George & Dragon, Lichfield

Located in the historic heart of Staffordshire, Lichfield is a city renowned for its rich heritage. Among its treasured landmarks stands The George and Dragon, one of Lichfield’s oldest pubs, dating back to 1818. It features the largest garden in the area, offering breathtaking views of the cathedral. This garden holds historical significance, serving as the very site where Prince Rupert laid siege to the Parliamentarians during the English Civil War.

Pub Layout

The George & Dragon is a charming, traditional two-room pub known for its superbly maintained selection of beers. Upon stepping inside, you’ll find the lounge to your left, featuring a blend of fixed and flexible seating arrangements. To the right is the bar area, complete with an inviting open fire, again offering a mix of fixed and loose seating and equipped with TVs. Both the bar and lounge are conveniently served by a central through bar. Connecting the two areas is a corridor leading to the rear courtyard, adorned with approximately six benches and further extending into the pub’s delightful beer garden. Additionally, there is parking available for approximately 10 vehicles at the rear of the site.

This pub holds a prestigious place in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide, having earned the title of National Pub of the Year. It stands as a beacon for real ale enthusiasts. While its food selection consists primarily of small hand-held snacks, it remains immensely popular, renowned for its exceptional quality. The George and Dragon also hosts a darts team, and dominoes enjoy significant popularity among its dedicated regulars.

Private Accommodation

This consists of three bedrooms, living room, kitchen and bathroom. The accommodation can accessed via the pub but also has its own separate entrance.

Annual Rent: £19,000

Security Deposit: £5,000

Working Capital: £2,000

Stock: £3,000

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 incoming licensee of the George and Dragon must fully embrace the site’s rich history and its significance in Lichfield’s heritage. Alongside being a true, real ale enthusiast, a genuine love for the traditional pub atmosphere is essential. By upholding these values, the pub’s stellar reputation, both within the local community and online, will continue to flourish and attract patrons from near and far

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 *