Chequers, Sutton, Nr Ely

Available from February 2025, or possibly earlier for the right licensee, the Chequers is a charming detached pub in the village of Sutton which is close to the cathedral city of Ely. Coming to the market for the first time in over 30 years, due to the retirement of the current licensee, it is fortunate to be Sutton’s only pub and is conveniently located on the main road into the village. Surrounded by houses and close to the village centre, it is also near to other facilities including the village shop, pharmacy and two takeaways. The village population is around 4000 with good demographics and more recently has served as a commuter hub for Ely (15 minutes), Cambridge (30 minutes) and also London (90 mins).  Sutton is also a great location for being close enough to London to work but far enough away to have access to the beautiful English countryside. Ely is the quintessential English town with historic shops, cathedral and buildings as well as beautiful tea rooms, restaurants and river walks.

Pub Layout

The Chequers is a traditional pub with a single bar and comfortable seating, adorned with an interesting array of pictures and decorations. There are two entrances to the pub, the main door to the front and a side door for customers using the car park which holds around 12 cars. The main bar area is home to an L-shaped bar servery, that offers an open plan view to the customer seating area, making it easier to manage and engage all customers. Behind the bar is the compact trade kitchen which also serves as the domestic accommodation kitchen. There is space for al fresco drinking and dining to the front of the pub (1–2 tables on a patio area) and to the rear of the pub (3-4 tables) and the customer toilets are also centrally located near to the side door. The pub has a rustic feel and the fixtures and fittings are traditional for a village pub which creates a cosy and relaxed atmosphere.

The Chequers currently hosts a mainly wet driven offer, opening at lunchtime and during the evening, providing a simple, home cooked menu. The Chequers serves as the village hub and is regularly enjoyed by locals with various groups meeting up at the pub to chat and socialise with friends and family.

Private Accommodation

In the flat upstairs, there are 2 large bedrooms and a lounge/dining area as well as a good sized bathroom. It is fortunate to boast it’s own entrance and is in a good, well kept order. There is also a large room downstairs that would suit the purpose of a sperate office space or dry store. Please note there is presently no domestic kitchen located inside the flat, however, the lounge/diner could accommodate a kitchenette.

Annual Rent: £21,000

Security Deposit: £5,000

Working Capital: £1,250

Stock: £3,500

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 exciting and fresh couple or individual to take the Chequers to the next level. With a regular and plentiful food offering, a diverse drinks selection and an active social calendar, the Chequers could build upon the current trade levels and develop as a destination venue. Key attributes for the new licensee(s) will be an effective social media presence and dynamic marketing skills to help to drive the awareness of the pub and to promote the available offers to a wider audience.

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 *