Drum and Monkey, Swadlincote

This pub represents a tremendous opportunity for the right applicant. Situated in a densely populated area and benefiting from an excellent layout, strong facilities, and planned investment, it offers significant potential for growth. With a dedicated licensee who brings a clear and confident vision, there is ample scope to build on the pub’s existing success. The right licensee can continue to develop the business, ensuring it remains a vibrant hub at the heart of the community.

The Drum and Monkey is a prominent, detached building sitting in the village of Castle Gresley which is located between Burton upon Trent and Swadlincote. With its close proximity to both these two towns as well as the accessibility of the M42, this pub is very well located. Surrounded by a large new housing estate and existing housing, The Drum and Monkey is ideally positioned to play a key role in the local area as a community pub.

Pub Layout

The Drum and Monkey features an open-plan interior centred around a single bar. Guests can enter through either the front or rear doors, and both lead into a warm, inviting space furnished with a mix of high and low tables. A dedicated area is set aside for the pool table and gaming machines. The interior is spacious enough to create designated seating areas if desired, and there is ample room to accommodate regular entertainment. The well-proportioned kitchen is reached via a door at the far end of the pub, while the toilets are located off a side corridor. The rear entrance leads out to an external drinking area and a grassed garden, which includes a sizeable stretch tent providing a versatile covered space. At the front of the building, there is an additional outdoor seating area, and the site also benefits from parking for approximately 15 cars.

The pub is in good order but we will look at some refurbishment as part of a long term agreement to further enhance the condition

The pub currently trades primarily with a wet-led offer, though the generously sized kitchen provides clear potential to introduce a food offer. There is also scope to enhance the sports provision and grow involvement in local pub team leagues. With a solid draught range already established, reintroducing cask ale could present a strong opportunity for further growth.

Private Accommodation

The private accommodation consists of three bedrooms, along with a lounge, kitchen and bathroom.

Annual Rent: £33,000

Security Deposit: £8,250

Working Capital: £4,000

Stock: £4,500

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 – £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 *