an entertaining concept.
Options include an esports bar franchise like Meltdown; an arcade bar franchise like Boom Battle Bar, or an ice bar franchise like Minus5 Ice Bar; or a sports pub franchise.
Cocktail bar franchise
Cocktail bars tend to have high mark ups in comparison to some other concepts, and they have recently carved out a space for daytime drinking, with bottomless brunch concepts.
You may even want to find a brand that leans into a specific theme, such as a tiki bar franchise, a daiquiri bar franchise, or even a mocktail bar franchise (appealing to a new generation of sober drinkers).
Wine bar franchise
Provide top quality wines and nibbles in a high-end setting. Often these businesses will come with high mark ups on wine meaning a good amount of revenue.
However, this concept does predominantly operate in the evenings, so you may want to look for those that offer multiple revenue streams, such as a brand that offers a coffee bar option during the day.
Franchise opportunities in this space include Veeno.
Mobile bar franchise
Mobile bars can be a good low investment option, especially for those looking for flexibility. Often franchisees will operate from vans and capitalise on high footfall areas such as tourist spots and private events like weddings.
Pub and bar supplier franchises
Businesses in the pub and bar space don’t have to serve alcohol to punters. There are other franchises who operate behind the scenes and are intrinsic to the industry.
This includes bar schools, beverage suppliers such as Broadway Wine Company, off licences such as Bargain Booze, and beer line cleaning brands such as Clear Brew.
Commonly asked questions about pub and bar franchises
There are many attractive brands in the pub and bar space. Below, we run through some of our most frequently asked questions from readers.
How much is a Marston’s pub franchise?
Marston’s pub is estimated to have a franchise fee of £25,000 plus VAT. Total investment is believed to be £45,000-£50,000, depending on location and excluding ongoing fees.
How much is a BrewDog pub franchise?
BrewDog Pubs are not currently available for franchising in the UK. However, the brand is expanding via franchising in international markets, so it may be that this will be a possibility in the future.
Is Heineken pubs a franchise?
Heineken pubs are not franchises. Instead, they have operated through a lease model via Star Pubs, which means aspiring entrepreneurs rent the pub and more brand control remains with Heineken.
How much is a Pedal Pub franchise?
Pedal Pub is estimated to cost $114,645 - $281,196 in the US. However, the brand does not currently offer opportunities in the UK.
Is O’Neills Irish pub a franchise?
O’Neills is a chain operated by Mitchells and Butlers. Its locations are corporate owned so it wouldn’t be possible to sign a franchise agreement.
Is Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery a franchise?
The Tilted Kilt is a franchise which predominantly focuses its expansion in the US. There doesn’t currently seem to be franchise opportunities available in the UK, however you could approach the business directly to understand if the brand is interested in international expansion.
Is All Bar One a franchise?
All Bar One is owned by Mitchells and Butlers – the same company as O’Neills. All locations are currently corporate owned so it wouldn’t be possible to sign a franchise agreement.
Is Sizzling Pubs a franchise?
Sizzling Pubs locations are also all corporate owned by Mitchells and Butlers, so franchising isn’t currently a possibility.
Is Bar Sport a franchise?
Bar Sport was a franchise operating in the UK, but the brand is no longer in operation.
Is Boom Battle Bar a franchise?
Boom Battle Bar is a franchise and is actively recruiting franchisees across the UK. Investment information is not publicly available, so it’s best to contact the brand’s franchise team if you’re interested.
How much does an Agent Jacks bar franchise cost?
Investment information for Agent Jack’s is not publicly available. The brand also predominantly operates across India, which means UK franchise opportunities may not be available.
Is Alchemist Bar a franchise?
Alchemist Bar is not a franchise. All its locations in the UK are corporate owned.
Is Anchor Bar a franchise?
Anchor Bar is a franchise but the brand currently only operates in the US, which means a franchise agreement in the UK may not be possible. If you’re interested it would be best to reach out to the brand’s head office team and understand what their international expansion goals are.
Is Bar + Block a franchise?
Bar + Block is not a franchise. Its locations are currently corporate owned.
How much does a Bar Louie franchise cost?
Bar Louie is estimated to have an initial franchisee of $50,000. The brand currently focuses on franchising in the US, so franchise opportunities in the UK are unlikely to be available.
Is The Bar Stock Exchange a franchise?
The Bar Stock Exchange is a franchise, but the brand appears to currently focus its international expansion efforts in India, which means UK opportunities are unlikely to be available.
Is Black Rock Bar and Grill a franchise?
Black Rock Bar and Grill is a franchise. However, it currently focuses on the US market which means locations may not be available in the UK.
Is Cru Wine Bar a franchise?
Cru Wine Bar is not a franchise and currently has one location in Eastbourne, UK.
Is Lions Bar a franchise?
Lions Bar is a franchise but currently only operates across Sweden.
Is Up-Down bar a franchise?
Up-Down bar is a franchise. However, it currently only franchises in the US.
Is The Vine Wine Bar a franchise?
The Vine Wine Bar is a franchise but currently focuses on locations in the US, which means UK franchise opportunities might not be available.
Are Wetherspoons pubs franchised?
Wetherspoons is not a franchise. All the brand’s locations are owned and managed by a corporate ownership structure.
Check out the What Franchise directory for a full list of franchise opportunities across the UK
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