Butterbowl, Leeds

Michelle Ryan, the Business Development Manager, is seeking an experienced operator (either single or a couple) with a strong history of running estate pubs and delivering an excellent sports viewing atmosphere alongside a varied and engaging entertainment programme, including DJs, karaoke, live music and comedy nights. As a Leeds United supporters’ pub, the ideal candidate would be a Leeds fan or someone with an in-depth understanding of the club’s fanbase and matchday footfall, ensuring that this loyal trade can be both protected and grown further. Given the pub’s community role, it is essential that the operator can actively champion charitable events, fundraising initiatives, meat raffles and seasonal activities such as summer events in the beer garden. The ability to develop and enhance the outdoor space is also a key priority, maximising its use and appeal for the community throughout the year.

Introducing the Butterbowl , a community pub, situated on Butterbowl Drive on the residential outskirts of Leeds  Nestled amongst a welcoming mix of family homes and modern flats, the pub enjoys a warm neighbourhood  atmosphere and a genuine community feel. This large, detached site is set to become a vibrant hub for the local community, offering a welcoming space to meet, relax, and enjoy great hospitality. With local shops just a short walk away and excellent access to nearby bus routes, the pub is also only a five-minute drive from the M621 and just ten minutes from Elland Road. The wider area benefits from a strong community spirit, convenient local amenities, and easy links into Leeds city centre, making it a fantastic location for a venue built around connection, comfort, and local pride.

Pub Layout

The Butterbowl offers a bright, spacious,  and welcoming environment. The current operators have completed attractive exterior works, including bright white paintwork and Leeds UTD colour accents, ensuring the pub can not be missed!. Internally, the pub benefits from an open plan layout designed to maximise operational efficiency and customer flow. Upon entry, the space feels light and airy, creating a relaxed setting for locals to enjoy. The bar sits centrally and wraps around half of the trading area, allowing seamless service to both sides of the pub. To the left is a defined sports area with pool table, while the right-hand side offers a lounge style area with relaxed seating and space for a dance floor on those busy nights. To the rear is a large fenced beer garden with paved seating for around 40 guests, ideal for outdoor drinking and lends itself for a new operator to think outside the box and maximise this space.

The pub has firmly established itself as a valued part of the local community, offering reasons to visit throughout the week rather than just at weekends. Customers are drawn by a diverse, high-quality drinks range featuring leading brands, complemented by weekly promotions and excellent-value monthly deals. A well-balanced entertainment programme is central to attracting and retaining customers across a broad range of age groups. While weekend evenings remain peak socialising times, the current mix of live music and DJs has proven highly successful in generating strong trade. This momentum can be further enhanced by a consistent and engaging midweek offering, giving locals even more reason to return regularly. With multiple TV screens in place, there is clear potential to make greater use of Sky Sports beyond football, showcasing a wider range of sporting events and capturing trade both before and after key fixtures. The pub already supports active darts and pool teams, with further opportunities to introduce additional sports teams alongside traditional favourites such as bingo and quiz nights, activities that would strongly appeal to the local community and align well with the new operator’s vision. To maintain interest and encourage repeat visits, consistency and creativity in both planning and delivery will be essential. Above all, the pub’s identity should remain firmly rooted in the community, continuing to serve as a focal point for local life through charity initiatives, fundraising events and other community-focused activities.

Private Accommodation

The private accommodation offers a retreat within the bustling atmosphere of the pub, providing excellent accommodation for individuals or family, with its spacious layout and well maintained condition. The rooms consist of three bedrooms, kitchen, sitting room, office and bathroom ( this is over two floors)

Security deposit: £2,000

No rent applicable on this agreement

This opportunity is for you to run your pub as a self-employed manager. Admiral Taverns take care of all the running costs including rates, utilities, stock and day to day running costs whilst you take home 18.5% of the net weekly sales, all employment costs relating to your staff and any council tax and TV licence for the residential quarters.

All new operators have comprehensive free training as part of their agreement.

• 7 Steps to Sales Success Training Programme.  Held online over one day, you will learn marketing and business strategies that will help you to grow sales in your pub – step-by-step.
• E-Learning Training for you and your staff. Featuring more than 30 courses for both you and your staff, you’ll have access to a wide range of topics from Compliance, Health and Safety to Personal Development and Wellbeing.