Buckingham Arms, Leighton Buzzard

The Buckingham Arms sits in a prominent position at the top of the main road from Leighton Buzzard up into Linslade. It’s a classic 19^th century build with double front bay windows and hasn’t been on the market for 27 years. It is only 1 mile from the busy market town centre and is surrounded by residential housing. The train station is only 350 yds away and with 10,000 houses being built on the outskirts of Leighton Buzzard & Linslade the area is attracting lots of young families and commuters who are taking advantage of the fast train getting to Euston in only 30 minutes.

Pub Layout

The pubs main entrance sits between the front bay windows, which takes you directly into the main bar, benefiting from Victorian features and open fire, this area brings a cosy atmosphere where you can enjoy a quiet drink. A second bar can be found to the rear which has a dartboard, pool table and juke box and has a mixtures of fixed and lose fixed seating, the TV shows both SKY & TNT sports and would also make the ideal space to host live music catering for up to 70 people.  The customer toilets can also be found in this bar. Externally there is an elevated concrete terrace to the entrance where there are planters & hanging baskets. The space has four round benches and is a lovely space to have a drink in the warmer weather. The pub also has a carpark to the rear where there is space for up to 12 cars.

The Buckingham Arms is a wet only, community pub. It relies on it’s good reputation of midweek pool & darts teams. The pub thrives from it’s cask sales, having three handpulls at the moment and currently only selling the bigger national brands, there will be opportunity to drive cask sales further by using SIBA and selling local real ale from some of the many microbreweries in the surrounding area. In addition to this, a new modern draught range, the addition of premium spirits and some quality world wines this very consistent turnover business could become even more profitable for the right operator.

The private accommodation consists of: Lounge, office, bathroom, domestic kitchen and bedrooms .There is also a garage that can be used as storage space.

Annual Rent: £19,500

Security Deposit: £5,000

Working Capital: £4,000

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 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.

Training: £325 plus VAT

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

The Buckingham Arms has the enviable position of being suitable for someone new looking to venture into hospitality for the first time or someone who is experienced and looking for an additional site to their portfolio and could be easily run by a management couple. With its simple layout, no hassle wet led only operation and being well supported by the local residents, it lends itself to both opportunities. It has not been available for a new tenancy since the late 1990’s so there is a fantastic opportunity for someone new to come in and drive the business forward.

I am looking for someone with a passion for the trade and has the friendly personality needed to bond with the regulars and teams. Being able to enhance the pub reputation across social media platforms will be key in getting new customers through the door. This is a unique chance to take on a great pub.

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

Service Charge Cost – £60.89 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 and the licensee only occupying one property for commercial purposes.  Please note, this only applies to pubs marked with an Asterix *