Golden Ball, Oxford

The key to driving the Golden Ball forward will be building on its loyal customer base by engaging with local community groups and introducing regular weekly and monthly activities. There is clear scope to develop the offer by introducing food, enhancing the rhythm of the week with consistent live entertainment, and capitalising on matchday trade from nearby Oxford United. The large, well-presented beer garden also provides significant potential for outdoor events and seasonal trading.

The Golden Ball is located in Littlemore, a well-populated suburb on the edge of Oxford, just two miles from the city centre. Primarily residential, the area combines older terraced housing with newer estates, giving it a varied character. Despite its growth, Littlemore retains a strong sense of identity; many residents still refer to it as a “village,” and it has more of its own community feel than some other Oxford suburbs. The Golden Ball is a historic pub at the heart of this community, alongside the George Inn, both of which serve as important local hubs. The area benefits from excellent transport links into Oxford and easy access to the A34, which provides connections to both the M40 and M4, making it well placed for visitors and residents alike.

Pub Layout

The pub has been fully refurbished both inside and out, creating a welcoming and well-presented venue. A single bar servery efficiently serves both trading areas, making the pub easy to operate and manage. The décor features a mix of fixed and loose seating, complemented by soft furnishings that create a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a meal in the bar, watch live sport, or take part in the games on offer. The pub is equipped with a pool table and darts oche, catering to both local teams and casual players. To the rear, there is one of the finest pub gardens in the area, complete with ample seating, a brand-new traditional Aunt Sally throw, and plenty of space for outdoor enjoyment. The pub also benefits from parking for 6–8 cars to the front and side. Private accommodation is in excellent condition, situated in a highly sought-after residential area, making this an excellent opportunity for both business and lifestyle.

Our current Licensee has reinvigorated this pub back to being a real heart of the local community.  The Golden Ball is a mid-market community pub with a solid drinks-led offer. It trades well following a full internal and external refurbishment and allows the new licensee solid foundations to build upon and further develop the offer to include food. The single bar serves two trading areas, with pool, darts, and live sport forming a core part of the offer. Entertainment is currently part of the mix, though delivered on a limited basis.

Private Accommodation

The private accommodation is of an excellent standard and consists of secure office space and a self-contained flat with two large rooms, kitchen and two bathrooms.

Annual Rent: £19,500

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

Working Capital: £5,000

Stock: £3,000

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 *