Examples of our recent successes:
SOLD: The Lyndhurst, Reading, Berkshire
Sold off £80,000 Leasehold @ Rent £52,646 PA
The Lyndhurst is a busy pub located in a high footfall area surrounded by numerous new residential developments. The property is in excellent order and has been the subject of considerable expenditure. There is long open plan main bar/restaurant trading area which can cater for approx. 50 covers with ample standing room. For the owners there is a split level 3 bedroom apartment and outside there is a popular decking area. The business has an excellent consistent trade with an average weekly turnover of circa £10,500 which is food-led. The premises is held on a 20 year Laurel (Enterprise) Lease from November 2001. UK Pub Sales sold the business on behalf of Jason Hall to new owner Gary Patrick, also from Reading.
SOLD: Club Ice Bar, St Ives, Cambridgeshire
£50,000 Leasehold @ Rent £30,000 PA
This ground floor nightclub is situated in the town centre of this riverside market town. There is a front reception lobby with cloak room which leads through to the main club which has a bar servery, main dance floor and DJ booth and a capacity of 200. The property was offered on a new private lease and was sold on behalf of our freeholder- client Abid Hussain on a 12 year term with an annual rent of £30,000 with an initial rent free period. The business already has a good reputation but offers great potential to build on this with enthusiastic promotion and marketing. The business was purchased by Colin Blackburn – also from Cambridgeshire, who has in the past been in HM Forces and Constabulary and over the past 9 years has run his own Coffee Shop and Guest House.
SOLD: Curry to Go, Prince of Wales Road, Norwich, Norfolk
Nil Premium @ Rent £12,000 PA
This closed lock-up former Indian Takeaway premises is located in the centre of Norwich and has a large main trading area and separate kitchen plus store room and a basement with three offices and store room plus toilets and kitchenette area. The premises has been closed and devoid of contents for over two years. Our client Mr Piang Fui Pun agreed to offer a new 10 year lease with nil premium and an annual rent of £12,000 but with 6 months rent free to allow new tenants the opportunity to re-fit the premises and establish trade. The new lease was taken over by Mrs Lioudmila Ali who for the past 9 years has been a head chef at various establishments.
SOLD: The Load of Hay, Watford, Hertfordshire
£100,000 Leasehold @ Rent £28,285 PA
The Load of Day dates from 1843, is located in a conservation area on the outskirts of Watford and has a thriving business and has a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout it’s main bar with exposed beams and restaurant area which cater for a total of 45 covers. For the owners there is a 2 bedroom apartment and outside a pleasant patio trade garden. Held on a private free of tie lease which runs until 2039, the business was sold on behalf of Mark and David to new owner Andy Harrower. This is Andy’s first licensed business venture although he has run his own business in recent years as well as spending some 16 years in the Flying Squad.
SOLD: The Red Lion, Caston, Nr Attleborough, Norfolk
Nil Premium Tenancy @ Rent £18,000 PA
The Red Lion is located approximately 20 miles South of Norwich and has been undergoing a complete refurbishment programme which is now nearing completion. UK Pub Sales were offering a new 3 year tenancy with annual rent of £18,000 per annum. The property includes a main bar, restaurant, trade kitchen, plus 3 bedroom flat, car park and garden. The property was let on behalf of freeholder David Cumming and partners to new tenants Barry and Carrie Ackrill who are experienced publicans, previously running a pub in Leicestershire.
SOLD: The Grafton Arms, Thetford, Norfolk
Sold off £45,000 Leasehold @ £35,000 Rent PA
The Grafton Arms in the south Norfolk town of Thetford has been sold on behalf of Sharon Stanton to Mr Abul Ali trading as Terranova Inns Ltd. The substantial property was available freehold and leasehold however, Mr Ali chose to take the option of a new 10 year private lease with an annual rental of £35,000, plus the option to purchase the freehold within 18 months. The premises included a main bar, large restaurant/music room, bowls club, music shop, B&B accommodation and a function room.
