Lochar Inn, Heathhall

Admiral Taverns are seeking to appoint a dynamic and experienced licensee who is multi-skilled, well-funded, and ready to maximise the trading opportunities that will follow a significant planned investment in this site. The ideal licensee will be community-focused, becoming the face of the business and at the heart of local life. They will have a genuine passion for traditional pub activities, enjoying classic games such as darts and pool, as well as sharing in the excitement of horse racing and live sport, both of which remain key focal points of the Lochar Inn’s current offer. A strong background in food is also essential, as there is considerable potential to expand and develop a quality food proposition that will attract both locals and visitors. With its excellent location and the upcoming major housing development nearby, the Lochar Inn is perfectly positioned to establish itself as a thriving community hub while also appealing to destination diners. This represents a fantastic opportunity for a motivated and hands-on licensee to take the business forward and make it truly their own.

The Lochar Inn is located in a predominant road side position on the A701, the main route from Dumfries through Heathall. This road has direct links to the A74 leading North to Glasgow and Edinburgh, South to Carlisle and West to Stranraer. Located in the market town of Dumfries, near the mouth of the River Nith this former royal burgh since 1186 is steeped in history due to its many associations with Robert Burns who lived there in the 1790’s. and is nicknamed Queen of the South, known for the the name of the towns professional football club.

Pub Layout

This roadside pub is located on a busy main road. The main bar runs along the back of the room for the majority of this single storey building. With its dark wood features, high stool seating area and traditional brass features this is the focal point of the room, bring both the games area and lounge area together. This galley style bar area is a mixture of fixed and loose seating with a pool table and darts board to the right of the bar incorporating the traditional pub games. TV’s adorn the walls promoting live sport too. The lounge area is comfortable but requires some modernisation. The fixed booth areas, alongside the mixture of fixed and loose seating area makes this the perfect dining area with scope to improve the food offer. The small decked terrace area provides some outside seating alongside onsite car parking facilities making this the perfect destination site.

The Lochar Inn is a thriving and well-established pub, renowned for its strong wet-led trade that is perfectly complemented by a growing food offer. Live sport and entertainment play a central role in the pub’s appeal, with regular live music performances, quiz nights, and karaoke evenings creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere that attracts a diverse range of customers. With a favourable sales mix and limited local competition for quality pub dining, there is a significant opportunity to further enhance the food offer through thoughtful menu development and investment. Situated in a prominent roadside location, the Lochar Inn also benefits from excellent visibility and substantial passing trade, making it the ideal destination for both locals and visitors alike. This combination of a vibrant entertainment schedule, strong drinks trade, and potential for food growth positions the Lochar Inn as a standout community pub with real potential for future success.

Private Accommodation

There is no private accommodation with this site.

Annual Rent: £22,000

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

Working Capital: £2,000

Stock: £2,000

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.

Admiral Taverns are considering a significant investment in this site upon completion of the current five-year agreement. The proposed works will deliver a comprehensive transformation both externally and internally, enhancing the overall appeal and customer experience. Externally, the investment will include a full redecoration of the building, complemented by new signage and upgraded lighting to improve visibility and kerb appeal. Structural works will also be undertaken where required to ensure the building remains in excellent condition. Internally, the site will undergo a full redecoration featuring distinctive wall coverings, new flooring, upgraded lighting, and refreshed soft furnishings to create a welcoming and contemporary atmosphere. A new pool table and a dedicated feature darts lane will further enhance the entertainment offer. The toilets will be fully refurbished, with the ladies receiving new toilets and the gents benefitting from new urinals. Both areas will be fitted with modern vanity units, new flooring, and stylish wall coverings, providing a high-quality finish throughout.

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 *