Step-by-step guide to opening a restaurant

Opening a restaurant is one of the most rewarding ventures in hospitality, but it’s also one of the most complex. From initial concept to grand opening, the process demands clear strategy, strong financial planning and expert execution across every stage.

At Nexus we work with new and aspiring restaurateurs to deliver the full fit-out service, helping you move from concept to completion with clarity, confidence and control.

We’re not just consultants, we’re your project partner. Whether you’re setting up your first venue or scaling a new concept, we provide tailored support across feasibility, planning, fit-out and launch.

To help you navigate the process, we’ve created a practical guide that takes you through the essential steps of the journey

How to open a restaurant in the UK

1. Develop your concept

Your restaurant begins with a strong idea. What kind of food will you serve? Who are you serving it to? Will your dining experience be formal, casual, family-friendly or fast-paced? Consider your brand identity, price point, and the overall experience you want to create.

A clear, well-defined concept doesn’t just inspire your design and menu, it shapes your operations, budget and marketing strategy.

2. Understand the costs

Understanding the costs of opening a restaurant in the UK is essential. The financial outlay can be significant, covering expenses such as site acquisition, planning permissions, fit-out, equipment, and compliance, with costs varying based on the size, scope, and ambition of the project

Key costs include:

Leasing or buying a property
Interior fit-out and kitchen equipment
Staff hiring and training
Licensing, legal fees and insurance
Branding, technology and marketing

Feasibility studies and cost planning at this stage can prevent expensive mistakes later on.

3. Find the right location

Your site should match your concept and your audience. Research footfall, nearby competitors, transport links and licensing limitations. Choosing the wrong location can undermine even the strongest idea, so take the time to evaluate options properly and seek expert advice if needed.

4. Navigate legal requirements

Opening a restaurant in the UK means meeting certain legal and regulatory requirements. You’ll need to:

Register your food business with your local authority
Apply for a premises licence if you’ll serve alcohol
Ensure compliance with health, fire and food hygiene standards

It’s important to understand these obligations early on, as delays can hold up your opening.

5. Design and fit-out

Your restaurant design should work for your brand, but also for your staff and day-to-day operations. That means balancing aesthetics with functionality. You’ll need to think about:

Kitchen and prep areas
Dining layout and furniture
Lighting, acoustics and atmosphere
Accessibility, ventilation and compliance

Work with a design and fit-out team that understands hospitality, and can coordinate suppliers, trades, and approvals smoothly. Explore our restaurant fit out and refurbishment services to see how we bring concepts to life.

6. Launching your restaurant

Before opening day, your team should be trained, systems tested, and your menu fine-tuned. A soft launch is a good way to trial your service, gather feedback, and make final tweaks before inviting the public in. A clear marketing strategy can also help generate excitement and attract your first customers.

Why choose Nexus as your restaurant start-up consultants?

At Nexus, we specialise in supporting new restaurateurs, developers and hospitality entrepreneurs through a fully managed, end-to-end consultancy service. Whether you’re launching a single-site bistro or scaling a bold new dining concept, we provide the clarity, structure and hands-on support to bring your vision to life, on time and within budget.

We offer:

End-to-end restaurant consultancy
Feasibility studies and budgeting
Cost and project management
Site evaluation and advisory
Restaurant fit-out and supplier sourcing
Post-launch support

Our work supports everyone from first-time restaurateurs to growing hospitality brands.

Or read how we’re fuelling the growth of ambitious restaurant chains across the UK.