Unicorn, Oswestry

The Unicorn is a detached property situated in a residential area of Oswestry. Immediately opposite the pub there is a small parade of shops including a convenience store, chip shop, laundrette with Co-op / post office nearby. The town centre and amenities including the leisure centre are all within walking distance. Oswestry is the largest market town in Shropshire and lies close to the Welsh border. Oswestry is situated near several major roads, including the A5, which provides connections to nearby towns and cities such as Shrewsbury and Wrexham.

Pub Layout

The Unicorn has great road side appeal having recently received an extensive refurbishment which included a full external decoration and new signage scheme and patio works. This pub has a central entrance which provides access to both trading rooms. The main bar area has a fresh and bright décor and new flooring throughout, and features a central bar which services both trading areas. The main bar consists of seating for approximately 40 people and is home to a pool table, darts board and tv screens. The lounge area is balanced with loose and mixed seating and has a more traditional feel. The ladies and gent’s toilets have been fully refurbished and are located between the bar and lounge. There is no catering kitchen but there is a small prep area for a back bar offer which can be utilised for pies and pizza. Externally there is a smoking solution which is accessed via the lounge and leads onto the car park which can hold approximately 25 cars. There is a designated patio area which is a fabulous sun trap in the summer months with ten large benches that has been refurbished with planting, lighting and ideal area for enjoying the summer days/nights.

The Unicorn is a great example of a community pub, it is well supported all year round with numerous sports through Sky /TNT. As well as teams including darts and pool, which play home matches at the pub as well as welcoming teams from other establishments. There is regular weekend entertainment such as karaoke and singers have previously been very popular along with mid-week quiz nights and bingo. Trade is made up purely of drinks sales and the bar is well stocked with a vast range of value products. At present, there is no cask ale however this would be a welcome addition to drive further income into the business. There is an opportunity to develop the lounge trade by tapping into community groups and hosting functions.

Annual Rent: £13,500

Security Deposit: £5,000

Working Capital: £2,000

Stock: £2,500

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 is a great example of a community focused pub and would welcome a local person who is familiar with running a similar style pub. A strong marketing plan is essential for ensuring the pub is busy seven days a week whilst continuing to work with local sporting teams.

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 *