SOLD: The Red Lion, Bishopgate, Norwich, Norfolk
Sold off £69,950 Leasehold @ £25,300 Rent PA
A rare opportunity to purchase an excellent leasehold public house in the heart of Norwich City in a prime riverside location has been snapped up by local lady Amanda Rose. The Red Lion in Bishopgate, Norwich was sold on behalf of Pam Fitzgerald who purchased the pub some 8 years ago through UK Pub Sales. Pam and her partner John Whyman have owned and run many pubs over the years and are now retiring from the pub trade. New owner Amanda has experience in the catering sector which will no doubt serve her well in her new venture. The Red Lion has been well maintained and comprises a large open plan bar in several areas, plus a conservatory overlooking the river and also has the benefit of a large car park and patio/terrace plus 3 bedroom owners home. The property is held on the balance of a 20 year Enterprise Inns Lease from 2001.
SOLD: The Cobholm Tavern, Mill Road, Great Yarmouth
Sold off £10,000 Leasehold @ £12,999 Rent PA
The Cobholm Tavern is a substantial property prominently situated in a densely populated residential area of Great Yarmouth with a steady wet sales local trade. Having been refurbished the premises comprises a main bar plus games room with an owners apartment of large lounge, double bedroom and access to a decked roof terrace. In addition there is the advantage of 6 letting rooms over the first and second floors. Outside there is a smoking shelter and patio garden. The property which is held on the balance of a 33 year lease from 2004 was sold on behalf of Danny & Janet Hodgson who placed the property on the market due to ill health. New owner Ricky Hatt is also from Great Yarmouth so has a good local knowledge to bring to his new venture.
SOLD: The Fox & Hounds, Bradfield St. George, Suffolk
Sold off £310,000 Freehold
The Fox & Hounds is a characterful freehold property situated on a large plot of approx. an acre (STS) with exposed beams and brickwork throughout it’s bar and restaurant areas and delightful views across rolling Suffolk countryside. There are two en-suite letting rooms and a private 3 bedroom apartment. The business which has until recent been leased out and run under rather indifferent management, was purchased by the Sharples family who have recently returned to the UK from Spain. They plan to reinstate the positive reputation of the Fox & Hounds with a high quality food offer, introduction of touring caravans/camping and a comprehensive marketing campaign along with a refurbishment programme to restore the Fox & Hounds to it’s former glory.
Vendors Testimonial:
“I would like to thank you for your efforts in obtaining this sale in the light of all the difficulties it presented and achieving what has been to date a very satisfactory outcome.”
SOLD: Spencers, Prince of Wales Road, Norwich
Sold off £15,000 Leasehold @ £27,600 Rent PA
Spencers Bar & Nightclub in Norwich City was sold on behalf of Digby Bartlett to local businessman Andy Gotts of Gotts Leisure Limited for an undisclosed sum. Situated in the heart of the Nightlife Circuit the property has a main bar on the ground floor with pool/seating area and a basement Nightclub with dance floor and second bar. The property has been closed of recent and requires some refurbishment/redecoration throughout. Above there are two apartments. The premises has the benefit of a 4.00 AM Licence. Held on the balance of a 20year lease from 1999 the property has an annual rent of circa £27,600 and was sold off the asking price of £15,000 Leasehold.
Vendors Testimonial:
“We found the staff, particularly Neville Herbert and Adam Croft as well as other staff, to be most helpful in advising on price setting and on general sales matters. They were also very efficient in finding suitable potential purchasers to view our property. Throughout the selling process, which was protracted due to unforeseen problems, they kept us informed and encouraged and took out a lot of the hassle with the various solicitors. All staff were polite and cheerful and were a pleasure to work with during what was for us a new and difficult experience. We would recommend, without reservation, UK Pub sales to any potential buyers and sellers.”
