Run an Admiral Pub, Queens Head, Bradfield

Admiral Taverns - Leased & Tenancy; Reading; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pub management organization is seeking an experienced licensee for The Queen’s Head in Berkshire, UK. This role includes managing the pub's operations, creating a seasonal menu with locally sourced ingredients, and building strong relationships with the local community. Ideal candidates will have prior pub management experience and a passion for delivering excellent food and drink. This opportunity offers a rental scheme and potential for growth in a market with limited competition.

Qualifications

• Experience running a pub or similar establishment.
• Ability to build relationships with the local community.
• Strong understanding of food and drink offerings.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations of The Queen's Head pub.
• Develop a seasonal menu focused on local ingredients.
• Engage with the local village and build community connections.

Job description

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 Queen’s Head is nestled in the charming and affluent village of Bradfield, Berkshire. Although this rural village offers limited local transport options, the pub’s location near major routes, such as the A4, allows for easy access to nearby towns like Reading and Newbury. Its closeness to the M4 motorway also ensures convenient accessibility for visitors traveling from further afield. As the sole remaining pub in Bradfield, The Queen’s Head serves as a social hub for the village and an attractive destination for those exploring the scenic countryside.

Pub Layout

Upon entering The Queen’s Head via the front door, guests are welcomed by a centrally positioned bar, providing easy access to the entire pub. The bar area is designed to offer a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Casual drinkers can enjoy the high bar stools and engage in vertical drinking, while to the right, a mix of fixed and loose seating caters to groups, making it an ideal spot for gatherings and special occasions. On the left, the pub features a more formal dining section, perfect for those seeking a sit-down meal. The ample seating, paired with the well-equipped kitchen, positions the pub to handle a high volume of food orders, ensuring a great dining experience. Outside, the pub boasts a spacious, fenced-in garden, offering a safe environment for families. The garden is furnished with plenty of seating and festoon lighting, creating a warm and festive atmosphere. It’s an ideal setting for hosting outdoor events such as BBQs, beer festivals, and family fun days.

Trading Style:

The Queens Head is a community focused pub that successfully combines wet and dry trade, targeting a mid-market clientele. It emphasizes a welcoming, friendly atmosphere and offers a seasonal menu focusing on fresh, high-quality dishes with locally sourced ingredients, likely changing with the seasons to keep the offerings relevant and exciting, real ales with a variety of authentic, traditional beers, appealing to craft beer enthusiasts, a robust offering of wines and spirits, catering to a more sophisticated palate including contemporary drink choices that attract a broader demographic. This creates a versatile pub appealing to both locals and visitors, ideal for casual dining and social gatherings.

Accommodation:

Private Accommodation comprises of three bedrooms, bathroom and lounge.

Financial:

• Annual Rent: £22,750
• Security Deposit: £5,000 or the equivalent of three months’ rent, whichever is greater
• Working Capital: £5,000
• Stock: £5,000
• 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.
• Fixtures and Fittings: To be confirmed upon valuation – funding options may be available for the right licensee.
• 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.

BDM Vision:

This opportunity at The Queens Head presents a prime chance for an experienced licensee to capitalize on the pub’s unique position in a market with limited competition. There is opportunity for growth with minimal immediate competition, the pub is well-positioned to become the standout destination in the area, particularly for food and drink. Success hinges on the licensee’s ability to understand and connect with the local village and beyond. Building strong relationships with the community will be vital to crafting an appealing and relevant pub experience. A seasonal menu focusing on locally sourced ingredients will cater to the mid-market while also drawing food lovers from surrounding areas. A creative licensee could elevate the food offering to make the Queens Head famous for its dishes. The pub’s reputation for real ales and a modern brand selection including strong wines and spirits gives the new operator a solid foundation to appeal to a wide range of tastes. A well-structured business plan and marketing strategy will be key to positioning the pub as the best in the area. Leveraging digital and traditional marketing to highlight the food, community feel, and drink offerings will attract both locals and visitors.

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).
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.