The Hospitality Grant Scheme, a £10 million government fund for independent pubs, restaurants and cafés, is taking applications from the end of September. It was announced on 2 September 2026. It runs for three years.
01What the Hospitality Grant Scheme pays for
According to the government, grants go towards three kinds of project. Getting new hospitality ventures off the ground. Bringing vacant premises back into use. And training programmes that help young people into a first job.
£3 million of the £10 million is set aside for Pub is The Hub. According to the government, it helps pubs in rural and deprived areas add services. Village stores, community cafés and play areas are the examples given.
There is separate help on costs. According to the government, pubs, clubs and live music venues get a 20% cut to their business rates bills from next April. It estimates that saves a typical pub about £1,000. Business rates are devolved, so that cut applies in England.
02The part that has not been published
The announcement does not say how large a single grant can be.
Guidance is on the government's grants site now. That is the place to check. £10 million across three years and a whole sector is not a large pot. Most projects will still need money alongside a grant.
03How to pay for the rest
Read the guidance, then price the whole project rather than the grant.
Most hospitality projects are paid for by three things. The owner's own cash, borrowing, and a grant where one lands. For a pub, café or restaurant already trading, that borrowing is usually growth finance for a refurbishment, equipment or stock.
Our guide covers what the scheme funds and who can apply. It also covers how to pay for the part a grant will not reach: the £10m Hospitality Grant Scheme explained.
