8377L

• Prominent and well positioned business situated in the desirable and prime location of East Grinstead.
• Welcoming and relaxing and versatile Public Bar (circa 30+), a Snug Area (circa 6/8) and the ‘Library’ (circa 4/6).
• Utility Room/Storeroom – could be used as a Catering Kitchen when re-fitted (STPP).
• Presented in excellent decorative order having been refurbished and modernised throughout with no expense spared.
• Advised current turnover circa £85,000 (incl. VAT).
• Trade derived from circa 100% wet sales. Undoubted potential for catering/event orientated operators
• Operating on massively reduced trading hours.
• Private FREE-OF-TIE renewable lease with a favourable rent.
• IDEAL FIRST TIME BUY.

Location

This outstanding business is situated in the affluent and highly sought after town of East Grinstead in the beautiful county of West Sussex and can be easily reached from the M23 near Gatwick Airport intersection. Situated within the M23/A23 corridor having excellent road communications providing easy access to the M23 and M25 motorways making this superb location an extremely popular commuter area for the major motorways and the major international airports of Gatwick and Heathrow. East Grinstead is also within the catchment area of many similar affluent villages and towns in addition to being situated close to Horsham, Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill making this superb micro-pub ideally situated to attract trade from these nearby surrounding towns and villages. An enviable place to reside offering a compelling business opportunity.

THE PROPERTY

This impressive property occupies a prominent and busy trading position receiving excellent levels of footfall and passing trade. Main entrance at the front leading into the main Public Bar.

Public Bar (circa 30+) is a lovely room providing an inviting and relaxing ambience and offers versatile and multi-functional usage; ideal for private parties and real ale events etc and is presented in excellent decorative order.

There is a feature return bar servery with a solid polished counter with refrigerated bottle coolers (not tested), flash coolers, stillage racks which is complemented by a range of solid polished tables, leather armchairs, upholstered bar stools and bar chairs. Access to Snug Area and ‘The Library’.

Snug Area (circa 6/8) is a cosy area furnished with solid polished tables, leather sofa and leather chairs.

‘The Library’ (circa 4/6) is a small private area furnished with a table and chairs.

Utility/Storeroom which could quite easily be refitted with commercial catering appliances STPP.

Ladies and Gents W.C.s.

EXTERNAL

There is a licensed seating area at the front and a driveway at the side for circa 3/4 cars.

TRADING HOURS

We are advised that the business trades with the benefit of the Premises Licence (not seen) which permits the sale of alcohol during the hours of:

Monday – Saturday – 10.00am – 11.30pm

Sunday – Midday – 10.30pm

The current opening hours are as follows:

Monday – 4.30pm – 9.30pm

Tuesday – Thursday – 4.30pm – 11.00pm

Friday – 3.00pm – 11.00pm

Saturday – Midday – 11.00pm

Sunday – 2.00pm – 9.30pm

NB. Important. Prospective purchasers wishing to continue to operate this restaurant and bar should ensure that they gain the APLH Qualification in readiness for their intended operation of this business.

GENERAL REMARKS

The business is offered for sale as a lease assignment with approximately 7 years remaining of the private Free of Tie full repairing and insuring agreement.

We are advised that at the end of the term, the Lease (not seen by Guy Simmonds) should be renewable with no further premium – subject to the provision of the Landlord & Tenant Act 1954.

We are informed that the rent is currently ONLY £12,000 per annum.

We are advised that the inn benefits from all mains services (no services seen or tested).

Business rates payable are advised as currently being circa £0 per annum.

THE BUSINESS

Our vendor client operates this well-established business on a ‘hands-off’ basis with the assistance of 1 full time manager and 3 part time members of staff.

Trade is currently derived from circa 100% wet sales, thereby providing massive scope for a new hands-on owner operator partnership with previous experience of running a catering/events orientated operation to take this business to the next level by exploiting the food and functions potential that is to be found here. There are many areas of potential to increase sales and profitability by implementing a strategic marketing campaign to utilise the premises for private parties, wakes and functions etc. There is also immense potential due to the high level of footfall and passing trade emanating from the exceptionally busy trading position; to facilitate early opening hours and to provide coffee and breakfast etc which would have an incredible positive impact on the turnover and profits. This is truly an exciting business opportunity for those seeking a lifestyle change or an alternative career from the stress and strife of the City.

Advised current turnover circa £85,000 (incl. VAT). This delightful restaurant and bar is a well-established and successful business and in our opinion with the above areas of potential we would quite easily expect a fully focussed and fully committed operator to achieve a turnover well in excess of £200,000 (incl. VAT).

Accounting information will be made available to interested parties after viewing.

Viewing appointments must be made by contacting Guy Simmonds at sales@guysimmonds.co.uk.

Details Prepared: March 2020