Fox, Aspenden

The pub is situated in the village of Aspenden, just outside Buntingford.  Nearby towns of Royston, Ware and Hertford all sitting on the North/South A10 arterial route between London and Cambridge.  Just off the beaten track, the pub sits just back from the road through Aspenden between Buntingford and Westmill.  The local demographics really over-index on affluent achievers, with predominantly detached housing stock, the local population who support the pub and community  The building has been extended over time, but is packed full of character, with stunning central fireplace, oak beams and low ceilings.

Pub Layout

As you approach the pub you first encounter a secluded external drinking and dining area.  In through the front door you enter the main bar with the servery directly in front of you.  The bar is well presented with cask and draught beer, and then the back bar displays of wines, spirits and minerals.  The large central fireplace is just to the left of the main bar – it’s a real feature, and a USP for the building in the cooler months.  To the left of the main bar is a separate  dining room with access to the ladies and gents toilets.   Off to the right from the main bar is a passage leading to the separate dining room, that can also serve as a function/private area.  The well equipped trade kitchen is also through here.  The tenant accommodation is accessed from behind the bar servery. Externally there is a large well maintained trade garden.

The pub trades as good quality village pub with a strong traditional food offer. Engaging the village and delivering a quintessentially British pub feel. The business is evenly balanced with a 50/50 balanced between drinks and food. This is a reflection of the strong food offer rather than lack of wet sales! Wholesome, knowledge and a genuine service underpin the style delivered by the current licensees , uncomplicated but very well executed hospitality

The Private accommodation consists of two bedrooms, lounge bathroom and office all in good condition

Annual Rent: £25,300

Security Deposit: £5,000

Working Capital: £4,000

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.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced operator who can build on the great foundations that already exist. A real passion and flare for delivering good food and excellent retail standards is a must. The local market is strong, and modernising the food and pricing is the opportunity.  The pub has crafted a niche custom base serving local and national craft and cask beers – we would like to see that be developed.  Events (specifically beer festivals) in the rear trade garden is also something that can be expanded.

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 – £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 *