Marina Fountain, St Leonards on Sea

The Marina Fountain is a three storey building, situated on the sea front on the main coast road through St Leonards on Sea in the county of East Sussex. St Leonards, as it is known locally, is historically a Victorian seaside town and has more recently become a very popular place for relocation of both retired and professional people. With its backdrop for excellent restaurants, brilliant boutiques and an exceptionally creative art scene, St Leonards really is an eclectic mix of stylish residential property and quality entertainment and retail. Being only half an hours walk from the famous battle town of Hastings, the opportunity to stay somewhere a little quieter and be able to visit such a historically famous town is also a great opportunity for tourists.

Pub Layout

With an imposing frontage directly onto the footpath, the Marina boasts central double doors to the front porch which leads to beautifully decorated, large open plan trade area. To the right of the pub is the long traditional bar, with a large trade space on the left which then moves through past a boothed seating area and then onto both the kitchen and the customer toilets. At the rear of the trade area is another double door which leads to steps taking people to the large, rear beer garden with beach huts, seating and space for over 50 people. A great suntrap and sheltered area from the coastal breeze.

The Marina Fountain trades very well at present with a great premium based range of drinks, a popular food offer and regular live music.  The kitchen dictates the size of the food offer with the pub trading at around 80/20 on wet/food, however, the pub is very popular and this could be increased. Being fantastically located right on the sea front and main road, the Marina trades exceptionally well and hosts locals and tourists alike throughout the year.

Private Accommodation

The private accommodation is spread over 2 floors and is accessed via stairs behind the bar which lead to 3 bedrooms, lounge, kitchen, bathroom and separate toilet.

Annual Rent: £29,750

Security Deposit: £5,000

Working Capital: £4,500

Stock: £3,000

F&F: TBC – 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 are looking for someone who has a real feel for the market and will be able to maximise the drinks range to suit the diverse customer needs and therefore naturally increase the footfall. Ideally, an operator with a knowledge and background of  various food options and service styles, would be able to develop the overall food offer. The introduction of more community events, including quiz nights, open mic nights, sports teams and live music would broaden the appeal to a wider audience. Alternating these weekly, monthly and quarterly events will also make the pub more successful and inclusive. A strong social media presence and great marketing skills will help to develop the pub and will ensure that the business is extensively promoted to achieve maximum trade.

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 *