Victoria Inn, Shepton Mallet

Shepton Mallet is a market town and civil parish located in Somerset, 16 miles southwest of Bath and 18 miles south of Bristol. As of 2019, it had an estimated population of 10,810. The town is nestled near the Mendip Hills to the north, with the River Sheppey flowing through it. Notably, Shepton Mallet is the closest town to the renowned Glastonbury Festival and is also in proximity to the Royal Bath and West of England Society showground. Shepton Mallet is well-connected by the A37, which links the town to Bristol to the north and Yeovil to the south. The A361 provides access to the town from the east and west, connecting to places like Glastonbury and Frome. The town is also within reach of the M5 motorway, with junctions at Bridgwater and Taunton, making it accessible from the broader motorway network. The town boasts a regular bus service, however does not have its own railway station.

Pub Layout

As you enter through the main roadside entrance, you’ll immediately find yourself in the bar, which is a single-room setup with a central bar servery. The interior is furnished with a combination of fixed and loose seating, offering flexibility for different occasions. On the left side of the room, there’s a darts oche, perfect for engaging locals in friendly competition, while TVs are strategically placed on the right to cater to sports enthusiasts. Behind the bar, you’ll find the domestic kitchen, conveniently located to serve the needs of the establishment and provide a back bar food offering. The ladies is located on one side of the bar, with the gents on the opposite side. The hidden gem to this site is the garden area which is located at the back of the pub. There’s a spacious outdoor drinking area that features a well-maintained terrace, used as a smoking solution and a grassed area perfect for locals to enjoy the good weather.

The Victoria Inn is available due to the retirement of its long-standing licensee. Despite its central location in the heart of Shepton Mallet, the pub has maintained its reputation as a true community local. Currently, the Victoria Inn operates as a drinks-only establishment, offering a welcoming atmosphere with entertainment options, some televised sports, and even hosting its own darts team. This pub has been a cornerstone for local residents, providing a familiar and friendly environment for socializing and community events.

Private Accommodation

The spacious accommodation consists of 3 bedrooms, lounge, bathroom and kitchen – (located downstairs).

Annual Rent: £17,000

Security Deposit: £5,000

Working Capital: £2,500

Stock: £2,500

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 opportunity is perfect for an experienced licensee or someone eager to enter the trade. While not required, local knowledge could be a significant advantage. We are looking for someone ready to take the helm of this well-established pub and propel the business to new heights. There’s great potential to introduce a backbar food service, host more regular events, and expand the sports offerings. The Victoria’s standout feature is its status as the only pub in town with a beer garden, a unique selling point that the new licensee should fully leverage, especially during the warmer months.

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 *