SOLD: Never Turn Back, Caister-On-Sea, Norfolk
Sold off £29,000 Leasehold @ £18,000 rent PA
The property was sold on behalf of Landlords Elizabeth Holdings PLC on a new 10 year lease to purchaser Ian Hyam from Suffolk, off the asking price of £29,000 Leasehold. Situated in this popular seaside resort on the Norfolk Coast approximately 3 miles north of Great Yarmouth, the property has an impressive trading position right on the beachfront and inbetween 2 large caravan sites. An iconic building sat neatly in its own 2 acre plot of grassland and sand dunes, the property was refurbished and decorated some 2 years ago. The premises has a main bar with pool area, lounge bar with dining area, a kitchen suitable for trade use subject to re-fitting and a large car park and trade garden. In addition to the detached pub is a two bedroom detached bungalow.
SOLD: The Ploughshare, Beeston, Norfolk
2 Year Tenancy @ £22,000 Rent PA
The Ploughshare is a Free of Tie pub/restaurant in an idyllic country village and has recently undergone a considerable refurbishment programme to a very high standard. There is a welcoming bar with large inglenook fireplace, a 30 cover restaurant and large function room. To the first floor there is a 3 bedroom apartment plus a private kitchen to the ground floor. Outside there is a large car park and small garden area. The property was let on a new private 2 year tenancy with an annual rent of £22,000 to new tenant Jonathan Loome.
Vendors Testimonial:
“We would like to thank the Uk Pubsales team for the manner and speed in which they dealt with obtaining a suitable tenant for our pub. With special thanks to Neville Herbert who, thanks to his knowledge and professional handling of the matter produced a number of very suitable tenants in just two weeks. We were kept informed on an almost daily basis of progress, and would recommend the company to anyone. Our thanks again, John & Sue – The Ploughshare Inn Beeston.”
SOLD: Confidential Sale
Vendor’s testimonial:
“Eve and I would like to express our thanks and appreciation for all your help and support in seeing through the sale of our business. Without doubt, your professionalism in first finding us a buyer and then working unstintingly towards the conclusion of the transaction was the hallmark of the ultimate success. That you found us not one, but two buyers, is a mark of the service you provided to us. And knowing that throughout the whole process your staff we available to lend assistance in your absence eliminated any anxieties we had. I have absolutely no hesitation in saying that, if ever we have a business to sell in the future, your company will be the first number on the top of our list of priorities to call. Well done, Robin, and thank you so much for everything. Paul and Eve”
SOLD: Bridge Street Cafe, Framlingham, Suffolk
Sold off £31,500 Leasehold Rent £8,500 PA
The property which trades as an un-licensed café for approximately 20 covers and operates a brisk breakfast, lunchtime and takeaway trade, offered scope to increase trading hours by opening evenings and if required by changing the current operational style. On the first floor there are 2 large double rooms currently used as an office and for storage, plus a WC and shower room shared with the freeholder. Local man Mark Howlett who had for many years worked for Royal Mail, spotted the potential and purchased the leasehold business.
SOLD: The Station Hotel, Ipswich, Suffolk
Sold off £39,950 Leasehold – Rent £49,000 PA
This substantial property is located on a prominent corner site immediately opposite the Station in Ipswich, Suffolk and ideally placed to benefit from the extensive traffic and footfall. Just a few minutes walk away is the Ipswich Town Football Club which provides a huge influx of visitors on match days. The property comprises a large main bar with views to the river, a dining/function room, and trade kitchen, whilst to the first floor there are 14 bedrooms – some available to let and other requiring refurbishment. There are a number of further rooms for possible use as offices or owners/managers accommodation. Outside there is a riverside garden and car parking. The business has been purchased by local businessman Eddie Roberts.
