Run an Admiral Pub, Black Lion, Aberystwyth

Admiral Taverns - Leased & Tenancy; Aberystwyth; On-site; GBP 15,000; Full time

Job summary

A hospitality company seeks passionate individuals or couples to manage The Black Lion pub in Aberystwyth. Responsibilities include managing operations, developing a seasonal menu, and engaging with the local community. Ideal candidates should have pub management experience and skills in marketing to boost customer turnout. The role offers annual rent of £15,000, and full support for training and compliance.

Benefits

Training program for sales success

Maintenance package for compliance

Qualifications

• Experience in managing a pub or hospitality venue.
• Ability to develop and deliver seasonal menu offerings.
• Strong social media presence for marketing.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations of the pub.
• Create and implement a marketing strategy to attract locals and tourists.
• Oversee food and beverage service, including menu development.

Skills

Community engagement

Marketing skills

Kitchen management

Job description

Overview

Please note: Applicants must be prepared to invest financially in taking on and running this pub. To understand the level of investment required, please review the financial section.

The Black Lion is situated in the village of Llanbedr Fawr, located in the heart of the village beside the parish church, with a row of local businesses opposite and within the parish boundary on the outskirts of Aberystwyth. The pub is around 1.5 miles from the train station which offers connections to other towns and cities in Wales, including Shrewsbury and Birmingham. The station is a key transport hub for those traveling by rail to and from Aberystwyth. There are key road networks around the Black Lion with the A44 connecting Aberystwyth to the Midlands & North and the A487 which runs through to Cardigan. Aberystwyth is a favourite for tourists and just a short drive away you will find the sea front, pier and university as well as plenty of other shops and eateries. The pub is situated on the corner of a busy road right at the end of one-way system and has great presence visually from one of the main arterial routes.

Pub Layout

The Black Lion is situated on an elevated site, featuring an enclosed beer garden located on a hill. The central entrance opens into the bar area, with a seating area to the right and a pool and darts area to the left. From here, a passageway leads to the toilets, an external beer garden, and a function room that includes an additional pool table and a small functional kitchen.

Trading Style

Nestled in the heart of the community, The Black Lion is a vibrant seasonal trading pub that comes alive throughout the year. In the summer, it’s the go-to destination for locals and tourists alike, buzzing with energy and a warm welcome. During the winter months, it remains a beloved gathering place, supported by our loyal local patrons. With a strong community spirit, our licensees actively champion local pool and darts leagues, while our lively weekly entertainment programme keeps the atmosphere electric. Our menu features delicious traditional fare, thoughtfully crafted to cater to all tastes and seasonally refreshed for the perfect dining experience.

Accommodation

Private Accommodation

The private accommodation consists of two bedrooms, bathroom, lounge and kitchen.

Financial

• Annual Rent: £15,000
• Security Deposit: Initial deposit of £3,000 building up to £5,000 or the equivalent of three months’ rent, whichever is greater
• Working Capital: £1,500
• Stock: £2,500
• Fixtures and Fittings: To be confirmed upon valuation – funding options may be available for the right licensee.
• Business Rates: £Nil. Based on the April 2023 rating list, the Zero Rates Payable is based on small business rates relief being applied for by the licensee and the licensee only occupying one property for commercial purposes.
• Tie: All drinks categories are tied. For fully funded licensees on long term agreements, we offer free-of-tie options for certain drinks categories in exchange for an annual fee.
• For a breakdown on financial information, please refer to the ‘Additional Info’ tab.

BDM Vision

We are looking for an individual or couple with passion to drive this traditional community pub located near the coastal town of Aberystwyth. The licensee(s) need to be able to flex with the seasonal trade and to offer a robust marketing plan throughout the year to ensure the local community feel catered for as well as the ability to develop and deliver both a traditional and seasonal menu out of a compact kitchen area ensuring you maximise every trading session to the full. A good rhythm of the week is paramount to making sure this is supported by the locals and great social media skills will help to boost business.

Additional Information

• Annual Rent – This is our lowest rent figure associated with a Full Tie. If the tie is reduced the effective rent (via Tie Release Fees) will increase. Rent is billed and paid for weekly in advance depending on the payment terms agreed). On occasion, our Business Development Manager will discuss a start up rent which is discretionary to an individual pub and can be discussed.
• Security Deposit – A security deposit is required when applying for a pub with Admiral. This will be the greater of £5,000 or three months’ headline rent. The deposit is held on your account and returned when you leave, subject to your final account balance and the condition of the property. We will also carry out a credit check as part of your application, which may affect the deposit amount required.
• Working Capital – This is a recommended amount required which will be used in the day-to-day running of the business.
• Stock – This will be valued by an independent valuer on the day you take over the pub. This includes unbranded glassware, unopened bottles, wines, spirits, any unopened / opened kegs and cask ale providing the container is unopened.
• Fixtures & Fittings – This includes any item that is bolted to the floor or walls, and a fitting to be any item that is free standing or hung by a nail or hook. This will also include furniture.
• Tie: All drinks categories are tied. For fully funded licensees on long term agreements, we offer free-of-tie options for certain drinks categories in exchange for an annual fee.
• Training – £350.00 – Before signing a long term agreement, you will be required to attend our 7 Steps to Sales Success training programme. Held online over two days, you will learn marketing and business strategies that will help you to grow sales in your pub – step-by-step.
• Service Charge Cost – £63.33 per week – The Admiral Taverns Premium Maintenance Package will help take care of your compliance and statutory obligations with one simple fee, whilst giving you piece of mind about your boiler and cellar cooling repair and replacement. This also includes full access to e-learning for you and your staff.
• *Zero Business Rates – Based on the April 2023 rating list, the Nil Rates Payable is based on small business rates relief being applied for by the licensee and the licensee only occupying one property for commercial purposes. Please note, this only applies to pubs marked with an Asterix *