Balloon, Newcastle-upon-Tyne

The Balloon is a large, well-established community pub located to the north of Newcastle city centre, enjoying a prominent and highly accessible position close to a major retail park just off the busy A1. With the nearby A191 serving as one of the main routes in and out of the city centre, the pub benefits from excellent visibility and strong passing trade from the surrounding road network. The area is densely populated with a mix of private and council housing, generating consistently high levels of local footfall and underpinning the pub’s role at the heart of the community. Long regarded as a “second home” by its loyal customers, the Balloon has built a strong and enduring local following, with generations of regulars continuing to support the business.

Pub Layout

The Balloon operates as a versatile two-room venue, with a welcoming main bar positioned at the front of the building and accessed directly from the road. This sports-themed bar is enhanced by live sport and a strong community offer, including pool and darts teams, creating a lively and social atmosphere. Running from the front through to the rear of the property is a large, traditional function room, perfectly suited for events and private hire. Both areas are fully self-contained, each benefiting from its own bar and separate toilet facilities, allowing them to operate independently or together with ease. Outdoor trading is well catered for, with a drinking area to the side of the entrance and a newly developed patio to the front, ideal for the warmer months. To the rear of the pub is a recently resurfaced car park with space for over 30 vehicles, shared with a neighbouring bookmaker, which helps to generate additional footfall for the business.

The Balloon has previously had a strong customer base and has been particularly popular with sports fans and teatime drinkers. Trade is solely drinks based and pool and darts teams have previously helped boost mid-week profits. An experienced licensee would have the opportunity to establish a new customer base by introducing a regular entertainment programme and making strong use of the newly appointed function room. It will be important that the drinks range is reviewed on a regular basis to ensure the pub continues to attract consumers from a younger audience. There is the potential however to grow this significantly.

Private Accommodation

The private accommodation is of a good size, spread over two levels and consists of three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a lounge, kitchen and office.

Annual Rent: £10,000

Security Deposit: £2,500 building up to £5,000 or the equivalent of three months’ rent, whichever is greater

Working Capital: £2,500

Stock: £3,500

Low Business Rates** Based on the draft rating list for April 2026, this has been estimated using the new Supporting Small Business Scheme (SSBS) limiting rates payable to circa £1000 in 2026/27. Please note this applies only to pubs marked with ** and SSBS may be subject to future changes by HMG.

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 – A security deposit is required when applying for a pub with Admiral.  This will be the greater of £5,000 or three months’ headline rent. The deposit is held on your account and returned when you leave, subject to your final account balance and the condition of the property.  We will also carry out a credit check as part of your application, which may affect the deposit amount required.

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 – £65.86 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 draft rating list for April 2026, 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 *

Low Business Rates** – Based on the draft rating list for April 2026, this has been estimated using the new Supporting Small Business Scheme (SSBS) limiting rates payable to circa £1000 in 2026/27. Please note this applies only to pubs marked with ** and SSBS may be subject to future changes by HMG.