Friendly Inn, Halifax

The Friendly Inn is a community-focused pub! Situated on Ovenden Road near Halifax town centre, its prominent roadside position ensures plenty of passing traffic, which could attract both regulars and passing trade. The surrounding residential areas indicate a strong potential for local customers, fostering a sense of community within the pub. The traditional stone building adds charm and character, which can be appealing to customers looking for a cosy pub atmosphere. Additionally, having a small car park is a definite advantage, making it convenient for customers who drive to the pub. The demographic of mainly 25-55 year-olds aligns well with the typical pub-going age group, suggesting there’s a solid customer base nearby. With approximately 25,000 people living within a mile radius, there’s a significant pool of potential customers to draw from. The Friendly Inn in Halifax benefits from good road links, which contribute to its accessibility and potential for attracting customers with the main A629 Ovenden Road connecting directly to the town centre.

Pub Layout

The main front door leads into the open-plan ground floor bar area with a single bar servery and seating area to the right, and separate games area to the rear containing a pool table and TV. To the left of the bar area is a raised seating area with open fire, along with a TV and an entertainment area featuring a DJ booth and dancefloor with lighting rig. The bar is well stocked with a range of popular brands, and to front of the bar are two gaming machines that are popular with locals. The ladies and gents toilets are located to the left of the pub. To the rear of the bar area there are stairs leading up to a separate first-floor function room with its own small bar, raised stage area and darts oche.  This room can comfortably accommodate up to 50 people and benefits from having its own toilets. Externally to the rear there is a car park for up to six cars and a small covered smoking shelter, along with a small outdoor seating area.  To the front of the building is a small cobbled area which could be carefully levelled to provide additional outdoor seating.

The Friendly currently operates as a wet-only community local backed by pub sports teams, live sports coverage and regular entertainment. The surrounding residential areas provide a strong regular trade, and this is boosted by the popular function room which provides an additional income stream. The function bar has previously served draught products, and there could be the opportunity to re-introduce these if desired.

Private Accommodation

The private accommodation is located on the ground floor, adjacent to the left side of the pub, with the benefit of its own entrance to save having to walk through the pub. It is a good sized layout containing two bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen and lounge.

Annual Rent: £21,000

Security Deposit: £3,000

Working Capital: £3,500

Stock: £3,500

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 have some great investment plans for the Friendly Inn, and as a result I am looking for an individual/couple with drive and motivation to create a great locals pub. Some local knowledge would be useful, and someone who is willing to embed themselves into the community and continue to deliver outstanding results. You must be competent and confident in marketing outside the pub along with utilising the many social media platforms.

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 *