Pubs, restaurants and clubs
With an office in the heart of the West End surrounded by restaurants and clubs, Brebners have built a strong understanding of the hospitality industry.
Currently acting for some of London’s leading clubs as well as gastropubs, high end restaurants, restaurant chains and restaurant franchisees, Brebners have a wealth of experience of the issues faced by clients in this sector.
We understand the financial, operational and regulatory challenges faced by pubs, restaurants and nightclubs including tight margins and cost volatility, VAT complexities, licencing and planning constraints, cash flow pressures and tronc and tips compliance.
Why Choose Brebners
✔ Industry experience and expertise
Brebners have been supporting businesses in London since 1933 and have long been a fixture in the West End of London. Being surrounded by pubs, restaurants and nightclubs we have naturally built long lasting relationships in the industry and now act as trusted advisor to hospitality clients across London, across Kent from our Sevenoaks office and indeed across the UK.
We’re members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and uphold the highest standards.
✔ Wide-ranging support
Specialist services we offer to our pub, restaurant and nightclub clients include:
- Assistance with funding (including introductions) and help with business plans
- Establishing and reviewing controls over finances
- Establishing, monitoring and benchmarking key performance indicators
- Advising on tronc arrangements
- Supply chain audits
- Advising on the financial elements of franchise agreements
- Turnover audits
✔ Joined-up, partner-led service
We’re large enough to have specialists in all areas but small enough that you always receive a personalised service and quick answers.
From statutory audits, to bookkeeping and management accounts, VAT returns, payroll, corporate finance and due diligence, we have experts to help.
Our team will speak your language and offer jargon-free advice.
In the words of Sylvia Kontek, Director of Margaux:
“Brebners have consistently provided us with truly valuable advice and support in respect of our South Kensington restaurant start-up margaux. Raef and his team walked us hand in hand throughout the company set-up phases (including advice on our EIS scheme participation) and have since then assisted us with a 360-degree service spanning across all accounting and taxation areas, from weekly book-keeping to VAT filings, from the preparation of monthly management reports to payrolls. Brebners have been to date an invaluable partner to us and our business and we would definitely recommend using Brebners.”
For more testimonials, see Testimonials
Ready to Talk?
If you're looking for accountants for your restaurant, pub or nightclub business who understand your industry, your challenges and your ambitions, our specialist team is here to help.
Contact us today for a free, no‑obligation discussion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many hospitality businesses operate from leased premises, and amendments to FRS 102 which are applicable for accounting periods commencing on or after 1 January 2026 bring significant changes to lease accounting. Operating leases which might previously have been accounted for as a straightforward cost in the profit and loss account (e.g. ‘Rent’) will in many cases need to be brought onto the balance sheet, involving the calculation of a lease liability and right-of-use asset. To determine if this applies to your business and for guidance on the necessary calculations and accounting entries, contact Brebners today and we can advise further.
Services charges where the customer is under no obligation to pay and an option to pay is clearly shown to the customer are outside the scope of VAT, as are cash tips passed to employees. If payment of a service charge is not optional, there is VAT payable on the charge at the standard VAT rate.
The answer to this question is surprisingly complex and depends on factors including whether tips and service charges are discretionary or non-discretionary, whether they are paid directly to employees and kept without involvement from the employer, or whether the payments are distributed by an employer, member of staff or third party. We would always recommend seeking advice from experts in this area to avoid the many potential pitfalls and ensure any relevant notifications are made to HMRC and the correct amount of tax is paid. Brebners have considerable experience in this area - contact us today for tailored advice for your business.
It’s crucial for pubs, clubs, restaurants and other hospitality businesses to maintain effective control over inventories including regular stocktakes, proper recording of wastage and benchmarking of profit margins. Tight margins and high volumes mean small inefficiencies can have a big impact on financial reporting and hamper effective planning. Brebners can help you design effective stock control systems or review the controls you already have in place to ensure they are robust and aligned with industry best practice.
For more information and to arrange an initial consultation please contact: