Dolphin Inn, North Shields

Pub Layout

The Dolphin features a warm and inviting interior that skilfully balances charm with modern style. The main bar area boasts a mixture of high and low level seating on rustic wooden floors and exposed brick walls, complementing the trendy, galley style urban chic bar. Wall mounted TVs display live sports, creating a lively atmosphere for guests. A snug area, just off the main bar features a real fire, offering a cosy spot with an intimate, warm ambiance. Towards the rear, a spacious function and dining room is perfect for larger gatherings and events, complete with a disabled accessible restroom for convenience. The kitchen and prep area are well sized and efficiently laid out to support both daily service and event catering. Outside, a sheltered patio offers a relaxing, wind protected outdoor seating option, while a small rear car park with space for up to four cars ensures easy parking.

The Dolphin is a well loved and well-established venue, offering a robust mix of activities and amenities for both weekday and weekend visitors. With an 80/20 revenue split favouring drinks, the pub excels as a wet led establishment, especially popular among sports enthusiasts who gather to watch live games on multiple TVs throughout the week. This sports friendly atmosphere consistently draws a lively crowd, making it a favoured spot for fans. Despite its focus on drinks, The Dolphin also boasts a strong food offering, with a menu devised around homemade, traditional dishes available all day, every day. This dedication to high quality, home cooked meals has proven immensely popular with locals, adding an extra layer of appeal and balancing the pub’s overall offerings. In addition to food and sports, the pub’s monthly live entertainment events foster a vibrant social scene, while its welcoming space serves as a hub for various local clubs and community gatherings.

Private Accommodation

The private accommodation comprises of three bedrooms, a kitchen and bathroom, all of which are in very good condition.

Annual Rent: £TBC

Security Deposit: £5,000

Working Capital: £1,000

Stock: £4,000

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.

Admiral Taverns is seeking an experienced licensee with a solid catering background for The Dolphin. This opportunity is ideal for a hands on operator ready to take the helm of a well-established pub that boasts a loyal local following and a steady business. The new licensee should possess vision and passion, as they will be responsible for driving all areas of the operation. The Dolphin is well regarded within the local community and the new licensee will have the opportunity to continue the excellent work already established while unlocking the potential for further growth. With its blend of traditional charm and strong community ties, the pub provides a solid foundation for expansion. For the right licensee, this is an exciting chance to build on the existing success by enhancing food and drink offerings, deepening community connections, and solidifying The Dolphin’s role as a vibrant social hub.

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 *