The Harp Inn is a quaint village pub in Little Neston, beautifully positioned along the Wirral Coastal Path on the banks of the Dee Marshes. Boasting stunning views of the North Wales coastline, its idyllic setting makes it a popular spot for walkers, cyclists, and sunset chasers. Originally built as three miners’ cottages in 1750, it was transformed into an alehouse in 1780. Although the local colliery closed in 1928, The Harp Inn remains a cherished symbol of Neston’s industrial heritage.
Located in Neston on the Wirral Peninsula in Cheshire, The Harp Pub is easily accessible despite its slightly off-the-beaten-track location. Neston train station is approximately 2 miles away, and the pub is conveniently reached via main road routes from Liverpool (around 15 miles) and Chester (around 13 miles). These routes provide straightforward access to the pub’s rural and picturesque setting, making it a delightful escape for those seeking both tranquility and history.
Pub Layout
The main entrance to the pub is directly off the Wirral Coastal Path. The pub has two distinct internal trading areas – To the left is the area that would traditionally be known as ‘the bar,’ the area lends itself well to those who are just looking to enjoy a drink. To the right an area that is better suited for dining. The ladies and gents’ toilets are located at the rear of the pub. The pub has a well-equipped catering kitchen, located just off the dining area. There is a huge, enclosed beer garden that wraps around the pub, and there is also a grassed bank directly on the Dee Marshes, which has 5/6 benches. There is also plenty of parking to the front of the pub. The pub is in good condition throughout.
The Harp is currently predominantly wet led, although food is served at lunchtimes and theme nights run weekly in the evenings, there is scope to grow this further. The pub is well known for its well-kept real ales, they have ‘guest ales’ which are promoted regularly. The pub is well supported by the local community who frequent providing their own entertainment through friendly banter and robust discussion. There is plenty of opportunity to grow the entertainment in the pub during the evenings and build upon the rhythm of the week. In the Summer the pub becomes a beacon for anyone looking to enjoy a drink in the vast beer garden whilst taking in the glorious views of the rolling Welsh hills. There is plenty of space and opportunity for events to be held in the garden.
The private accommodation is a reasonable size – three bedrooms, lounge and bathroom. There is no domestic kitchen.
Annual Rent: £41,000
Security Deposit: £5,000
Working Capital: £3,000
Stock: £5,000
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 Harp Inn should remain the go-to community pub for local residents while also attracting visitors from outside the village with its inviting atmosphere, quality drinks, and delicious, locally-sourced food. Offering a selection of well-kept ales and a wide range of wines and spirits, this pub is truly a hidden gem on the Wirral coastline. There is significant potential to expand its appeal by extending food service hours and reaching a broader customer base. Leveraging strong social media skills would be highly advantageous to promote the pub’s food and drink offerings, helping to grow the business and enhance its reputation further.
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 *
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