Angel Inn, Alston

The Angel Inn is located in Alston, Cumbria, high up in the North Pennines, set on the steep cobbled main street, by the local church. The Angel Inn is a grade II listed traditional building dated back to the 1600’s and prides itself within this bustling market town. The Angel Inn is a small one – room bar operation, complimented by a small dining area and 3 letting rooms in the quaint town of Alston, Cumbria, a heavy tourist area but with a very loyal strong customer community. Alston is remote, about 20 miles from the nearest town however there are great transport links via Weardale and access to the M6 motorway via the A686.

Pub Layout

On arrival the entrance leads to the main bar area. This single bar servery takes up a prominent position in this room, which is surrounded by a mixture of fixed and loose seating, traditional beamed ceilings and brick fireplace. There are three letting rooms, three of which are en-suite, all well presented with a separate access to the building. There is a room to the back of the building which could be used for a dining area and leads to the kitchen area. The gents toilets are located to the back of the building with the ladies located on the first floor. There is a small paved enclosed beer garden with seating with views over the Pennines. Site also boasts five car parking spaces.

The Angel is a quintessential pub, with its location near the market square making it easily accessible to locals and visitors alike. It enjoys a steady flow of customers, both from the community and those drawn in by its traditional food offerings. Maintaining that consistent “wet trade” is vital and is complimented by its cosy atmosphere for local and visitors.

Private Accommodation

The private accommodation consists of two double bedrooms, a bathroom and a sitting room.

Letting Accommodation

Site has three letting rooms:

• Room 1 – Twin room with en-suite bathroom
• Room 2 – Double room with en-suite bathroom
• Room 3 – Double room with en-suite bathroom

Annual Rent: £8,000 

Security Deposit: £2,000 – build up option available

Working Capital: £3,000

Stock: £2,000

Fixtures and Fittings:  To be confirmed upon valuation – funding options 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.

Training: £325 plus VAT

For a breakdown on financial information, please refer to the ‘Additional Info’ tab.

Admiral Taverns is seeking a dynamic and engaged licensee who can fully capitalize on the multiple income streams available at the pub. Being local or having a good knowledge of the area would indeed be advantageous, as it would enable the licensee to connect with the community. Since the pub benefits from multiple income streams, the ideal licensee should be someone who is proactive in promoting the pub and getting involved in local events. This could include participating in community festivals, supporting local charities, or organizing special themed nights at the pub. Introducing darts and dominoes teams during the winter could create a social atmosphere at the pub. Therefore, the licensee should be someone who can foster a sense of camaraderie among locals and encourage participation in such activities. Catering knowledge is also crucial for maximizing the pub’s potential. The licensee should be offering traditional pub fare or exploring new culinary trends, the and should be able to create a menu that appeals to the pub’s clientele and enhances the overall dining experience.

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). On occasion, our Business Development Manager will discuss a start up rent which is discretionary to an individual pub and can be discussed.

Security Deposit – This sum of money will be held on your account and will be returned to you on exiting of the pub based on your final account balance and the condition of the property.  Our standard deposit is 25% of the headline rent.  On occasion, we can negotiate a lower security deposit with the aim to build up to our full deposit on a long term agreement.

Working Capital – This is a recommend 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 – Before signing a long term agreement, you will be required to attend our 7 Steps to Sales Success training programme.  Held online over three days, you will learn marketing and business strategies that will help you to grow sales in your pub – step-by-step.

Service Charge Cost – £60.89 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.  This also includes full access to e-learning for you and your staff.

*Zero Business Rates – Based on the April 2023 rating list, the Nil Rates Payable is based on small business rates relief being applied and the licensee only occupying one property for commercial purposes.  Please note, this only applies to pubs marked with an Asterix *