Alexandra, Darwen

The Alexandra is already a highly regarded pub, known as a popular community hub. Building on its strong reputation, Admiral Taverns is looking for a dynamic and experienced licensee to take it to the next level. The ideal candidate will be passionate about enhancing the pub’s offerings, particularly in drinks and food, ensuring an exceptional experience for all customers. A keen eye for detail, a commitment to high service levels, and an effective social media marketing strategy will be key to pushing this pub’s success even further. The licensee will be responsible for maintaining the pub’s welcoming, inclusive atmosphere, putting customers first and fostering a friendly, community-driven space. They will also excel at establishing relationships with local charities and community groups, using the pub as a venue to support and champion local causes. Organising regular events, such as league team games, darts, and pool tournaments, will be vital to keeping the pub buzzing with energy. Additionally, the licensee will establish a strong weekly rhythm of activities, including quizzes, live music, and other entertaining events that will appeal to a wide range of people. A solid understanding of marketing and social media is essential to promote these events and foster a sense of community. By combining a community-first approach with engaging activities and a robust online presence, the licensee will ensure the pub remains a key player in the local social scene, attracting both regulars and newcomers.  This is an exciting opportunity to take the reins of a thriving pub, enhance its offerings and contribute to its growth within the local community.

Pub Layout

The pub offers a unique and versatile layout, centred around a central servery bar that seamlessly serves both the main bar and lounge areas. This design ensures smooth, efficient service throughout the venue. The lounge room provides a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, featuring a comfortable mix of fixed bench seating and low-level chairs, complemented by a blend of carpeted and tiled flooring. Soft furnishings add a homely touch, while a small raised area with an open fire enhances the cosy, inviting feel—perfect for dining or unwinding with friends. Entertainment is well-catered for with a pool table, multiple TVs showing live sports, and a dedicated DJ area equipped for live music, karaoke, and quiz nights. The main bar area offers a more vibrant, social setting, with hardwood flooring, high bar stools, and bench seating around the windows. The space is designed for active engagement, featuring dartboards, a second pool table, and live sports screens, making it a lively games room atmosphere. A well-equipped catering kitchen on site supports a food offering for the lounge and snacks for the bar area, adding flexibility to the venue’s appeal. Outdoors, a decked area overlooks an expansive garden, complete with covered huts and a large grassed space, ideal for summer events and community gatherings. Ample parking is available at both the front and rear of the building, offering convenience for guests and reinforcing the pub’s role as a hub for both locals and visitors alike.

The Alexandra is a predominantly wet-led community pub that takes pride in delivering an excellent drinks experience. While the focus is firmly on its diverse and well-curated drinks menu, the pub also offers a midweek food selection and traditional Sunday roasts, creating a balanced and enjoyable visit for guests. With wet sales making up 80% of its trade, The Alexandra clearly resonates with those seeking great value and a welcoming atmosphere. The pub also serves as a versatile venue for private functions and events, with seating for around 100 guests, making it an ideal location for celebrations, family gatherings, and community events. At its heart, The Alexandra is a true community pub. It actively supports local sports teams, hosts darts and pool games, and provides regular live music at weekends, fostering a vibrant and inclusive environment. The current licensees are known for their warm, community-focused approach, which has earned the loyalty of local residents and cemented The Alexandra’s status as a beloved local hub in Darwen.

Private Accommodation

The private accommodation consists of four bedrooms, living room, kitchen and a bathroom all in good condition.

Annual Rent: £19,500

Security Deposit: £5,000 or the equivalent of three months’ rent, whichever is greater

Working Capital: £3,000

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 for by the licensee 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.

For a breakdown on financial information, please refer to the ‘Additional Info’ tab.

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 – £350.00 – Before signing a long term agreement, you will be required to attend our 7 Steps to Sales Success training programme.  Held online over two days, you will learn marketing and business strategies that will help you to grow sales in your pub – step-by-step.

Service Charge Cost – £63.33 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 for by the licensee and the licensee only occupying one property for commercial purposes.  Please note, this only applies to pubs marked with an Asterix *