Honest Boy, Washington

Admiral Taverns are seeking a community-focused licensee who will fully embed themselves within the local area, actively engaging with nearby businesses and charities. A catering background would be an advantage, though it is not essential. Strong local knowledge is required, alongside a keen interest in sport particularly local team sports to further develop and enhance the existing offer. The successful candidate will possess a strong marketing mindset, sound business acumen, and a keen eye for detail, ensuring exceptional standards are consistently maintained throughout the pub.

The Honest Boy is situated in the heart of the village of Blackfell, Washington. The village comprises a range of local amenities and independent businesses, as well as a primary school. Blackfell is a densely populated area, resulting in a number of surrounding chimney pots overlooking the pub. When Washington New Town was developed, each village was provided with its own industrial estate to support local employment. The Honest Boy benefits from strong transport links, with easy access to major roads including the A1(M), and is served by regular bus services throughout the day.

Pub Layout

The Honest Boy comprises two main trading areas. Recently refurbished both internally and externally to a high standard, the main bar can comfortably accommodate up to fifty covers, with flexible loose seating and space for vertical drinking. This area also features a wall of dartboards, a pool table, multiple televisions, and a large projector screen, making it ideal for live sporting events throughout the year. Adjoining the main bar is a spacious function room that performs well for local family celebrations, live music and private parties. Tastefully refurbished, the room offers a combination of low-level bench seating and loose seating, with a blend of wooden and tiled flooring. Attractive wall coverings are complemented by a lower seating area featuring carpeted flooring and softer furnishings, creating a versatile and welcoming space for both diners and private events. A prominent bar and dedicated DJ booth further enhance the room’s appeal. The lounge/function room is accessible via the pub or through a separate external entrance.

The Honest Boy currently trades successfully with a premium drinks offering, complemented by a traditional and affordable food menu. The pub is extremely popular with the local community and performs particularly well when showing live sporting events. In addition, a number of pool and darts teams are based at the pub, regularly hosting fixtures as part of their respective local leagues.

Private Accommodation

The private accommodation is located on the first floor of the pub and is generously spacious, with three bedrooms, kitchen, living room and a bathroom.

Annual Rent: £20,990

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

Working Capital: £2,000

Stock: £5,000

Fixtures and Fittings: To be confirmed upon valuation  – funding options available for the right licensee.

Zero Business Rates*  Based on the draft rating list for April 2026, 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 *

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 – £65.86 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 draft rating list for April 2026, 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 *

Low Business Rates** – Based on the draft rating list for April 2026, this has been estimated using the new Supporting Small Business Scheme (SSBS) limiting rates payable to circa £1000 in 2026/27. Please note this applies only to pubs marked with ** and SSBS may be subject to future changes by HMG.