Fox Inn, Gosport

The Fox Inn is a well-established community pub and one of the oldest in Gosport, offering a fantastic opportunity for an individual or couple to make their mark. The new licensee will have the chance to relaunch a food offer, enhance the overall retail experience, and develop the entertainment programme to drive trade. A strong online presence to market the pub, along with a passion for great ale and fostering a community-focused atmosphere, will be key to success.

The Fox Inn is a traditional and attractive wet led pub based behind the busy high street of Gosport. It is situated adjacent to a densely populated residential area, surrounded by plenty of shops and businesses. The pub and high street are approximately 300 meters from the Gosport Espanade and the Marina which overlooks Portsmouth harbour Gunwharf Quays and the Solent. The pub is easily accessible via North Street and nearby main roads A32 and A27, with regular bus services to Portsmouth, Fareham, and surrounding areas, and close connections to the Gosport Ferry for travel across the harbour.

Pub Layout

The Fox Inn comprises of two separate trade areas, each with its own external entrance. The two areas can also be opened up into a single space via an internal door and are served from one central bar servery. A kitchen and food preparation area is located at the rear of the property. The pub was refurbished in 2020 and has been well maintained, with fixtures and fittings in good order throughout. Externally, there is a patio garden to the right-hand side, providing a sun trap for summer and seating for customers. While there is no dedicated pub car park, there is plenty of nearby off-road parking, as well as a public pay-and-display car park adjacent to the pub.

The Fox Inn is primarily a successful, wet-led community pub, serving a wide range of lagers, cask ales, and ciders. A sports package helps drive weekly sales, while the pub also offers darts, pool, and live entertainment to keep customers engaged. There is significant potential to develop a food offer, providing an opportunity to take the Fox Inn to the next level.

Private Accommodation

The domestic accommodation consists of two double bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen and a lounge. There is a separate entrance to the private accommodation meaning it can be accessed independently.

Annual Rent: £19,500 – Starting rent options to be discussed

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

Working Capital: £5,000

Stock: £5,000

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 *