Bell, Golden Green

There’s a clear opportunity to elevate the food offer, creating a signature draw that puts the pub on the map and drives customer choice. The well-balanced drinks range, combining trusted favourites with premium options, already appeals to both loyal regulars and new visitors. With the right culinary focus and a few thoughtful tweaks to the menu, the pub could build a standout reputation and boost trade across the board.

The Bell, is a stone and brick built pub, based in the small village of Golden Green, on the outskirts of Tonbridge, offering scenic views of the Medway Valley. The pub is well connected via Three Elm Lane, the main road running through the heart of Golden Green, connecting east towards East Peckham and west toward the A26 and Tonbridge. Tonbridge train station is also nearby and connects the village to central London terminals.  Golden Green is an old farming community, a small hamlet of around 350 residents, with a mixture of retired and professional people. The pub often acts as a centrepiece for community life in this rural area, complemented by the adjacent village hall, which hosts regular events and gatherings.

Pub Layout

The main front entrance opens directly into the bar, where a welcoming, open-plan layout is arranged around a single bar servery. To the left, a charming snug with a large open fire provides a cosy, intimate retreat, while to the right, a spacious games room offers pool, darts, and flexible space for community activities. The main trade kitchen, accessible both from behind the bar and via the left-hand side, supports a varied and adaptable food menu. The toilet facilities are conveniently situated in a small porch area just beyond the bar, which also leads out to a small car park. Outside, guests can enjoy a small beer garden and patio, which open onto a field ideal for hosting events.

This well-supported village pub is a valued hub for locals, with a lively calendar of internal and external events and strong links to local groups and teams. Food, recently introduced, currently accounts for around 10% of trade, presenting a clear opportunity to grow this side of the business with a focus on classic pub favourites. The layout centres around a single bar, opening onto a cosy snug and a spacious games room for pool, darts, and additional dining. Outside, a small beer garden and patio lead to a large field well-suited for events, while the car park also provides access to a neighbouring park home community.

Private Accommodation

The private accommodation consists of three double bedrooms, lounge, kitchen, bathroom and office which are all in good order.

Annual Rent: £25,000

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

Working Capital: £4,000

Stock: £2,500

Fixtures and Fittings: To be confirmed upon valuation –  funding options may be available for the right licensee.

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.

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 *