Old Salt, Largs

Admiral Taverns is seeking a passionate, community-focused licensee to take on this exciting opportunity following a significant investment. Old Salt, formerly Macaulay’s is a genuine community pub with strong local support and exceptional potential for further growth. Warm, welcoming, and full of character, it serves as a true social hub for the area. We’re looking for a hands-on licensee with the energy and enthusiasm to build lasting local connections and drive the business forward. With excellent scope to develop both local and seasonal trade, particularly during the busy March to October period, the right licensee(s) will pair great hospitality with effective marketing, especially across social media, to raise the pub’s profile and attract new customers. There is also the opportunity to introduce a simple, value-led back-bar food offer to complement the existing drinks range and enhance the overall customer experience. For a well-funded and motivated individual with a clear vision and strong community spirit, this represents an outstanding chance to put their stamp on a thriving, well-invested pub.

The Old Salt, formerly Macaulay’s  is located in the bustling town of Largs, on the Firth of Clyde in North Ayrshire, Scotland just 33 miles from Glasgow. A beloved seaside resort, Largs is steeped in history and renowned for its Viking heritage, celebrated each year in early September during the vibrant Largs Viking Festival. This popular event draws visitors from across the country with its lively re-enactments, markets, and coastal festivities. The town itself is a haven for tourists, offering scenic coastal walks, charming cafés, and family-friendly attractions. With excellent transport links including direct rail services to Glasgow Central, the A78 coastal route by car, and a regular bus service, Largs is easily accessible from nearby towns such as Greenock, Ardrossan, and Irvine, making it an easy and enjoyable destination to visit.

Pub Layout

The newly refurbished Old Salt is a single-room, wet-led operation with an efficient layout that maximises visibility and accessibility. A galley-style bar positioned along the rear wall, acts as the focal point of the venue. The bar is currently stocked with value-driven products, reflecting the site’s positioning as an accessible, community-focused venue. The room benefits from high-level windows facing the main road, allowing for ample natural light and enhancing the open, welcoming feel of the interior. Seating is a combination of fixed bench seating paired with low-level tables and loose chairs, offering flexibility for both small groups and larger social gatherings. The flooring is a mix of durable tiling around the bar and carpeted area by the seating areas, which help to create a warmer feel. Multiple wall-mounted TVs display live sporting events throughout the day, supporting a sports-led entertainment.

Private Accommodation

The private accommodation is accessed via a separate entrance at the rear of the pub and comprises two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a shower room. As part of the recent refurbishment, the accommodation has been fully refurbished, providing modern, comfortable living space for the licensee(s).

Annual Rent: £33,700. Please note that Fixtures and Fittings are included within the annual rent.

Security Deposit: £5,000

Working Capital: £3,000

Stock: £3,000

Tie: Free of Tie on wine spirits and minerals.

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.