Devon Arms, Torquay

Torquay is a picturesque seaside town located on the southern coast of Devon, England, known for its stunning coastline, mild climate, and Victorian elegance. Part of the English Riviera, Torquay sits on the northeastern edge of Tor Bay, a large natural harbour that also includes the neighbouring towns of Paignton and Brixham. The town’s scenic beauty, palm tree-lined promenades, and sandy beaches have made it a popular holiday destination since the 19th century. The Devon Arms is a traditional pub located in the heart of Torquay, Devon, known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, classic pub fare, and live entertainment. Situated near the town centre and the popular harbourside, this local favourite offers both residents and visitors a comfortable place to relax after exploring the coastal area.
Overall, the Devon Arms offers a slice of traditional English pub culture in a prime Torquay location, with its combination of good food, local drinks, and live music making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

Pub Layout
The pub trades as a one bar operation with a superbly fitted out catering kitchen located through a door behind the bar servery. On entering the pub, you are welcomed by the centrally located bar which services all areas. To the left of the pub there is a sports area, housing a pool table, darts okke and a wall mounted television, providing an area for teams, along with those just wanting a drink. To the right-hand side is where you will find the lounge area, set up for diners and able to host around 25 covers at a time. The pub is in a outstanding condition with bright and vibrant fixtures and fittings. At the Devon Arms we have just completed a full exterior decoration, new signage and new lighting which has created a beautiful first impression for the customers and visitors to make this a truly stand out pub. At the front of the pub, there are two six-seater benches along with a covered smoking area.

The trading style of the Devon Arms in Torquay reflects a traditional British pub experience, focused on delivering a welcoming and community-oriented environment. The Devon Arms operates as a traditional pub, offering an informal and relaxed setting. It maintains a homely interior with wooden furnishings, low ceilings, and a cozy ambiance that attracts both locals and tourists. The pub places an emphasis on serving locally sourced ales, beers, and ciders, highlighting its connection to Devon and supporting regional breweries. This gives it an authentic local flavour, appealing to customers looking to experience traditional West Country beverages. The trading style includes a classic pub menu featuring British comfort food, such as fish and chips, pies, burgers, and Sunday roasts. The food is reasonably priced, appealing to both tourists and regular patrons who enjoy hearty, affordable meals. A major part of the Devon Arms’ trading style is its entertainment offering. Live music, quiz nights, karaoke, and other events draw a lively crowd, particularly during evenings and weekends. The pub’s atmosphere shifts from quiet and relaxed during the day to vibrant and energetic at night on the weekend.

Private Accommodation

The private accommodation consists of two bedrooms, living room and a bathroom. There is also a self-contained annex with kitchenette, bedroom, bathroom and living area.

We are looking for a great licensee to further build The Devon Arms into the go-to destination for both locals and visitors in Torquay, where the rich tradition of a classic British pub meets modern hospitality. The vision is to further grow this vibrant community hub that embraces its roots while evolving to offer an elevated experience in food, drink, and entertainment, building on its strong local identity and strategic location near the harbour. You will have a keen eye on traditional values in terms of food offer, cask ales, and up-to-date drinks offer. This pub is equally suited to an experienced licensee as well as those new to the trade with the enthusiasm and transferrable skills to make a real success of the business.

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 *