Berkshire, Oxford

Amazing turnkey operation, ready to trade the minute you step through the door! This is a rare and exciting opportunity for an experienced dynamic pub operator or entrepreneur to work in partnership with pub owners to reposition a superbly located, high profile pub within the market. The proposition and operating plan for this pub must consist of compelling reasons to visit but remain very much pub focussed at its heart and should include a unique and stunning food offer along with an engaging weeknight and weekend activity proposal that embraces the local high quality local live music and arts scene. The repositioning of the business within the marketplace could incorporate a name change to reconnect with its traditional roots. The pub is situated a short walk from Oxford’s bustling city centre on a busy main road occupied predominantly by boutique B&B’s and a 250-room hotel, alongside a strong, upwardly mobile community and student population.

Pub Layout

The pub benefits from a large open plan trading area that accommodates 80+ seats serviced by a single easily operated bar servery. There is a very well-appointed trade kitchen which is more than capable of delivering most styles of a menu to the level of covers in the trading areas. There is a large ground floor cellar. To the first floor, there are four letting rooms, two en-suite letting rooms and two shared facility letting rooms. Rooms in Oxford are consistently in demand meaning potential excellent occupancy levels and room rates generating a very strong additional income stream. To the rear of the building, there is a secluded beautiful patio/beer garden that can seat an additional 40+. Both of the trading areas are flexible and can be adapted to suit the trading requirements of the day or week thus lending itself very well to working as a Chameleon site.

The Berkshire currently operates on a 60/40 split between food and wet sales, the current food offer majors on Tapas and the Wet trade is driven by the regular entertainment. The pub benefits from loyal, affluent regulars and a constant rotation of tourists. The current proposition could be developed, as this has proved very popular or indeed the pub could be considered for a return to a slightly more traditional pub proposition or , due to its high profile location and demographics could suit a multiple operator with a tried and tested formula and clear vision.

Private Accommodation

The private accommodation consists of secure office space and a self-contained flat with two large rooms, kitchen and two bathrooms

Letting Accommodation

There is potential for 4 letting rooms.

Annual Rent: £26,000

Security Deposit: £5,000

Working Capital: £3,500

Stock: £3,500

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.

The Berkshire should continue to develop its reputation over for superb fresh food and high-end alcohol but very much retain the focus on being a pub operation at its heart. There is plenty of room to expand on the current operating hours and introduce a lunch menu. The pub benefits from being fully booked over the weekends and holds varied entertainment evenings which are all very well supported. The pub has a lot of success with guests using the pub for weddings, birthdays and graduations all year round with events generating a healthy additional income. There are currently 4 letting rooms two of which are en-suite, the others have shared facilities however there is potential to make these also en-suite and indeed reconfigure the first floor to bring an additional 3 or even 4 lettings into the mix.

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 *