Open Arms, Bristol

The Open Arms is a charming and quirky pub located in the centre of Bristol. Formerly known as The Colston Arms, it was renamed in 2021 to move away from its historical association with Edward Colston, a contentious figure in Bristol’s past. Situated within close proximity to the University campus and Royal Infirmary Hospital, the pub in a high footfall area. The pub serves a diverse clientele, including students, hospital staff, and professionals from nearby offices during the week. Its accessibility is further enhanced by its proximity to the M32 motorway and several bus routes, ensuring it remains a popular choice for locals and visitors alike.

Pub Layout

The Open Arms is a well supported pub with a good reputation as a wet led entertainment venue, complimented by a hearty pub grub offer. The bar boasts a range of premium beverages, including an excellent selection of wines and spirits. As a well-established cask ale outlet, it features a variety of hand-pulled ale options, catering to beer enthusiasts. With a trade space accommodating around 40 covers, the pub is highly versatile, appealing to a diverse customer base throughout the week. Its popularity peaks on weekends, thanks to its renowned entertainment offerings and quirky decoration, attracting an eclectic mix of customers. Whether for a meal, a drink, or an evening of entertainment, The Open Arms continues to be a cherished local hotspot.

Private Accommodation

The private accommodation is located over 2 floors, comprising of 3 bedrooms, bathroom and separate kitchen.

Annual Rent: £TBC

Security Deposit: £5,000

Working Capital: £2,000

Stock: £2,000

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.

For a breakdown on financial information, please refer to the ‘Additional Info’ tab.

The current long standing licensee has built solid foundations over their reign for the ingoing licensee to continue and develop on further. The pub would benefit from further development of the food offering to re-establish it’s reputation locally, and further attract midweek trade. This is a great opportunity for someone with great personality, who has passion and pride for customer service and a love of live entertainment, who will continue to build upon the already established customer base. The licensee will engage at every level, leading and driving their business from the front, with the ability to demonstrate marketing techniques to attract customers to the pub from far and wide.

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 – £63.33 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 for by the licensee and the licensee only occupying one property for commercial purposes.  Please note, this only applies to pubs marked with an Asterix *