Accountant for Restaurants, Hotels & Hospitality
Companies999 provides specialist accountancy for the hospitality industry across the UK. Restaurants, cafes, pubs, bars, and hotels — we understand the unique financial challenges: complicated VAT rules, tronc scheme management, high staff turnover, seasonal cash flow, and tight margins. We take the financial stress off your plate.
What We Offer
Tailored services for you
Restaurant & Cafe Accounts
Full annual accounts for hospitality businesses, covering multiple revenue streams, stock management, and food cost analysis.
VAT on Food & Drink
Expert handling of the complex VAT rules around hot and cold food, eat-in vs takeaway, and alcohol, ensuring you charge and reclaim correctly.
Tronc & Tips Management
Setting up and managing tronc schemes for tips and service charges, ensuring tax-efficient distribution to your team.
Payroll for Hospitality
Managed payroll for your kitchen, front-of-house, and management teams, handling variable hours, tips, and holiday pay calculations.
Cash Flow & Budgeting
Cash-heavy businesses need careful financial management. We help you track cash flow, forecast seasonal variations, and plan ahead.
Business Growth Advice
Financial planning, management accounts, and business insights to help your hospitality business plan for expansion and improve profitability.
VAT on Food and Drink
Cold takeaway food is zero-rated (0%). Hot takeaway food is standard-rated (20%). All food and drink consumed on premises is 20%. Alcohol is always 20%. Grey areas include toasted sandwiches (standard-rated), cold sandwiches (zero-rated), bakery items like muffins (zero-rated) vs cereal bars (standard-rated). We configure your EPOS and accounting to apply correct rates.
Tronc Schemes for Tips
A properly operated tronc distributes tips through an independent troncmaster, making payments exempt from employer NIC (saving 13.8%). We help set up the scheme, appoint a troncmaster, register with HMRC, and ensure all PAYE obligations are met.
Seasonal Cash Flow
We forecast seasonal patterns, build reserves during peaks, plan tax payments around quieter months, and ensure you can meet payroll and suppliers year-round. Monthly or quarterly management accounts keep you informed.
Why Choose Us
We know hospitality
Hospitality runs on thin margins and complex regulations. Hot food vs cold food VAT, tronc schemes, seasonal staffing. We understand these challenges inside out and help you maximise every penny of profit while staying fully compliant.
Software We Work With
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How does VAT work on hot and cold food?
Cold takeaway = zero-rated. Hot food and eat-in = 20%. Many grey areas exist. We ensure your returns are accurate.
What is a tronc scheme?
A formal tips distribution system exempt from employer NIC when run by an independent troncmaster. Saves 13.8% on all tips distributed.
Do you handle hospitality payroll?
Yes. Kitchen, front-of-house, management — variable hours, tips, and holiday pay.
Can you advise on opening a restaurant?
Yes. Structure, VAT registration, EPOS setup, and financial planning.
What expenses can we claim?
Food costs, equipment, uniforms, cleaning, premises, marketing, insurance, training. Capital allowances on equipment and fit-out.
Do you work with hotels?
Yes. Including specific VAT considerations for accommodation and ancillary services.
Related Services
Ready to get started?
Whether you're opening your first venue or running an established kitchen, we're here to help. Call us on 0121 638 0905 for a free discovery call.