Are there options backed by the UK Growth Guarantee Scheme for eligible pubs?

Yes. Eligible UK pubs can access loans backed by the British Business Bank's Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS), the successor scheme to the Recovery Loan Scheme. GGS provides a 70% government guarantee to participating lenders on loans of up to £2m for SMBs, including hospitality businesses meeting the eligibility criteria.

Eligibility for pubs. The borrower must be a UK SMB with annual turnover under £45m, must be carrying on trading activity in the UK, and must not be in default on existing facilities at application. Pubs operating under tied or leased agreements are eligible alongside free houses, provided they have the right to borrow against the trading entity. The lender retains the credit decision: GGS reduces the lender's exposure, it does not pre-approve the borrower.

What GGS funding looks like. Term loans, asset finance, invoice finance, asset-based lending and revolving credit facilities are all in scope. Term lengths run 3 months to 6 years for term loans and asset finance, up to 3 years for revolving facilities. Pricing is set by the lender and is typically 7% to 14% APR depending on risk profile. Personal guarantees are still required, but cannot be taken against the borrower's primary residence (a key protection compared to non-GGS facilities).

Participating UK lenders for pubs include the asset finance arms of major banks, specialist hospitality lenders, and community-focused providers. Not every lender on our panel offers GGS-backed facilities; it is worth asking explicitly. See our government business loan schemes guide for the full list of UK guarantee and grant schemes, and our hospitality loans page for the lender comparison.