Cornish Choughs, Camborne

Admiral Taverns are seeking an experienced and passionate licensee with a proven track record of successfully managing a business with multiple income streams. The ideal candidate will have the commercial acumen to fully exploit the pub’s diverse revenue opportunities—from bar and food to accommodation—while maintaining the charm and traditional values that define its character. The Cornish Choughs is a pub rich in heritage, appealing equally to loyal local customers alongside the influx of summer tourists. A skilled licensee will understand how to create a compelling offer for the community, market the letting rooms effectively, and deliver a well-executed, traditional menu that reflects the spirit of the venue. While experience is preferred, we are also open to those newer to the trade who can demonstrate strong transferrable skills, vision, and the drive to succeed. Above all, we are looking for someone with the ambition and capability to bring the full potential of the Cornish Choughs to life.

The Cornish Choughs is a charming Grade II listed public house, dating back to the late 18th century. Constructed from traditional granite rubble and featuring distinctive sash windows and twin chimneys, the building exudes historic character and local heritage. Inside, the pub retains a wealth of period features, including a stone fireplace complete with a rare historic spit mechanism. The single-bar layout is cleverly zoned to create a variety of seating areas, with a raised section offering a more intimate space for dining or quiet conversation. The overall atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with a real fire hearth adding to the cosy and relaxed ambiance. Externally, the property benefits from a small rear car park suitable for a handful of vehicles. Conveniently located close to the A3047 and A30, and just a short distance from Camborne town centre, the pub is ideally positioned to attract a mix of custom. Regular daytime trade comes from nearby light industrial zones, the adjacent Premier Inn, passing motorists, and a loyal local following, including many retired residents. With its rich history, traditional appeal, and strong location, The Cornish Choughs presents a unique opportunity in a character-filled setting.

Pub Layout

The pub features a single bar area, but it’s subdivided into several distinct drinking and seating zones totalling approx. 50 covers. One of these is a raised section, which doubles as a separate dining area. Often described as pleasant and cosy, the interior includes a stone fireplace, which is a popular spot during colder months. The ladies and gents toilets are well positioned and the bar area leads out on to a courtyard beer garden with a number of pub benches and brollies. The pub is well decorated in a traditional manner and is all in very good order. The trade kitchen can be accessed from behind the bar which is great for the service to the trade areas. The kitchen is fully equipped and compliant for a full traditional pub menu to be delivered.

The premises currently operate a well-established and fully stocked bar, boasting a loyal and consistent local clientele. The venue benefits from strong midweek trade, supported in part by several successful pool teams that regularly draw in locals. While the bar side of the business is thriving, the food operation is currently limited to reduced trading hours. However, this presents a significant opportunity for growth. There is clear potential to expand the food offering, ideally with a traditional pub-style menu that includes popular staples such as Sunday roasts. The introduction of themed dining evenings and a clearly defined “rhythm of the week” could further enhance customer engagement and boost turnover.

With the right focus and investment in the kitchen operation, there is considerable scope to grow the business and maximise its appeal across both food and beverage segments.

Private Accommodation

The private accommodation has two large bedrooms, kitchen and a bathroom.

Letting Accommodation

A staircase from the bar takes you up to the three well appointed ensuite letting bedrooms which are fully equipped and are currently marketed through Booking.com.

Annual Rent: £23,500

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

Working Capital: £3,000

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 *