Most independent cafés lose £15–20K a year through pricing alone. Add up to 15 menu items and we’ll show you exactly how much you’re leaving on the table — using your numbers, not ours.
Free tool · 2 minutes
Two short questions, then add up to 15 menu items. We’ll calculate each one’s gross margin against UK industry benchmarks and show you where money is escaping. No signup, no email needed.
Question 1 of 2
The UK VAT threshold is £90,000 of taxable turnover on a rolling 12-month basis (2026/27 tax year).
Question 2 of 2
Hot drinks and cooked food are 20% VAT either way — this question only affects how we calculate VAT on cake and cold sandwiches, where eat-in is 20% but takeaway is zero-rated. Slide to roughly match how your customers actually split.
Your results
If you hit target margins
extra a year — same customers, same volume.
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Disclaimer. This tool uses HMRC VAT Notice 709/1 (Catering, takeaway food) and standard UK hospitality benchmarks current for the 2026/27 tax year. VAT treatment of food and drink can be complex — mixed supplies, meal deals, eat-in/takeaway apportionment, and excepted items (such as confectionery, crisps and ice cream) all have specific rules. This tool is for guidance only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always confirm your VAT classification with your accountant.
This tool gives you a snapshot. We do full reviews for café and hospitality businesses across the East Midlands — covering cost of goods, labour, wastage, pricing strategy and VAT treatment. No pitch, no obligation.