Chequerfield Hotel, Pontefract

The Chequerfield Hotel is located at the heart of a vibrant housing estate in Pontefract, West Yorkshire and is a central part of this thriving community. The pub sits in close proximity to local amenities such as shops, a community centre, and a variety of housing, ensuring a steady flow of foot traffic throughout the day. Pontefract, a historic market town, is known for its deep-rooted history, including being the home of famous brands like Haribo and Pontefract Cakes. It also hosts weekly events and a bustling market. With over 3,500 households within a half-mile radius, and a population of 8,699 within a 10-minute drive, The Chequerfield Hotel is ideally located to serve the local community. The surrounding area has a notable demographic with a significant proportion of residents aged 25-44 (over 2,000 people), followed by 1,000 people in the 45-54 age bracket and another 1,000 in the 55-60s range, making it an ideal venue for catering to a diverse group. With excellent transport links to the A1 and M62, The Chequerfield Hotel is easily accessible for both locals and visitors, ensuring continued popularity as a local social hub.

Pub Layout

The pub boasts two spacious open-plan areas, with one central bar serving both. The games room is thoughtfully segmented to create a comfortable space for daytime drinking and socialising, while also easily accommodating pool and team sports. A real fire adds to the ambiance, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The lounge is well-decorated, providing an ideal setting for meeting up with friends for quiz nights and live music. It also doubles as a versatile function room, hosting a variety of events such as birthdays, christenings, baby showers, and funerals. At the rear, the large beer garden features a children’s play area and ample seating, making it perfect for summer garden parties and events like BBQs. To the front, a large shelter offers a comfortable space for smokers, providing protection from the cold and dark nights. Ample parking is available at the pub, with space on either side and at the front, easily accommodating up to twenty vehicles.

The pub currently operates within the value wet-led segment, offering a focus on affordable drinks and socializing. Popular activities include quiz nights, as well as darts and pool teams, which continue to attract a steady crowd. Additionally, live entertainment featuring bands and artists plays a key role in drawing in customers, providing a lively atmosphere that keeps the pub buzzing.

Private accommodation

The private accommodation consists of 3 large bedrooms, office (which could be used as a 4th bedroom), living room, kitchen and bathroom, all in good condition.

Annual Rent: £TBC

Security Deposit: £5,000

Working Capital: £3,000

Stock: £3,000

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.

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

Admiral Taverns are seeking a dynamic and experienced licensee to create a welcoming, inclusive community hub. The ideal candidate will be passionate about delivering excellent customer service and putting customers first, fostering a warm and friendly atmosphere. They should be skilled at building relationships with local charities and community groups, using the pub as a space to champion local causes. This will require someone who can organise regular events such as league team games, darts, and pool tournaments. Additionally, they will introduce a weekly rhythm of activities including quizzes, live music, and other engaging events that will appeal to a wide audience. A strong understanding of marketing is essential, with a focus on using social media platforms to promote events and encourage socialising. By blending a community-first approach with lively events and a strong online presence, the licensee will make the pub an essential part of the local social scene, attracting both regulars and newcomers. This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of a thriving pub, drive engagement, and contribute to the 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 – £350.00 – Before signing a long term agreement, you will be required to attend our 7 Steps to Sales Success training programme.  Held online over two days, you will learn marketing and business strategies that will help you to grow sales in your pub – step-by-step.

Service Charge Cost – £63.33 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 for by the licensee and the licensee only occupying one property for commercial purposes.  Please note, this only applies to pubs marked with an Asterix *