Beer Garden
External Drinking Area
Car Park
Property details
The Black Horse is an imposing three-storey detached pub situated in the heart of the affluent village of Gregson Lane which is approximately five miles South East of Preston and around two and a half miles East of the larger village of Bamber Bridge. Situated in the constituency of South Ribble, Gregson Lane has a population of around 1,500 residents but the pub can draw upon rural housing in the surrounding area as well of which there are many. The village’s household demographic is classed as ‘Comfortable Communities’ and ‘Affluent Achievers’ and has a higher proportion of the middle to the older generation with a greater disposable income than the UK average. The Black Horse takes pride of place as the only pub in the village with the only competition being a social club called Net’s Bar across the road.
Customers can enter via the main double doors at the front of the pub or via the side entrance coming from the ten-spaced car park and beer garden to the left of the pub. Customers from the front entrance are welcomed by a central bar stocking a great selection of choice wines, quality spirits, continental and craft beers and lagers, and two fine cask ales on rotation. To the left-hand side, the lounge area consists of a range of fixed and loose seating, and then steps up to the rear of the trade area provide a raised seating area, currently used to provide room for a darts throw. To the right-hand side of the pub is the pool table surrounded by fixed seating and again to the rear there is further raised seating. The pub currently has around 50 covers but with the right licensee and investment, this could be increased to around 80 covers. There is a fully kitted out and compliant trade kitchen to the rear left-hand-side of the pub, capable of serving the capacity of the trade area.
Externally there is a car park and a side beer garden, providing enough seating for c.40 customers, but there are considerations to invest in the beer garden to increase seating to nearer 80.
The private accommodation is on the second floor of the pub and comprises a kitchen, bathroom, three bedrooms, and a lounge/dining area.
Cask Ale
Catering Kitchen
Team Games
Pool Area
Live Entertainment
Trading style
The Black Horse is currently trading as wet only but can and has previously quite successfully traded on a more 70/30 wet-to-dry split. The food aspect of the business is an important one, as whilst it would not likely be a pub customers would necessarily drive out distances to, it can and should cater to the population of Gregson Lane and the surrounding areas, along with walkers enjoying the surrounding countryside. The pub has previously had a loyal regular customer base, particularly for after-work drinks and for catching up with friends. There is live music on weekend evenings along with televised football during the day. During the week, pool and darts teams create a thriving atmosphere and a well-supported quiz night brings out the competitive locals, wanting to show off their knowledge. In the warmer months, customers flock to the beer garden at the back of the car park to soak up the rays and enjoy drinks with family and friends.
The landlords are looking for a licensee who can bring a new lease of life to the Black Horse. Engagement with the local community to put the Black Horse at the heart of the community is essential here. A warm and friendly welcome and an ability to deliver a community focussed offer are essential to making the business thrive. The customers need to feel valued and loyal to the business so a regular and well-marketed lineup of events and activities is essential. A well-considered and consistent rhythm of the week will bring in regular customers and will make the Black Horse, the place to be in the village on an evening. Great standards and quality drinks go alongside a warm welcome and retail proposition to ensure customers have a great time and choose the Black Horse as their go-to pub. There is a significant opportunity to grow and develop the retail proposition here, driving additional income by maximising the potential of the beer garden and the food offer. A transformational investment would be considered here with the right licensee and a well-considered business plan, with a particular focus on improving the beer garden and external appeal, and internal décor.
Key financials
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Reference Number:
IU3WDL / P04312
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Agreement Type:
Tenancy
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Min Ingoing Cost:
£10,000.00
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Annual Rent:
£25,000.00
The stated ingoing figures are correct at point of advertising. Please be aware there may be additional costs.
Please be aware energy performance certificates are available from the landlord.
Annual Rent: £25,000 (Initial start-up rent of £5,200 net)
Security Deposit: £5,000
Working Capital: £2,000
Stock: £3,000
F&F: TBC – funding options may be available for the right licensee.