Masons Arms, Dinnington

Situated in the heart of the Northumberland village of Dinnington, this traditional community pub enjoys a prime position in the village marketplace. Just a short drive from Newcastle Airport and conveniently located off the main A1 route heading north, the pub benefits from excellent accessibility. The area has seen substantial residential development in recent years, with over 300 new homes completed within the village and a further 300 currently under construction on its outskirts. This rapid growth has significantly boosted the local population, increasing demand for quality hospitality venues and creating an exciting opportunity for a well-positioned community local.

Pub Layout

The Masons Arms boasts a versatile and welcoming layout, perfectly suited to cater to both casual drinkers and diners alike. The pub benefits from two separate entrances—one leading into the main bar area, and the other into the lounge/function room. The main bar features a traditional dark wood bar that serves both sides of the pub. It offers a warm and characterful atmosphere, enhanced by wooden flooring, high stools at the bar, and benched seating running along the wall opposite with large windows allowing plenty of natural light. Low-level tables and chairs, gaming machines and TVs showing live sport complete the picture, making this a classic, welcoming bar area ideal for regulars and sports fans. The lounge/function room offers a softer, more relaxed ambiance, currently used for dining and events. This carpeted space seats approximately 50–60 people, with a mix of benched seating and low-level tables. Again, large windows allow for ample natural light, making it a bright and comfortable environment suitable for private functions, family meals, or community gatherings. To the front of the property, a decked beer garden provides a charming suntrap, perfect for outdoor drinking during warmer months. To the rear, a large car park offers 12 parking spaces, adding convenience for customers and helping support higher-capacity events.

This well-established community local currently trades with a strong emphasis on its traditional home-cooked food offering, which has built a solid reputation in the area. The pub is particularly well-regarded for its popular Sunday lunch trade, catering to a wide customer base across all age groups and demographics. While the food-led business forms a reliable foundation, there is significant untapped potential to grow the wet side of the trade. With the right licensee, there’s an opportunity to introduce a more defined rhythm of the week—including activities such as quiz nights, live music, and themed events—as well as to attract local teams and develop a more vibrant evening and community social scene.

Private Accommodation

The private accommodation is a beautiful recently refurbished 3 bedroomed flat with separate kitchen, lounge and bathroom.

Annual Rent: TBC – Initial start up rent £384.60 (net) per week

Security Deposit: £5,000

Working Capital: £2,5000

Stock: £5,000

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.

The Masons Arms is a well-established and ideally located pub at the heart of the growing village of Dinnington. To unlock its full potential, Admiral Taverns are looking for a passionate, community-focused licensee—ideally someone local who understands the unique character of Dinnington and its place within Northumberland. A strong background in catering is essential, given the pub’s successful foundation built on traditional, home-cooked food and a popular Sunday lunch trade. The ideal licensee will pair this with entrepreneurial flair and hospitality experience, bringing new ideas to grow both the food and drink sides of the business. To truly thrive, it requires a clear and consistent weekly rhythm, bold sales-driving initiatives, and an unwavering commitment to exceptional hospitality. The offer should deliver strong value cues to drive footfall while also appealing to the premium market with a carefully curated product mix that enhances the overall guest experience.

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 – This sum of money will be held on your account and will be returned to you on exiting of the pub based on your final account balance and the condition of the property.  Our standard deposit is 25% of the headline rent.  On occasion, we can negotiate a lower security deposit with the aim to build up to our full deposit on a long term agreement.

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 *