Unlicensed restaurants and cafes in London

SIC 56102London|Data verified: 2026-04-17
7,171Active Companies

London is one of the UK's largest centres for unlicensed restaurants and cafes, with 7,171 active companies registered in this sector. This concentration makes it a major hub for unlicensed restaurants and cafes businesses at the national level. The local unlicensed restaurants and cafes sector is notably young, with companies averaging just 3.6 years old. This indicates a rapidly evolving market with many recent start-ups and new entrants. Growth has been exceptional: 78% of active companies were formed since 2020, with a further 20% established during the 2010s. This makes it one of the fastest-growing sectors in London. Across the UK, other leading locations for unlicensed restaurants and cafes include Birmingham (1,147 companies) and Manchester (823). Notable unlicensed restaurants and cafes companies based in London include MCDONALD'S RESTAURANTS LIMITED, STARBUCKS COFFEE COMPANY (UK) LIMITED.

7,171
Active
3.6y
Avg Age
2+
Featured
Formation by Decade
20%
78%
Pre-1990: 9
1990s: 17
2000s: 121
2010s: 1,433
2020s: 5,559

Frequently Asked Questions about Unlicensed restaurants and cafes in London

How many unlicensed restaurants and cafes companies are in London?

There are 7,171 active unlicensed restaurants and cafes companies (SIC code 56102) currently registered in London, based on Companies House data. This includes businesses of all sizes, from sole traders to large enterprises, that have selected this SIC code as their primary activity.

What is the average age of unlicensed restaurants and cafes companies in London?

The average unlicensed restaurants and cafes company in London is 3.6 years old. This young average suggests a dynamic, fast-growing sector with many recent start-ups. Company ages are calculated from incorporation dates registered at Companies House.

Is the unlicensed restaurants and cafes sector growing in London?

Yes, the unlicensed restaurants and cafes sector in London is experiencing significant growth. 78% of currently active companies were formed since 2020, and 20% during the 2010s. This sustained formation rate indicates strong demand.

Where else in the UK are unlicensed restaurants and cafes companies concentrated?

Beyond London, the leading UK locations for unlicensed restaurants and cafes companies are: Birmingham (1,147), Manchester (823), Glasgow (813), Leicester (486), Leeds (457). These concentrations often reflect regional economic specialisations, proximity to key markets, or established industry clusters.

What other industries are prominent in London?

Alongside unlicensed restaurants and cafes, other significant industries in London include: Buying and selling of own real estate (54,323), Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate (53,308), Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet (48,095), Management consultancy activities other than financial management (47,561). This diversity of business activity contributes to London's overall economic resilience.

How can I find unlicensed restaurants and cafes companies in London?

You can search for unlicensed restaurants and cafes companies in London using UVAGATRON's company explorer, which allows filtering by SIC code, location, company status, and risk profile. Each company record includes director information, filing history, and risk signals from 50+ government databases. Alternatively, you can search directly on Companies House.

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Data sourced from Companies House, HM Land Registry, FCA Register, and 50+ government databases. Last updated: 2026-04-17.