Run A Hall & Woodhouse Pub (Tenancy) - The Dolphin Hotel, Bovey Tracey

Hall & Woodhouse Business Partnerships; Newton Abbot; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A historic pub opportunity on the edge of Dartmoor is seeking enthusiastic operators to lead its operations. This role involves serving quality food and drink while managing a community-focused business. Ideal candidates will have catering experience and a passion for hospitality. Significant potential exists to develop the guest accommodation and event spaces within this popular establishment.

Benefits

Competitive rent based on turnover

Private accommodation available

Exciting investment opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience running a varied catering business is advantageous.
• Ideal candidates should be passionate chefs or restaurateurs.
• Ability to cater to a diverse guest base is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operations of the Dolphin Hotel.
• Serve food and drink to a variety of guests.
• Develop the business potential through events.

Skills

Experience in catering

Entrepreneurial edge

Passionate about food

Ability to handle diverse demands

Job description

This Business Partnership opportunity is available immediately so apply now!

The Dolphin Hotel is a historic pub with rooms in a fantastic location on the edge of the beautiful Dartmoor National Park. We are looking for enthusiastic and experienced applicants who will enjoy serving great quality food and drink to a wide variety of local guests, diners and holidaymakers.

The Dolphin Hotel is rich in history and character. Originally owned by John Joll, it was built in the 1880s as a coaching house providing food, drink and rest for travellers and their horses. Excursions to Dartmoor commenced from the hotel and horse drawn carriages would escort guests up to Dartmoor. The striking exterior of the building has changed very little over the years and has always retained a classical Victorian look.

The large upstairs function room has had several uses over the years. In the late 1800s, the dance band The Dolphins entertained there and during the Second World War the room acted as a temporary barracks for American allies who were training nearby. Today, it serves as a fantastic events space, with its own private bar and the space to accommodate up to 100 dining guests.

With 8 en-suite bedrooms, spacious trading areas, an extensive function room and a picturesque patio garden, the Dolphin has great business potential with a major investment scheme planned and is an exciting opportunity for the right operator.

Dolphin Hotel Highlights

• Beautiful location on the edge of Dartmoor
• Rent 9.25% of net turnover
• Fair Maintainable Trade* (FMT) Turnover: £850,000 per annum net, post refurbishment
• 8 en-suite guest rooms
• Large function room and banqueting suite, with own private bar
• Spacious trade areas
• 2 newly refurbished private apartments
• Major investment scheme planned

Private Accommodation

The Dolphin Hotel benefits from two recently refurbished private apartments. One is located on the top floor of the building and has one bedroom, a lounge, kitchen and bathroom. The other is located on the ground floor and has two bedrooms with an en-euite bathroom and an open plan lounge, kitchen and dining room.

Bedrooms - 3

Private kitchens - 2

Lounge/diners - 2

Bathrooms - 2

Location

Situated in the heart of the historic market town of Bovey Tracey, the Dolphin Hotel has been welcoming guests since the 1880s. In a prime location on the edge of Dartmoor, the pub attracts many visitors throughout the year, from walkers and cyclists to those seeking a more relaxed break.

Being within easy reach of the South Devon coast, the Dolphin also benefits from holidaymakers wanting to visit the nearby towns of Exmouth, Torquay and Paignton.

Top Line Figures

• Rent: 9.25% of net turnover, with a minimum base rent of £61,500
• Minimum Initial Investment: £40,250 plus, VAT
• Fair Maintainable Trade* (FMT) Turnover: £850,000 per annum net, post refurbishment

Full Investment Breakdown

• Fixtures & Fittings: Projected £85,000 (Inventory is an estimate net of VAT. Loan facilities are available for the purchase of fixtures and fittings).

Illustration of Year 1 Ingoings

Deposit £7,500 N/A £7,500

Training Fee £1,000 £200 £1,200

Change of DPS £254 £46 £300

Digital Asset Fee £250 £50 £300

Working Capital £10,000 N/A £10,000

F&F (Outright Purchase Option A) £85,000 £17,000 £102,000

F&F (Purchase Agreement Option B) £21,250 £17,000 £38,250

Total Option A £104,004 £17,296 £121,300

Total Option B £40,254 £17,296 £57,550

Additional Information

• Estimated Wet/Dry/Accommodation Split: 45%/45%/10%
• Business Rates Payable: £6,976 pa
• Available From: Immediately
• Closing Date for Applications: 31/10/25

E&OE

Trade

The Dolphin trades 7 days a week, with a strong community-focused offer that attracts a varied range of guests. The customer base includes a good mix of senior guests who enjoy a lunchtime treat, and young families who come for an early evening meal.

The spacious and sociable bar area allows for events all year round, supported by a large function room which can accommodate formal dining for up to 100 guests, and has its own private bar.

There is considerable potential to develop the business here in many different ways, given the pub’s unique location and available space. The guest accommodation is a huge advantage to the business and with the event spaces, this could easily be built upon.

The successful applicant(s) will have an entrepreneurial edge as well as being able to cope with the diverse demands of the eclectic guest base. Experience of a varied catering business would be a distinct advantage, and ideal applicants will be passionate, experienced chefs and restaurateurs, entrepreneurs, and current tenants.

Izzy Hersom

Business Development Partner