Druids Arms, Portsmouth

The Druids Arms is a pub located at the intersection of Binsteed Road and St Stephens Road in the Buckland/Fratton area of Portsmouth, UK. This pub is situated in a predominantly residential neighbourhood, surrounded by densely populated housing. It’s positioned just off Fratton Road, which is known for its various retail outlets. The Druids Arms is also conveniently located about a 10-minute walk from Fratton Park, the home stadium of Portsmouth Football Club. Given its location in the working-class suburb of Buckland, the pub is a popular spot for local residents and Portsmouth FC supporters.

Pub Layout

The Druids Arms is a pub designed to be both light and airy, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere as you enter. It is a traditional community pub which welcomes both locals and supports fans. The pub features two distinct trading areas. The main bar servery, located at the front of the property, serves an open-plan trading space that accommodates both vertical drinking and a seating area at the rear. This area is ideal for socialising and enjoying a drink in a comfortable setting. In addition to the main bar area, there is a separate trading space behind the main bar, which can be accessed through a connecting doorway. This section is dedicated primarily to sports enthusiasts, with facilities for darts and pool which is well used by the local teams. It is equipped with a second bar servery and has additional toilet facilities. Outside, the pub boasts a large, fully enclosed courtyard, providing a pleasant space for customers to enjoy al fresco drinking.

The Druids Arms is a wet-led pub that thrives on its strong community connections, making it a central hub for locals. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, the pub boasts three darts teams, making it a go-to spot for pub sports enthusiasts. The large screens featuring Sky Sports are a major draw, especially for those looking to enjoy live games in a lively setting. Entertainment is also a key feature, adding to the pub’s appeal during weekends and special events. With a loyal customer base, the pub sees regular visits throughout the week, with a particularly busy weekend crowd. Handheld snacks are available, complementing the experience during home games and live sports events. The focus on simple, convenient food offerings aligns well with the pub’s emphasis on drinks, sports, and community gatherings.

Private Accommodation

The domestic accommodation is located on the first floor and is very generously laid out . This consists of 4  bedrooms , lounge , bathroom , kitchen and office .

Annual Rent: £21,500

Security Deposit: £5,000

Working Capital: £2,500

Stock: £3,000

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.

The Druids Arms is seeking an experienced, community-focused licensee who can take the lead in driving the business forward. The ideal candidate will be someone who understands the importance of the pub’s role within the local community and can actively engage with customers foster a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere. A proactive approach to social media is essential, as maintaining a strong online presence will help attract new customers and keep the local community informed about events and specials. Implementing an active “rhythm of the week” with regular events, such as quiz nights, live music, or themed nights, will be key to ensuring that The Druids Arms thrives and re-establishes itself as the central hub of the area. The new licensee should have a clear ambition to enhance the pub’s drinks offering, improve overall retail standards, and elevate customer service. Effective communication and a commitment to continuous improvement will be crucial to ensuring the pub’s long-term success and its place at the heart of 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 – 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 *