Walnut, Stowmarket

The Walnut Tree is located in Stowmarket, a market town in Suffolk very close to the A14 trunk route between Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich. Over recent years the area has benefited from an influx of people thanks to new housing and businesses, with a current population of 150,000 and still continuing to grow. The pub is situated close to the town and is surrounded by good quality local housing. It is also situated close to small out of town retail areas, and a local business park which has Scania located there.

Pub Layout

As you enter the pub you encounter a small patio, occasionally used for food trucks, but a great space for benches. Through the main door and you arrive at the main bar counter and an L-shaped trade area with approx. 20 seats and cosy fireplace. There is also a back room great for groups, events, local clubs and societies, also with a fully functioning bar and double doors out to the exceptional enclosed courtyard garden with the ladies and gents’ toilets located in between the two trade spaces. The style of the pub is traditional and cosy with a modern touch.

The pub has been operating for approximately 5 years as a specialist craft and cask pub….a real destination pub for the avid beer lover. The outside area is amazing, with a modern bare wood finish and colourful furniture making the area a comfortable sun trap for the sunny days, which is a huge attraction in the warmer months.

Private Accommodation

The private accommodation is in good condition, and consists of a lounge, 2 good sized bedrooms, a kitchen, an office, and a bathroom/toilet.

Annual Rent: £18,000

Security Deposit: £5,000

Working Capital: £4,000

Stock: £4,000

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.

In the future this pub needs to be the hub of the village community. The new licensee will need to be a peoples person who can successfully engage with the locals to steal the market share. Sports teams, potentially sports viewing, actively engaging with clubs and societies as well as the ability to bring in a discerning custom base will be key elements that you will need to be focussed on to drive the business forwards. You will also need to have a great cask and craft offer, as well as offer more mainstream products for the nearby residents and potential regulars from the immediate town vicinity. There should be strong cask ale credentials, and well ranged wines and spirits available. A creative back bar food offer could also be crafted to supplement the business.

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 *