Run an Admiral Pub, Walnut, Stowmarket

Admiral Taverns - Leased & Tenancy; Stowmarket; On-site; GBP 5,000 - 18,000; Full time

Job summary

A pub management company in Stowmarket is seeking an operator for The Walnut Tree. Candidates must be willing to invest financially in running the pub, focusing on community engagement and providing excellent craft and cask beer options. The position involves managing a traditional, welcoming pub atmosphere while ensuring customer satisfaction and driving business growth. This opportunity is perfect for someone with a passion for hospitality and strong beverage knowledge.

Qualifications

• Must be prepared to invest financially in taking on the pub.
• Ability to engage with the local community and build relationships.
• Strong cask ale credentials and a well-rounded selection of wines and spirits.

Responsibilities

• Manage and run the pub effectively.
• Engage with local sports teams and clubs.
• Develop a creative food and drink offer.

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 Walnut Tree is located in Stowmarket, a market town in Suffolk very close to the A14 trunk route between Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich. Over recent years the area has benefited from an influx of people thanks to new housing and businesses, with a current population of 150,000 and still continuing to grow. The pub is situated close to the town and is surrounded by good quality local housing. It is also situated close to small out of town retail areas, and a local business park which has Scania located there.

Pub Layout

As you enter the pub you encounter a small patio, occasionally used for food trucks, but a great space for benches. Through the main door and you arrive at the main bar counter and an L-shaped trade area with approx. 20 seats and cosy fireplace. There is also a back room great for groups, events, local clubs and societies, also with a fully functioning bar and double doors out to the exceptional enclosed courtyard garden with the ladies and gents’ toilets located in between the two trade spaces. The style of the pub is traditional and cosy with a modern touch.

Trading Style

The pub has been operating for approximately 5 years as a specialist craft and cask pub….a real destination pub for the avid beer lover. The outside area is amazing, with a modern bare wood finish and colourful furniture making the area a comfortable sun trap for the sunny days, which is a huge attraction in the warmer months.

Accommodation

Private Accommodation: The private accommodation is in good condition, and consists of a lounge, 2 good sized bedrooms, a kitchen, an office, and a bathroom/toilet.

Financial

• Annual Rent: £18,000
• Security Deposit: £5,000 or the equivalent of three months’ rent, whichever is greater
• Working Capital: £4,000
• Stock: £4,000
• 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

In the future this pub needs to be the hub of the village community. The new licensee will need to be a people's person who can successfully engage with the locals to steal the market share. Sports teams, potentially sports viewing, actively engaging with clubs and societies as well as the ability to bring in a discerning custom base will be key elements that you will need to be focused on to drive the business forwards. You will also need to have a great cask and craft offer, as well as offer more mainstream products for the nearby residents and potential regulars from the immediate town vicinity. There should be strong cask ale credentials, and well ranged wines and spirits available. A creative back bar food offer could also be crafted to supplement the 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).
• 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. 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.
• 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.
• 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.