Foresters Arms, Colchester

The Foresters is an established and well-managed pub, but a new licensee could bring fresh energy and momentum to the local community, as well as broaden the food offering, an enhancement that would be warmly welcomed by both locals and visitors alike. The pub retains a genuine village atmosphere while benefiting from a superb and attractive central location.

The Foresters is a charming and well-presented pub, nestled in an elegant corner of Colchester, Essex. Ideally positioned at the meeting point of two of the borough’s most picturesque streets and adjacent to the delightful Castle Park, it enjoys a prime location just a short stroll from the renowned Colchester Castle Museum and the Firstsite Gallery of Visual Arts. Despite its tranquil setting, it remains only minutes from the bustling town centre and its extensive range of shops and amenities. Strong road and rail connections including the A12 to London and nearby coastal towns such as Clacton. The Foresters extends a warm, traditional, and refined welcome to both locals and visitors alike.

Pub Layout

The trading area at The Foresters is situated entirely on the ground floor in an open plan layout. The bar faces the welcoming entrance and serves a well-appointed space featuring a variety of seating arrangements suitable for drinking, dining, and informal socialising. Directly behind the main bar is a fully equipped commercial kitchen, allowing for efficient food service. At the rear of the bar, is the ground floor cellar, which has been recently refurbished to a high standard. At the front of the pub, there is space to accommodate up to four benches, providing a pleasant outdoor seating area. Although there is no dedicated parking, a public car park is conveniently located directly opposite.

The Foresters is a well-regarded hostelry serving both residents and visitors to the area, including those visiting the Castle, Castle Park, the nearby four-star hotel, or the city centre shops. It enjoys an excellent reputation for real ales, holding Cask Marque accreditation, and is known for its good home-cooked food, although this has been somewhat limited in recent times. The current licensees are retiring, presenting an opportunity to develop the business further, potentially through extended opening hours and an expanded food offering.

Private Accommodation

The private accommodation is in very good order, which is a two-bedroom apartment housing its own kitchen, bathroom and lounge.

Annual Rent: £21,500

Security Deposit: £5,000

Working Capital: £5,000

Stock: £5,000

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.

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 *