Horse & Jockey, Lancashire

Michelle Ryan, Business Development Manager, describes this as a fantastic opportunity for a new operator. The successful applicant must have a strong knowledge of sport, as this is a predominantly sports-focused pub. A passion for delivering high standards is essential, along with a genuine commitment to keeping the local community at the heart of everything you do. While this is not a large entertainment-led venue, the incoming operator should have ideas they could introduce where appropriate and, most importantly, the confidence to focus on driving and adding value to the pub’s sports offer. This would make a superb starter pub, and the ideal operator will hold a personal licence.

Introducing the Horse & Jockey, in Heywood. Sadly due to personal reasons this little gem of a pub has become available. The Horse & Jockey benefits from a strong local position within Heywood. The pub sits on a well used connecting road, providing good drive by visibility and steady passing trade. The immediate neighbourhood is predominantly residential, with local customers able to walk to the venue easily. A small cluster of convenience shops and services sits within walking distance.

Pub Layout

As you enter the pub, the bar is located in the centre of the pub, the bar is well stocked and offers a varied and well balanced product range, showcasing category leading brands alongside regular weekly promotions, delivering exceptional value for money. Except great value for money and payday parties six times a year. There is a darts board which is well used by locals and the new operator may want to launch a local darts teams, with this being so popular amongst all ages it would without be welcomed by the community. There are four well positioned  TV screens ensuring the customers can enjoy all the live matches and racing from all aspects of the pub. The pub is in good condition throughout with both tiled and carpeted areas creating that zone feel without separation. There is both loose and fixed seating throughout with space for all to relax and enjoy a drink with friends or watch the action on the TV screens. Externally there is a small but perfectly formed courtyard to the rear the pub.

The Horse & Jockey trades as a community sports pub with horse racing as its standout attraction during the day with the locals. Major events such as Cheltenham and Ascot are treated as key trading opportunities, drawing strong attendance and creating a lively, sociable atmosphere. Broader sports coverage on Sky and BT Sports adds to the year round appeal, positioning the pub as a dependable venue for viewing live fixtures and with 2026 being the year of sport there is many opportunities to really maximise sales in this little gem of a pub. Alongside televised sport, the pub thrives on activities that encourage regular mid week visits, including a quiz night and the occasional live music. There are opportunities to maximise on fun pub games, such as chase the ace and bingo. Establishing a darts team and strengthening involvement in local leagues would further reinforce the pub’s role within the community.

Private Accommodation

The Private accommodation is a one bedroom well maintained flat. It has a separate sitting room, kitchen/diner and a bathroom. All is in a good condition throughout. An ideal space for an individual or couple to call home.

Security deposit: £2,000

No rent applicable on this agreement

Estimated Annual Turnover (Net): £280,000

This opportunity is for you to run your pub as a self-employed manager. Admiral Taverns take care of all the running costs including rates, utilities, stock and day to day running costs whilst you take home 18.5% of the net weekly sales, all employment costs relating to your staff and any council tax and TV licence for the residential quarters.

All new operators have comprehensive free training as part of their agreement.

• 7 Steps to Sales Success Training Programme.  Held online over one day, you will learn marketing and business strategies that will help you to grow sales in your pub – step-by-step.
• E-Learning Training for you and your staff. Featuring more than 30 courses for both you and your staff, you’ll have access to a wide range of topics from Compliance, Health and Safety to Personal Development and Wellbeing.