Kingsland Tavern, Southampton

Admiral are seeking a passionate and experienced licensee who can harness the energy of live sport, particularly football, to drive wet sales and maximise the match day atmosphere. With Southampton FC on the doorstep, this site needs a licensee who can build on its reputation as a home fans’ favourite, introducing a simple back-bar food offer to keep supporters fuelled before and after the game. We’re seeking someone who is community-focused, ideally with local knowledge, who will embrace the passion of the fan base, strengthen ties with the community, and establish darts, pool, and other sports teams to cement the Kingsland Tavern as the go-to sports hub of St Mary’s. A drive to enhance the drinks range, retail standards, and customer service is essential, ensuring the pub delivers the very best match day and weekend experience. We are eager to invest in the right licensee and support them in growing the pub’s success.

The Kingsland Tavern is one of Southampton’s older pubs, having been a pub since the 1820’s. The pub occupies a good sized corner plot, looking out over both St Marys Street and Kingsland Square. Having the fortune of being located in a densely populated area of Southampton, the Kingsland is just a five minute walk from the city centre and under 10 minutes from St Marys Stadium, home of Southampton FC. It is surrounded by retail outlets on St Marys Street and is situated opposite the Kingsland housing estate, near to Palmerston Park.

Pub Layout

The pub is a prominent two-storey property, with its main frontage and entrance located on St Mary’s Street, and a side elevation facing Kingsland Square. Outside, there is a generously sized drinking area set within the square itself, conveniently accessed via the side door from the trade area. Inside, the eye is instantly drawn to the large horseshoe shaped bar, which sits at the heart of the pub. To the left, there is low-level loose seating and a dedicated darts area, with direct access to the external drinking space. To the right, fixed seating runs along the front window, leading on to the ever-popular pool table. The space is enhanced by several flatscreen TVs and games machines, creating a lively and social atmosphere throughout.

The Kingsland is a wet-led pub with a strong focus on live sports. A firm favourite among Southampton FC supporters, it attracts a large influx of fans on every match day, both before and after the game. At weekends, and following most home fixtures at St Mary’s, the pub also offers music and entertainment, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere. There is scope to enhance the offer further by introducing a simple back-bar snack menu, such as pies, pasties, and hot dogs, to complement the live sports experience. In addition, there is potential to re-establish regular darts and pool teams, joining local leagues and hosting both home and away fixtures, which would help to build repeat trade and a stronger community following.

Private Accommodation

On the first floor is the private accommodation consisting of four bedrooms, a living room, bathroom and kitchen.

Annual Rent: £28,000

Security Deposit: Initial deposit of £2,500 building up to £5,000 or the equivalent of three months’ rent, whichever is greater.

Working Capital: £3,000

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 *