Top 4 Bar Franchises in the UK

Alice Tuffery, writer

Published at 05/03/2018, Updated on 04/05/2022 , Reading time: 5 min

Top 4 Bar Franchises in the UK — Photo © top-bar-franchises.jpg

If you’re interested in starting a business in the food and drink industry, chances are you’ve considered running a bar. Becoming a franchisee with a bar franchise can be a fantastic investment – especially if you love socialising and being at the heart of the community.

According to recent research, Brits drink an average of 9.7 litres of alcohol per year – the equivalent of more than two bottles of wine a week. Studies show the number of pubs is falling, but investing in the sector can still be a profitable move. Keep reading to find out why...

Why starting a bar franchise business is a great opportunity

By taking notice of consumer preferences and knowing what drinkers value, you can make sure you invest in a business model set to stand the test of time. For example, a survey by YouGov revealed consumers put welcoming staff at the top of their priority list when choosing a bar, followed by efficient service and a good atmosphere. So, look out for bar franchises with a focus on these values.
You can make sure you invest in popular products by keeping on top of industry trends. For example, in recent years, flavoured gins have become all the rage, so choosing a franchise with an extensive spirit selection could be a wise decision.

>> Read more:

You can attract non-drinkers with low and zero-alcohol drinks. As more and more people choose not to drink at all, businesses with plenty of drinks substitutes put themselves ahead of the competition.
Customers are increasingly concerned with the sustainability of the businesses they visit. By making sure you use ethical suppliers and eliminate environmentally damaging business practices, like using plastic cups, you can make sure your business is successful in the long term.
Running a bar franchise business can be a fun and sociable job, with great good networking opportunities, both on a professional and personal level.

Our top four bar franchises

Lateo Boutique

This premium drinks brand specialises in luxury coffees, spirits and ales. It offers licences for boutiques, bistro bars, events services and cafes, with bespoke customer packages and VIP options for special occasions.

Becoming a Lateo Boutique franchisee: This franchise is looking for keen entrepreneurs with the drive and motivation to run their own business. You don’t need any experience to qualify, but you'll need to look smart and presentable, work with integrity and show plenty of enthusiasm for the hospitality industry.
How much you need to invest: Franchisees make a minimum investment of £10,000 to open a Lateo Boutique branch. After your first two years, you can expect to earn around £200,000 in revenue.
What you get for your investment: Lateo Boutique offers ongoing support with licensing, marketing, business development and sales. Franchisees also have the chance to take part in product training workshops and other seminars to make sure they’re always ahead of the game.

Veeno

If you're a lover of Italian wines, this up-scale bar concept could be the perfect franchise opportunity for you. Veeno is a high-end Italian wine cafe chain offering delicious Italian cuisine and quality drinks. Although it's a relatively new network, it's already a provisional member of the BFA and has won multiple awards such as the 2016 English Italian Award and the Best Multiple Operator Award.

Becoming a Veeno franchisee: You’ll target professionals and big spenders who share the brand's passion for high-quality food and wines. The concept is simple: always promote the traditional Italian lifestyle and provide an excellent service with attention to detail. You’ll serve genuine Italian food and drink in cafes decorated with photos of Italy.
How much you need to invest: Veeno has ambitious plans to grow throughout the UK and Ireland in the next few years, so it’s seeking driven individuals who are passionate about food and drink. You’ll need to make a minimum investment of £75,000 and have enough funds to cover a total investment of £100,000.
What you get for your investment: Your franchise package will include a unique, four-week training academy course, which will teach you everything you need to know about how to build profitable, popular franchises with sustainable customer bases. Plus, assistant managers and staff-level employees also receive tailored training programmes as part of their ongoing professional development.

Bar Sport

Bar Sport is the biggest sports bar franchise in the UK, and it’s also an international brand and a BFA member. Customers can expect sports memorabilia, an excellent menu including burgers and beef steaks, and stylish rooms with HD TVs.

Becoming a Bar Sport franchisee: The Bar Sport brand is all about creating a fun atmosphere and making the customers feel special, so you’ll need to be able to deliver excellent customer care. Ultimately, it’s all about creating a space where people can have a great time while they watch the big match and enjoy delicious food and drink.
How much you need to invest: If you think you could be a good fit, you’ll need to make an initial investment of £60,000.
What you get for your investment: Franchisees spend a week completing Bar Sport’s initial training programme, which includes visiting the head office and logistics centres. You’ll learn all about the business’s operations, and you’ll be given marketing materials to help make sure your bar is busy from day one. The franchisor also lists each of its franchise partners on the brand’s website.

>> Read more:

The Little Tipple Van

Now for something a bit different - how about running your very own drinks bar...from a van? Banish all thoughts of grubby vehicles flying down the motorway; this franchise licences little prosecco vans painted in blue. In fact, they’re small enough to be driven inside so thirsty customers don’t have to venture out.

Becoming a The Little Tipple Van franchisee: This South Wales-based franchise is looking for entrepreneurs who’d like to serve prosecco and Italian sparkling wine at special events in their local area. For your first few events, you’ll ‘buddy up’ with an existing franchisee so you don’t have to go it alone.
How much you need to invest: As you’ll The Little Tipple Van offers a mobile business concept with no fixed premises, it has a low investment cost and is ideal for franchisees on a budget. A total investment of £8,500 will give you access to your own branded van.
What you get for your investment: This franchise provides training in all aspects of the business. Franchisees also get branded uniforms and a ramp to get their van into a larger vehicle for transportation, as well as a customised website and email address.

Starting your own bar franchise business

Running a bar can be a lot of fun if you’re sociable and prepared to put in the hard work to get your business off the ground. Browse the bar franchises currently looking for investors to set up additional locations in new territories.