Shepherds Arms, Wakefield

The Shepherd’s Arms is situated on the outskirts of Horbury, a vibrant and up-and-coming town in Wakefield. Horbury boasts high-class establishments, primary and secondary schools, with convenient transport links via the M1 motorway. The town is located north of the River Calder, three miles southwest of Wakefield and two miles south of Ossett with a population of approximately 15,032.

Pub Layout

The Shepherd’s Arms features two distinct serving areas. The bar area accommodates around 20 people and includes TV screens for live sports. Additionally, there is an annex room with a large pool table and darts board, making it an ideal space for sports teams. The second serving area is divided into three sections, primarily used as a dining area with a capacity of approximately 60 people. On weekends, this space can transform into a stage area for live performances. Refurbished in 2022, the pub looks beautiful internally with both bars enhanced by open fires, which contribute to the atmosphere and ambiance. The pub also includes a fully equipped catering kitchen located to the right of the bar. Externally the Shepherd’s Arms boasts ample outside space at the front and rear, which offers potential for further development, though it has not yet been utilized to its full capacity.

The Shepherd’s Arms was refurbished in 2022 and is a well-regarded establishment that predominantly operates as a food-led pub. It boasts a strong reputation among the local community for its offerings. The pub specializes in traditional, home-cooked meals available during both lunch and dinner times, catering to the mid-market segment. In addition to its food, The Shepherd’s Arms features a well-stocked bar that serves a variety of drinks, with a notable selection of cask ales.

Private Accommodation

The private accommodation, located on the first floor, comprises four large bedrooms, an office, a family bathroom, an extra-large lounge and kitchen.

Annual Rent: £32,000

Security Deposit: £6,000

Working Capital: £5,000

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 Shepherds Arms is an amazing opportunity for an experienced and knowledgeable licensee. An established and strongly performing business with great potential to grow from its current position, it requires an individual or couple to really take this pub to the next level. This is an amazing opportunity for a licensee who will engage with local groups, charities, and organisations which can significantly enhance its appeal as a community hub. The pub has the scope to attract a diverse range of customers with the opportunity to improve and build on the current food offer by leveraging a fantastic drinks offer to compliment the already established food trade. Hosting various events such as quizzes and special themed nights with a strong marketing plan to execute this is key to its success. Exceptional retail and customer service skills, a passion for hospitality and a keen interest in serving the community will revive the Shepherds Arms as a traditional British pub with a warm and cosy welcome.

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 *