8400F

• The market town of Leek sits between Macclesfield and Uttoxeter and close to Alton Towers, Macclesfield and Stoke-on-Trent.
• Front Bar (circa 20+) overlooks a pedestrian area of town.
• Rear Bar (circa 30+) with attractive décor and al fresco area.
• First floor Restaurant (circa 30+ covers) with solid oak floor, feature fireplace and al fresco balcony.
• Small 1st floor al fresco balcony (circa 12+) ; Small ground floor cobbled al fresco area in courtyard (circa 18+).
• Fully equipped commercial catering kitchen.
• Advised annual turnover y/e Jan 2020 circa £186,747 (incl. VAT) with 100% Wet sales (only) on reduced hours.
• Previous Wet/Dry turnover in excess of circa £300,000 (inc VAT).
• Suitable for alternative use including commercial, residential or office (STPP).
• Genuine and personal reason for sale.

Location

This substantial, delightful and quirky property is located in the heart of the historic Staffordshire market town of Leek set in an attractive conservation area. Leek is a former textile town with a long and fascinating history. It is known as the Queen of the Staffordshire Moorlands that blends over into the Derbyshire Peak District National Park. Bursting with shops set around a stone cobbled market square and with well-preserved architecture the town is a hotspot for locals, visitors and tourists. Nearby points of interest include the bustling city of Stoke-on-Trent and the market towns of Macclesfield and Uttoxeter (with its famous racecourse). Alton Towers theme park and resort complex is also within easy reach. The local road networks are very good with the M6, A52, A50 and A34 that combine with a series of other ‘A’ roads providing easy access in and out of the area.

THE PROPERTY

This prominent 17th century property dates back to around 1697 and is of brick and sandstone construction sitting beneath a pitched, tiled Apex roof. A small entrance porch to the side provides access to all the trading areas. These consist of:

Front Bar area (circa 20+ plus standing – when permitted) is a light and bright area with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Loose marble topped tables and chairs sit on a soft wood floor complimented by a wooden bar server with chrome cobra dispense fonts. Floor to ceiling windows with net fairy lights look out one of the pedestrian areas in the town. Leads through to:

Rear Bar area (circa 30+ plus standing – when permitted) has loose tables, chairs, minimal perimeter bench seating and high poseur stools set around a wooden beer barrel. The room has areas of carpet and laminate flooring and hanging chandeliers look down on a wooden corner bar server and an exposed brick-built fireplace to one side. To the rear wall are tall French doors that lead out onto a small cobbled suntrap al fresco courtyard area (circa 18+). An attractive staircase leads up to:

Restaurant area (circa 30+ covers) is situated on the 1st floor spread over 2 adjoining rooms. The room has a lovely and relaxed atmosphere with loose tables and chairs all sitting on a solid oak floor beneath chandeliers hanging down from the high ceilings. To one end is a highly attractive ornate fireplace whilst to the other are French doors that lead out onto a small decked al fresco area that overlooks the courtyard below. This area also has unisex WC facilities.

There is a fully equipped commercial Catering Kitchen with stainless steel appliances and surfaces (equipment not tested), wash up and dry goods store also located on the 1st floor. Below ground floor Beer Cellar with public viewing window, bottle store, python system, remote and storage areas. Attic office space.

Ladies and Gents WC’s.

OWNERS ACCOMMODATION

There is no owner’s accommodation - this business is a lock up.

EXTERNAL

To the rear of the property is a small 1st floor al fresco balcony area (circa 12+) that overlooks the small cobbled patio courtyard below (circa 18+). This area has bistro style tables and chairs and will be added to the plans to be included within the sale. There is pay and display parking available throughout the town.

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:

Mon - Sunday 10am to 1am

Current reduced opening hours are

Sun - Tues Closed

Weds – Saturday 4pm to 10pm

NB. Important. Prospective purchasers wishing to continue to operate the public house should ensure that they gain the APLH Qualification in readiness for their intended operation of the Public House.

GENERAL REMARKS

The property and business are being offered for sale freehold (although we have not had sight of the title deeds). We are advised that all available mains services are connected (no services tested). Business rates payable are advised as being circa £8,607 per annum once Covid-19 concessions are lifted.

THE BUSINESS

The current owner purchased the freehold property in 2003 and over the years created a highly desirable and thriving award winning business offering numerous Belgian and other foreign beers that attracted yearly listings in the Good Beer Guide. The business also offered quality home cooked Belgian and Tapas food all served to a loyal, repeat and desirable clientele. Unfortunately, due to personal circumstances our vendor client is now reluctantly looking to sell the freehold on in order to be able to take life at a more leisurely pace. The business is currently operated by the owner assisted by 1 full time and circa 5 part time/casual members of staff. Although this business currently operates as a Belgian beer bar with theme nights and small weddings also, it does NOT have a continue to be run along these lines. New owners could continue to operate the business using the same current formula if they wish or they may wish to look at other opportunities for use. Currently operating on a wet only basis and with greatly reduced trading hours this property offers several options for alternative use (STPP). In our opinion this includes ‘any’ commercial business or even as residential/office space although the main frontage and front area must remain as commercial. We are advised that accounts declare a turnover of circa £186,747 (incl. vat) to 31st January 2020 achieved on 100% wet sales however, when the business was operating fully with a quality food offer turnover was in excess of £300,000 per annum (inc VAT) and with respectable reconstituted net profits.

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

This property/business was viewed by Richard Fletcher who would be delighted to discuss further details and can be contacted on 07865 348375.

Viewing appointments can be made by emailing Guy Simmonds at sales@guysimmonds.co.uk or by contacting Richard Fletcher on 07865 348375.

All personal viewings undertaken must adhere to the evolving Covid-19 Government Guidelines.

Details prepared June 2021.