Freehold frenzy
It may be the most expensive way into the pub trade, but a freehold remains an attractive proposition for many.
Freedom, of course, is the key word. Freedom to choose your suppliers and freedom over how the place is run. It is also often the most flexible and secure kind of ownership.
But with this freedom comes all the added responsibility of running your own business. Staffing, maintenance and marketing being just a few of the on-going issues that licensees face.
These issues, however, do not appear to be putting people off. According to Yaser Martini of property agents Fleurets demand is high. "There are more people than we can possibly know what to do with wanting freeholds," he said. "There's definitely a lack of stock."
This could be down to the fact that there are now significant barrelage discounts now available to freeholders, according to Stephen Taylor, managing director of Guy Simmonds. "It's clearly an excellent time to purchase a freehold business," he said. "The gross profits attainable by a freehouse are vastly superior when compared to a tied lease."
So to give you an idea of what's currently available we have selected six freehold pubs currently on the market ...
NORTH
Situated in the village of Seaton Ross, Yorkshire, the Black Horse is a freehouse with planning permission for six log cabins.
The pub has public bar and function room, both of which are beamed as well as a lounge bar and conservatory. It also features a courtyard patio, creating an extra trading area in the summer and a two-bedroom chalet in the grounds, which is rented out as holiday accommodation.
At present the pub trades limited hours from 7pm until midnight (Monday to Saturday) and 7pm until 10.30pm (Sunday).
- Price: £675,000
- Agent: Davey & Co
- Tel: 0113 280 588
MIDLANDS
The Blacksmiths Arms is a traditional 17th century freehouse set in the heart of the village Clayworth, North Nottinghamshire.
Its trading area comprises of a beamed public bar with access to the lounge bar and a restaurant with two dining areas.
The owner's accommodation consists of three bedrooms, lounge, office, kitchen and shower room.
- Price: £725,000
- Agent: Guy Simmonds
- Tel: 01332 865112
WEST
Renowned for its locally brewed beer and cider and a menu of home cooked, locally sourced food, the Bull's Head Inn is a traditional pub with letting accommodation and a camping field.
The pub, which sits at the foot of the Black Mountains near Hay-on-Wye in Herefordshire, consists of a main bar, two restaurants to seat around 45 diners, a former games room, three letting bedrooms and two-bedroom owner's accommodation.
The two-and-a-half acre site also includes a beer garden, private garden, paddocks camping for 100 small tents and a corral for pony trekkers.
- Price: £599,000
- Agent: Christie + Co
- Tel: 0117 9468500
EAST
The Perseverance benefits from being situated in the bustling village of Long Melford, in Sudbury, Suffolk, which attracts many visitors and holidaymakers.
It is two-storey, detached corner property located on the main street at the southern end of the village. It offers a U-shaped main bar with an open fireplace.
On the first floor is letting accommodation, consisting of two double bedrooms, one triple, one single and a bathroom.
A trade garden is situated at the rear of the pub, along with car parking for around 17 cars.
- Price: £375,000
- Agent: Fleurets
- Tel: 01787 378050
SOUTH EAST
The Vineyard Lodge is situated in the affluent village of Hurstpierpoint, in West Sussex.
It is a main bar full of character, a 32-cover restaurant, bed and breakfast accommodation, with six en-suite bedrooms, patio area and mature gardens.
- Price: £630,000
- Agent: Fleurets
- Tel: 01273 606033
SOUTH WEST
The appropriately named Airways in Newquay, Cornwall, is situated close to the town's airport.
On the ground floor of the pub is a busy bar, the main restaurant, function room, which also has a servery, dance floor and DJ console, plus a conservatory.
On the first floor, there are seven en suite letting rooms. Outside there is a beer garden, large indoor swimming pool and car parking.
- Price: £545,000 freehold
- Agent: Bettesworths
- Tel: 01803 617295
