Black & Grey, Morpeth

The Black and Grey is a charming pub situated on a corner plot in the well-known market town of Morpeth, Northumberland. Its strategic location makes it highly visible to both local residents and visitors traveling on the A1 road, which connects Newcastle and Edinburgh. The pub is conveniently close to the town centre, offering easy access to a variety of independent and branded shops, as well as other local amenities. Additionally, the pub benefits from its proximity to numerous affluent residential areas, making it an attractive spot for both regulars and passing trade.

Pub Layout

The Black and Grey is a beautifully presented pub with a unique, aesthetically pleasing decor that enhances its appeal as an independent venue. The pub’s design, based on an L-shaped layout, centre around the main bar which serves as the focal point of the space. The interior features a mix of mismatched furniture, accommodating around 40-50 covers, adding to the eclectic charm of the pub. The decor is further enriched with an array of interesting bric-a-brac and well-designed chalkboards, contributing to the boutique pub-restaurant vibe. The main trading area is arranged in a traditional, one-room format, creating a cosy and intimate atmosphere. Towards the rear, there is a quaint function space, ideal for hosting smaller events and parties. The commercial kitchen, located on the first floor, also serves as the domestic facility, offering convenience and functionality. Outside, the pub boasts a distinctive beer garden known as “The Yard,” a hard-landscaped courtyard featuring picnic benches and adorned with fairy lights. This space is particularly popular during warmer weather, providing a charming outdoor setting for locals to enjoy.

The Black and Grey is operated as a premium establishment, offering a distinctive blend of high-quality drinks and quirky, yet satisfying, pub grub. The pub prides itself on its strong selection of cask ales and world beers, catering to discerning customers with a taste for unique and varied beverages. A standout feature is the pub’s “made-from-fresh” cocktail menu, which includes a frequently updated “cocktail of the week,” drawing in customers who appreciate innovative and freshly prepared drinks. The pub’s drinks sales are particularly strong on weekends, when it becomes a popular spot in the local nightlife circuit. In addition to its evening offerings, the Black and Grey also caters to a daytime crowd. On weekends, the pub opens early for breakfast service, offering a relaxed start to the day. Mid-mornings see a steady flow of customers enjoying coffee and cake, while select afternoons feature the pub’s famous “Tipsy Teas,” a playful twist on the traditional afternoon tea experience.

Private Accommodation

The private flat consists of two bedrooms, bathroom, office and living room and is all in very good condition.

Annual Rent: £TBC

Security Deposit: £5,000

Working Capital: £3,000

Stock: £2,000

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.

The Black & Grey is an exceptional pub with tremendous potential, ideal for an experienced and ambitious licensee who is ready to take on the challenge of running a food-led establishment. This opportunity is perfect for someone with a passion for the hospitality industry, a solid business acumen, a keen eye for detail and a commitment to maintaining a welcoming and comfortable environment. The ideal licensee should have a strong background in managing food-led establishments, with a focus on delivering high-quality dining experiences and a well-curated menu that caters to a wide range of tastes, using fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Building strong relationships with the local community and creating a pub that serves as a social hub will be important. The licensee should be approachable and community-minded, fostering a friendly and inclusive atmosphere. The Black & Grey is  the perfect opportunity to create a destination venue known for its exceptional food, great atmosphere, and strong community ties.

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 *