SOLD: The Blackfriars Tavern, Blackfriars Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
Sold off: £12,000 Leasehold Rent £12,000 PA
New 25 Year Lease
The Blackfriars Tavern had been closed for some time and the Landlords Elizabeth Holdings PLC were prepared to offer a new 25 year free of tie lease with an ingoing of £12,000 and an annual rent of £12,000. The property comprises an easily run single bar and a potential trade kitchen and outside enclosed trading areas. Requiring some redecoration but otherwise ready to be re-opened, the premises has first floor 2 double bedroom owners accommodation. Businesswoman Carol Anderson purchased the Blackfriars Tavern having plenty of experience as a Publican and a good local knowledge.
SOLD: The Green Man, Herongate, Nr Brentwood, Essex
Sold off: £99,950 Leasehold
This attractive period property in an affluent area of Essex was offered for sale on behalf of Len & Linda Mitchell who had refurbished The Green Man to a high standard and were now looking to sell due to retirement. The property stands in delightful well-tended gardens overlooking surrounding fields. There is a main bar with exposed beams and open fireplaces, a restaurant in 3 areas for a total of c.48 covers. For the owners there is a 3 double bedroom apartment. The property also has ample parking areas and achieves an excellent level of turnover. The business which is held on the balance of a 15 year Punch Lease was purchased by Paul Ryan.
SOLD: The Haven Bridge, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
£49,950 Leasehold £26,000 Rent
The Haven Bridge in Great Yarmouth has been sold on behalf of Andy Slater by UK Pub Sales. The property had been extensively refurbished to a high standard and was closed for some time. With over 8,500 sq.ft over three floors the premises offers a ground floor large open plan bar, first floor function room with balcony terrace and first floor large owners 1 bedroom apartment with balcony along with a further 6 rooms and a bathroom ideal for letting rooms. The property was available either freehold or on a free of tie private lease. Purchasers Moore Taverns Limited spotted this unique opportunity and purchased a 10 year lease off the asking price of £49,950 with a £26,000 per annum rent.
SOLD: Confidential Sale – Suffolk Leasehold
Vendor’s testimonial:
“We first contacted UK pub sales in February, 2010 with the view to selling our successful public house business as a going concern. We had tried previously getting to nearlly exchange when those buyers wihdrew. So as not to unsettle our customers and staff we requestedd that UK pub sales dealt with the sale confidentially. Neville from the company came and saw us and took the appropiate deltails as well as providing a fair valuation and placed the business on the market the next week. Within a very short space of time we had a couple who were interested, visted, made an acceptable offer and the rest is history. During the negotiation period we were always kept up todate eiteher by Neville or Dawn knowing all the time at what particular stage we were at. Because confidentiallity was key this was not an easy sale to handle but we have to say that UK pub sales handled it exceptionally well. Their experinece came to the fore and it made what would normally be seen as a traumatic time a pleasant one, culminating with the right result in so much as the new owners moved in on Monday 15th June, 2010 and are now trading successfully. Many thanks to UK Pub Sales who were discreet, professional and successful - we would thoroughly recommend them to any prospective sellers or buyers in the future.”
SOLD: The Dog Inn, Horsford, Near Norwich, Norfolk
Nil Premium Tenancy - Rent £18,000 PA
This attractive village public house is located approximately 4 miles to the North of Norwich city centre on the main Norwich to Holt Road. Comprising two bar areas with a single servery, with trade kitchen and cellarage to the ground floor. Private accommodation comprises 3 bedrooms and a bathroom. Outside there is a car park and covered smoking area along with a rear enclosed beer garden. The business had been run under temporary management and the Landlords Criterion were seeking to let the property on a 3 year fixed term agreement. The Rent was £18,000 per annum. Purchased by Publicans Clint Smith & Shirley Rogers of The Brickmakers – the other Pub in the village of Horsford. Clint & Shirley acquired the tenancy of The Brickmakers through UK Pub Sales 2 Years previously and when The Dog Inn came up for sale, were in a prime position with local knowledge to appreciate the potential offered.
SOLD: The Elephant & Castle, Eyke, Suffolk
