Coastal
Property details
A rare opportunity to take on Plymouth’s oldest pub steeped in history.
A one-bar operation traditional pub with a great reputation for being a friendly local pub that welcomes all. There is a small snug to the rear of the pub that can be used for a quieter occasion should you wish to hide away from the main bar area.
The Minerva Inn is Plymouth’s oldest serving public house, trading from circa 1540. One of the previous owners was The Octagon Brewery, which traded in Martin Street between 1861 and 1970, with its emblem still remaining on the stained glass window on the front of the premises.
In the 17th Century, the Minerva Inn was home to the Press Gang and stories of secret tunnels and doorways are still evident within the timber walls. There is a small stairway peephole where the Press Gang would look out for potential sailors entering the establishment and drop the King’s shilling into their beer - if the unsuspecting patron drank from the beer then they had accepted the King’s shilling and were taken off to join the Navy. Anyone not complying would be taken by force, usually with a blow to the head, and then taken off to a ship, by the time they had regained consciousness they would be out at sea!
Plymouth’s most famous seaman Sir Frances Drake had a home on Looe Street, on the site which is now Bigga Records - so it is more than likely he would have visited the pub. The Pub is timber framed and a lot of the timber is from the Spanish Armada fleet, there is a spiral staircase leading to the private residence which in the centre hosts the mast from one of the fleets.
The Minerva Inn always has a welcoming friendly atmosphere, yet occasionally there has been felt a ghostly presence. First-hand experiences in recent years have included a levitating spoon, numerous instances of the cellar gas being turned off, the jukebox playing after it has been switched off and a small figure standing at the bar.
The private accommodation consists of three bedrooms with a kitchen and a bathroom.
Cask Ale
Live Entertainment
Trading style
The site trades predominantly as a community local but also benefits from the large numbers of tourists attracted to the city. The focus should be on ensuring that this pub continues to be at the forefront of all local’s minds when it comes to being the place to go for a drink and to socialise whilst also attracting those from further afield.
The pub would do well with an individual or couple who are passionate about traditional pubs and cask ale. You would like to be at the heart of the community and know how to build relationships with the locals and create a welcoming pub with a brilliant drinks offer for the locals to enjoy. It is a good opportunity for a first-time operator or someone looking for a change. The ideal candidate will be able to offer great service and a warm and friendly atmosphere with a great personality and have ideas to drive this already successful business even further. It's going to be important to retain the current customers whilst being innovative to attract new customers.
The successful applicant will need to be a hands-on operator used to dealing with all aspects of community clientele from male session drinkers to younger couples and groups. They will need to be a people person who can foster an atmosphere of good humour with great marketing skills.
Key financials
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Reference Number:
6M23WN / ROT-PL4
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Agreement Type:
TAW / Tenancy
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Min Ingoing Cost:
£5,000.00
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Annual Rent:
£29,000.00
The stated ingoing figures are correct at point of advertising. Please be aware there may be additional costs.
Please note that the energy performance certificate is available from the landlord.
Length of Tenure: TAW/TMA to 5-Year Substantive
Agreement type: PART TIED - FOT Wines, Spirits & Non-Postmix Minerals.
Rent: £29,000
Ingoing’s: £5,000 security deposit