Cherry Tree, Colchester

The Cherry Tree is situated in the seaside town of Brightlingsea, Essex, just a 15 minute stroll from the harbour and beach towards the top of the town in a quality residential area. A picturesque location on the River Colne between Clacton and Colchester, Brightlingsea has a population of around 8,500 people, making it a popular place for commuters and visitors. This is a smart town with an abundance of history, culture and scenic beauty. Boasting a wealth of commercial ventures it has plenty of local unique shops as well as bigger stores in the town centre with Victoria Place hosting many local businesses. With varied food and drink in abundance coupled with a fantastic combination of coastal and inland walks, Brightlingsea is an idyllic place to live and take holidays to. Colchester is the closest city, 10 miles south east of Brightlingsea, accessible by the B1029 and it has plenty of art galleries, historic buildings, a popular University and a very famous zoo.

Pub Layout

The outside of the pub is in good condition and consists of 2 separate trading areas, one at the front, and one at the rear. As you enter, there is the main drinking area with an L-shaped bar, a mixture of low and high level seating as well as sports area with pool table and darts board. The second area is more of a lounge or perhaps an eating space for up to 25 covers, served by another small bar which connects on to the main bar. There are a set of toilets in between both which are in good condition. The trade kitchen was updated a few years ago and can deal with an array of menu options. Externally, the Cherry Tree has a car park with around 10 spaces and also has two areas for al fresco drinking and dining. The front area has benches to enjoy the sun and the rear has a lovely decking and faux grass area with cosy enclosed booth seating as well as picnic benches and outdoor sofas.

The Cherry Tree is located to the outskirts of the town centre but very much walkable and close by to all the amenities. The pub is a traditional community local with the added benefit of a trade kitchen and separate restaurant seating area where guests can enjoy their meals away from team sports which take place in the bar. There are active pool and darts teams in place already and these activities throughout the week ensure a steady stream of customers at the Cherry Tree alongside regular family events throughout the year that are extremely popular within the community.

Private Accommodation

The private accommodation consists of two bedrooms, lounge and private bathroom all of which are in good condition.

Annual Rent: £16,500

Security Deposit: £5,000

Working Capital: £3,500

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 energetic and dynamic licensee who will enjoy engaging with the vibrant local community and really putting the Cherry Tree at the forefront of Brightlingsea. They will have clear plans to increase and promote the food side of the business where there are plenty of opportunities for business growth. The new licensee will continue with the excellent cask ale range on offer and ensure that the drinks selection is consistently maintained to support the trending business needs and to grow the already popular following. One key opportunity is to premiumise the range in the pub, and broaden the appeal with a quality wine and gin menu. Keeping the activity constant at the Cherry Tree will be of upmost importance and the ability to use social media for marketing purposes will be key to ensuring locals are always up to date with what’s going on.

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 *