A guide to coffee & tea franchises
The UK’s appetite for quality coffee, tea, and specialty drinks shows no sign of slowing, making coffee and tea franchises one of the most vibrant sectors in the franchise market. Whether you picture yourself running a mobile coffee van, a neighbourhood café, or a high-footfall bubble tea bar, there is something to suit a wide range of ambitions and budgets. With 25 live opportunities currently listed on FindMyFranchise, and investment levels spanning from £6,500 to £285,000, this category genuinely caters to first-time franchisees and experienced operators alike.
How much does a coffee and tea franchise cost?
Investment levels vary considerably depending on the business model, premises requirements, and brand positioning. Here is a broad breakdown of what to expect at each level:
- Under £25,000 — Mobile and compact formats: The most accessible entry point includes mobile and van-based concepts. Really Awesome Coffee starts from just £6,500, Coffee-Bike from £12,490, and Coffee Blue from £18,000, with Coffee Planet available from £20,000. These lower-cost formats typically involve lower overheads and greater flexibility.
- £25,000–£90,000 — Kiosk, counter, and smaller café formats: A mid-range tier covers kiosk-style and compact café models. Mooboo is listed at £39,950, CoffeeBoy at £55,000, Chai Green and Cuppa’ Chaii both at £60,000, and Puccino’s at £70,000. This band also includes Esquires Coffee, Urban Baristas, and McDonald’s UK, each at £85,000, and Heavenly Desserts at £90,000.
- £100,000–£175,000 — Established high-street and specialty brands: Brands requiring a larger investment but offering strong consumer recognition include Bubbleology and The Alley (both £120,000), Chaiiwala and Gong cha England (both £150,000), and Jamaica Blue at £175,000.
- £175,000–£285,000 — Premium and flagship formats: At the top end, Costa requires an investment of £250,000 and Creams £285,000, reflecting the scale, fit-out, and brand strength these opportunities bring.
Types of coffee and tea franchise
- Mobile and van-based coffee franchises: These businesses operate from vehicles or portable units, keeping overheads low and offering flexibility in location. Examples include Really Awesome Coffee and Coffee-Bike.
- Café and coffee shop franchises: Traditional sit-down or counter-service cafés aimed at daily regulars and passing trade. Bewiched Coffee, Esquires Coffee, and Urban Baristas represent this well-established model.
- Bubble tea and specialty drinks franchises: A fast-growing sub-sector targeting younger consumers and high-footfall retail locations. Brands such as Mooboo, Bubbleology, Gong cha England, and The Alley fall into this category.
- Chai and South Asian drinks concepts: A distinctive and expanding niche with strong community appeal. Chaiiwala, Chai Green, and Cuppa’ Chaii all champion chai-focused menus with modern, branded environments.
- Dessert and drinks hybrid concepts: Some franchises combine drinks with a wider dessert or food offer. Dum Dum Donutterie, Heavenly Desserts, and Creams blend indulgent food menus with beverage ranges to maximise spend per customer.
- Workplace and vending drinks solutions: DrinkLink UK offers a more B2B-oriented model, supplying drinks solutions into commercial and workplace settings rather than relying on consumer footfall.
Is a coffee and tea franchise right for you?
This category suits people who enjoy building regular customer relationships and thrive in fast-paced, hospitality-driven environments. If you value the backing of an established brand, a proven menu, and structured training, a coffee or tea franchise can offer a compelling route into food and drink retail without starting from scratch. Consider whether you want a fixed premises or the flexibility of a mobile operation, as this will shape your investment level and day-to-day routine significantly.
Look carefully at the support package on offer — strong franchises will provide comprehensive training, marketing assistance, and ongoing operational guidance. Think about the brand’s presence in your target area, any territory protections included in your agreement, and whether the customer base generates regular repeat visits, which is a hallmark of the best beverage concepts.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a coffee and tea franchise cost in the UK?
Investment levels in this category range from £6,500 for a mobile coffee franchise such as Really Awesome Coffee, up to £285,000 for a premium dessert and drinks concept like Creams. Your budget and preferred format will determine which opportunities are the right fit.
Do I need experience in hospitality to run a coffee or tea franchise?
Not necessarily. Most franchisors in this category provide full training covering everything from drink preparation to customer service and business management. A genuine enthusiasm for the product and strong people skills are often considered just as valuable as prior industry experience.
Can I run a coffee franchise part-time or as an owner-operator?
Mobile and van-based formats such as Coffee-Bike or Really Awesome Coffee can offer more flexibility around hours and locations. Fixed-premises cafés and branded stores typically require full-time commitment, particularly in the early stages of trading.
Is bubble tea a growing market in the UK?
Yes — consumer interest in specialty and Asian-inspired drinks has grown considerably in recent years. Brands such as Gong cha England, The Alley, and Bubbleology have expanded their UK presence on the back of strong demand, particularly in urban and retail locations.
What ongoing support can I expect from a coffee or tea franchisor?
This varies by brand, but you should expect initial and ongoing training, access to approved suppliers, marketing and brand materials, and regular contact with a dedicated support team. Reviewing the franchise disclosure document carefully before signing is always strongly advised.
