QUALITY PERIOD GRADE II LISTED FREEHOUSE/RESTAURANT ORIGINATING FROM 

16TH CENTURY 

SITUATED IN POPULAR VILLAGE WITHIN EASY REACH OF ASHFORD, 

CANTERBURY AND FOLKESTONE (7,15 & 11 MILES DISTANCE APPROXIMATELY 

RESPECTIVELY) 

SPACIOUS BAR & RESTAURANT (60 PLUS COVERS) 

4 BED OWNERS/MANAGERS FLAT 

LARGE GARDEN & CAR PARK EXTENDING TO ABOUT 1⁄2 ACRE 

WINNER OF MANY AWARDS INCLUDING NATIONAL ‘PUB OF THE YEAR’ IN 1996 

TRADE AREAS RECENTLY FULLY REFITTED TO AN IMPRESSIVE STANDARD, 

INCLUDING NEW STAINLESS STEEL COMMERCIAL KITCHEN EQUIPMENT 

TURNOVER, AS AT 23/3/09, IN THE REGION OF £8,000 PER WEEK, BUT EXPECTED 

TO INCREASE IN THE FORTHCOMING SUMMER MONTHS 

EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY TO ACQUIRE A BUSINESS WITH A LONG STANDING 

FIRST CLASS REPUTATION 

AVAILABLE ON FREEHOLD OR LEASEHOLD BASIS

When phoning please quote reference Walbrook 1401

The property comprises of a two storey semi-detached building, albeit that it is only  attached to its neighbour on the eastern elevation at ground floor level. It is listed as  a Grade II building of historical and architectural interest. 

It is constructed of brick and part stone, all painted white under a pitched roof covered with clay tiles. At the rear there is a single storey extension also painted in the same fashion, but with a flat roof covered with felt. 

The original property is thought to have been constructed in the 16th Century and has many of the fine qualities associated with the period such as wooden ceiling and wall beams and a fine inglenook fireplace in the bar. Extensions have been carried out in more recent times prior to the current owners taking possession in mid 1988. 

The accommodation briefly comprises:- 

GROUND FLOOR 

Two Entrances leading to the BAR which is of L shape with an alcove extension on the western elevation leading to the exit to the car park. This bar area is of good size and has a large and substantial servery. Open plan to RESTAURANT area. Our clients advises us that he can seat up to 75 covers (laid for 60 at the time of our inspection). There are french doors to the garden. LADIES & GENTS W.C.,FITTED KITCHEN, UTILITY ROOM. 

FIRST FLOOR 

Owners Accommodation – comprising Landing, 4 good size Bedrooms one with Bath/W.C. en-suite, Lounge, Bath/Shower/W.C. 

SECOND FLOOR 

Approached by means of a loft ladder. This spacious loft area is currently used for storage. 

CELLAR 

Approached from a hatch in the bar servery. It is considered to be of adequate size and has a cooling system. 

OUTSIDE 

The main entrance fronts onto the pavement and there is a substantial tarmac car parking area adjacent. Beyond this there is a further car park area laid with stone chippings. 

To the rear of the property there is a good size beer garden for customer use, primarily laid to lawn with flower borders. There are a number of garden chairs and tables and a range of entertainment for children including a swing and slide. To the rear of the property there is a substantial walk-in cold room and freezer, a timber store and a corrugated iron bottle store (which at some point has no doubt been used as a garage). There are also oil storage and calor gas tanks. Outside lighting is  connected. We understand the site extends to approximately 1⁄2 an acre. 

Garden view

SERVICES 

Our clients inform us that mains electricity and water are available. Drainage is to a cesspool and there is no mains gas. Cooking is by calor gas and there is an oil fired central heating system supplying radiators to all principal rooms. The bar and restaurant areas have an inglenook fireplace as an additional means of heating. Domestic hot water is provided by the oil fired boiler with a back up electric immersion heater.

We have not tested any of the services and cannot comment on their condition or efficiency.

LICENCES/STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS 

Our clients advise us that they have the required Justices Licence and believe they comply with current fire and environmental health regulations.  

TRADE EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHINGS 

The inventory has been renewed in the last year to an impressive standard and our clients inform us that they own outright all of the trade equipment and furnishings. An inventory will be attached to a contract of sale in the normal way. 

BUSINESS 

Our clients have owned the business since 1988 and have consistently enjoyed an impressive turnover and net profit.

In 2004 they leased the premises, but this arrangement was terminated in June 2008 and resulted in the major refurbishment and upgrading programme. Since then at least one of our clients have been involved in the day to day running of the business and we understand turnover is now averaging at about £8,000 per week. 

There is a manager who lives in with her family (vacant possession of the flat will be available on completion if the manager is not required) along with chefs and other supporting staff. We are advised that the current wage bill amounts to about £1,300 per week.  

PRICE 

The property and business is available at an asking price of £695,000 to include the freehold property, goodwill and trade fixtures, furnishings and fittings.  

The business is also available on a leasehold basis at a premium of £130,000 and an initial rental of £30,000 per annum. Other terms of the lease to be negotiated. 

VIEWING 

STRICTLY BY PRIOR APPOINTMENT THROUGH HIGHLAND & CO TEL: 01233 750352 
When phoning please quote reference Walbrook 1401

FINANCE 

We do not ourselves arrange finance on behalf of prospective purchasers. However, if you wish, we can refer you to a reputable finance broker(s) experienced in Licence Trade transactions who will endeavour to assist you.  By law we have to  advise you that a broker we refer you to may pay us an ‘introductory’ fee if they are able to arrange a loan for you. 

IMPORTANT NOTE 

These details have been compiled based on information supplied and checked by the Vendors.  Where possible we have checked this information, but we also have to respect our clients desire to protect the confidentiality of the sale.   

Asking prices on our sales particulars are always quoted exclusive of VAT on the assumption that the vendor and the purchaser are both VAT registered or will be at the point of sale. Prospective purchasers are advised to check their position withtheir professional advisers to confirm whether or not VAT is payable. 

Energy Performance Certificate  

Vendors of commercial property are now obliged to provide a prospective purchaser with an Energy Performance Certificate if there is reason to believe this person is  genuinely interested in the property and has sufficient means to purchase. This certificate should be available at the earliest opportunity. We have made our vendors clients aware of this requirement and understand they are making the necessary arrangements, as the relevant person(s) in accordance with the regulations, to  provide this certificate.  We do not have a certificate available for this property at the  time of compiling these particulars.  

Please telephone before viewing to confirm any details which you consider are important to clarify.

These details were compiled on 23.3.09