Black Bush, Washington

The Black Bush is an attractive, detached pub situated in the heart of the village of Washington. Benefiting from the local school, church and shops being within walking distance, along with an abundance of housing estates in the surrounding vicinity. Washington is technically classed as Sunderland, however it is an equal distance from the centres of Newcastle, Durham and Sunderland Washington and is easily accessible via major roadways like the A1(M) motorway and the A1231 and via regular bus and metro services.

Pub Layout

On entering the Black Bush you are welcomed by an attractive decor creating an ambience and warming tone from the moment you walk through the door. The bar servery is centrally located and services all areas, directly in front of the bar you will find a mixture of fixed and loose seating for those just wanting to pop in for a drink. To the right, you will find a relaxed drinking and dining area with a log fire, which opens up in to a further dining room. This dining room is also used for functions and entertainment as it has a raised area to the rear, making it ideal for live music. Externally there is a generous car park, providing space for up to twenty vehicles, along with a raised decking area to the side, providing additional seating in the summer months.

The Black Bush is a popular community local offering an excellent range of food and drink. Predominantly wet led, The Black Bush has the scope to develop the food and introduce team sports, televised sports and live music/karaoke increasing weekly trade. Site currently offers a traditional food menu however with a more affordable offering alongside a children’s menu, this has the scope to change the wet/dry balance and increase footfall. Marketing private functions maximising the use of the large lounge which could be used as a separate function room introducing local charity events can only establish The Black Bush as the hub of the community.

Private Accommodation

The private accommodation is located on the first floor and comprises: three bedrooms, lounge, kitchen and bathroom

Annual Rent: £14,000

Security Deposit: £5,000

Working Capital: £1,000

Stock: £2,000

Business Rates: £Nil.  Based on the April 2023 rating list, the Zero Rates Payable is based on small business rates relief being applied 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.

Training: £325 plus VAT

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

Admiral Taverns are looking for an experienced licensee (s) who have run a pub and food establishment previously. The licensee must have the passion and knowledge of running a successful community local and are who are cheerful and sociable and are willing to build a great rapport with the local community whilst being the friendly and welcoming face behind the bar. The ability to cater for different groups of people from different age groups and background, continuing to support the current customer base whilst attracting other less frequent users is essential. Marketing and a better and more profitable bar line up alongside a traditional, more affordable food offering will help delivery income growth. Excellent retail standards, a calendar of regular sport & entertainment and a good knowledge of the local area will be helpful as the pub is much loved by the locals and has the scope and location to be the hub of the local community.

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 *