Smiling Mule, Bradford

** REFURBISHMENT PLANNED**

The Smiling Mule is a traditional brick property that features characteristic of its style. Conveniently located, it is set back from a busy through road amidst a residential area with a massive site behind the pub currently under development for a new housing estate, promising an excellent opportunity to attract a fresh consumer base. Bradford, the city in which The Smiling Mule is located, is in West Yorkshire, England. According to the 2011 census, Bradford has a population of 349,561. The city is well-connected, featuring its own interchange that includes a railway station along with a combined bus and coach station, making it easily accessible.

Pub Layout

The Smiling Mule has a great traditional feel with lots of spaces to explore. As you enter the pub, you come into the main lounge area served by the main bar. When you carry on through there is a rear snug with an open fire, a lovely place to enjoy a drink in a cosy, peaceful space with its own small bar servery. It will be no surprise that cask ales play a crucial part in this pub. Beyond the snug, there is a conservatory style room which has most recently been used for a pool table. It has a great view of the garden (as well as direct access). The garden is large and consists mainly of a large lawn with children’s play equipment and a raised decking area which could be used for outside entertainment. Some large trees to one side will require attention occasionally, and there is also an outbuilding with a servery for hot summer days etc. Externally to the front of the pub there is a small car park. The pub is in good condition albeit slightly dated, and will benefit from a tasteful refurbishment which enhances its features.

The Smiling Mule is currently trading with a steady weekday wet trade, notably featuring cask ales. During evenings and weekends, the pub comes alive with live sports, occasional live entertainment, functions, and other regular activities. This pub is ideal for someone with local knowledge and a passion for cask ales and community-oriented, wet-led pubs. The licensee will be committed to maintaining high standards and effectively marketing the site through various media channels to ensure the pub’s offerings reach a wide audience.

Private Accommodation

The private accommodation consists of a kitchen/dining room, bathroom, lounge and three bedrooms. This area is in need of an upgrade.

Annual Rent:  £8,000

Security Deposit: £2,000

Working Capital: £1,500

Stock: £1,500

Business Rates: £Nil.  Based on the April 2023 rating list, the Zero Rates Payable is based on small business rates relief being applied and the licensee only occupying one property for commercial purposes.

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.

This pub would ideally suit someone with local knowledge, a passion for cask ales, and a dedication to fostering a vibrant community atmosphere in a wet-led pub. The ideal licensee should be enthusiastic about maintaining high standards in all aspects of the pub’s operation, from the quality of the drinks to the cleanliness of the premises. Additionally, they should possess strong marketing skills to effectively promote the pub using various media channels, ensuring that the pub’s offerings and message reach a wide audience. This role calls for a blend of traditional hospitality values and modern marketing savvy to create an exciting and welcoming environment for local customers.

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 *