White Horse, Hertford

The White Horse is a historically significant pub located on Castle Road, Hertford, near the picturesque Hertford Castle grounds. This 17th-century, Grade II-listed building is noted by CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) for its special historical interest, reflecting its deep-rooted heritage. The pub is positioned amidst a blend of small commercial and residential properties, making it accessible to both local residents and visitors. Conveniently, it is close to Hertford’s main thoroughfare and is situated between the town’s two train stations, which offer direct routes to London and Stevenage. Hertford itself is a thriving town with strong demographics and a population of approximately 28,000, many of whom commute to London for work. The White Horse benefits from this, serving both the local community and a regular influx of visitors and commuters, making it a key social hub within this well-connected town

Pub Layout

Upon entering The White Horse pub, you’re immediately greeted with a choice to go left or right. Heading to the left takes you into the ‘main bar,’ the original section of this 17th-century pub. This cosy space has around 12 seats and features an L-shaped bar and a charming fireplace, all rich with original character and historic details. In this area, you’ll also find access to the essentials: toilets, the cellar, and the kitchen. On the right side of the entrance, the pub offers a bit more space, with seating for around 24 people. This section also features a smaller bar servery, another welcoming fireplace, and leads to the rear patio. From here, you can head upstairs, where the pub boasts an additional four separate rooms that can be used for trading or private functions, offering even more versatility for guests looking to enjoy a unique and historic atmosphere.

Historically the White Horse has been famous for it’s quality and it’s range of cask ales, but also the recent volumes indicate premium lagers, wines and spirits provide an opportunity to expand upon. Food has not been a consistent part of this pub’s customer offer for a number of years now, however there is a great kitchen space, and in reality, there are opportunities to use this element of the pub, either for direct food service, or through third party delivery options to serve the high demand of the Hertford residents.

Private Accommodation

The private accommodation is a separate 2 bedroom cottage in good condition and is located next to the pub, comprising of a lounge, kitchen and 2 en-suite bedrooms.

Annual Rent: £11,500 – starting rent of £4,000 per annum available

Security Deposit: £5,000

Working Capital: £1,000

Stock: £3,000

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.

The ideal licensee will be creative, engaging and resilient.  This is a tough market, but the pub is well known and ready for a new lease of life.  An interest in cask and craft beer and getting sales from all angles of the marketplace. The customer base around this pub and in Hertford know all about quality and you will need to deliver on this.  The pub needs to utilise all of its assets, and provide quality hospitality to the local marketplace. The property feel and environment lends itself to mid and premium product range, strong service element and extremely strong external marketing to drive custom.

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 *