To start a coffee shop in London, lock down a viable site, a precise budget, and the licenses before you sign a lease. Build a 12–18 month financial model (rent, business rates, service charge, utilities, 2–3 staff per shift, card fees, COGS at 25–30%) and a daily break‑even target (e.g., 180–250 cups/day). Choose a structure (sole trader or limited company) and register for PAYE and VAT if turnover will exceed £90k. Check planning and use class (Class E) plus extraction if cooking, and secure a pavement licence for outdoor seating if needed. Register as a food business with borough 28 days before opening, implement HACCP (use the SFBB pack), train staff to Level 2 Food Hygiene, and pass EHO inspection to obtain a Food Hygiene Rating. You’ll need a premises licence only for alcohol and a late‑night refreshment licence if serving hot food/drink after 23:00. Fit out for workflow: 3‑group machine, two grinders, water filtration, 32A supply, handwash sink, dishwasher, and accessible WC if offering seating. Arrange waste and recycling contracts, grease management, allergens/Natasha’s Law compliance, and PPL PRS music licences. Insure for public, product, and employers’ liability, contents, and business interruption. Differentiate via roast profile, speed, and neighbourhood brand.
