{"id":1817608,"date":"2026-09-11T10:35:34","date_gmt":"2026-09-11T08:35:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/articles\/how-to-open-a-coffee-shop-in-the-uk\/"},"modified":"2026-09-11T09:37:06","modified_gmt":"2026-09-11T08:37:06","slug":"how-to-open-a-coffee-shop","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/articles\/how-to-open-a-coffee-shop-in-the-uk\/","title":{"rendered":"How to open a coffee shop in the UK in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The UK’s branded coffee shop market is estimated at \u00a36.8 billion across 12,313 outlets, a fifth consecutive year of growth. For a new independent, the numbers that matter are smaller: about \u00a32.24 left from a \u00a33.60 latte after VAT and ingredients, and around 158 drinks a day to cover the fixed costs of a typical high street unit.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The rules below are those of England unless stated; food registration and VAT apply across the UK, while licensing, planning and business rates differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Figures come from current listings, supplier prices, HMRC guidance and statutory fee schedules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a coffee shop business?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A coffee shop business sells espresso-based drinks, tea and light food, mostly over a counter, either to take away or to eat in. Its margin per drink is high and its ticket is small, so it lives on volume: the number of drinks sold in the morning rush and at lunch decides whether the rent and the wage bill are covered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"busy<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How to open a coffee shop in the UK, step by step<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The checklist, in the order openings usually run:<\/p>\n\n\n\n