Olde Market Inn, Whitburn

Admiral Taverns is seeking a dynamic, community-focused licensee (or couple) to take on this exciting pub opportunity. This opportunity would suit either a first-time licensee eager to make their mark or an experienced licensee looking to develop a thriving community pub. The successful applicant will be passionate about growing the business and driving beer volumes while maintaining a retail offer that reflects the pub’s location and existing customer base. They will be committed to creating a safe, inclusive and vibrant social hub that appeals to all generations. Success in this pub will come from establishing a strong rhythm of the week, including quiz nights, live music, charity fundraisers, team sports and live sport, alongside building partnerships with local groups and charities. A strong and creative marketing plan will be key to embedding the pub at the heart of local life and increasing passing footfall.

The Olde Market Inn occupies a prominent position on Whitburn’s main street, surrounded by local shops that generate strong passing footfall. Whitburn is a historic town on the south bank of the River Almond in West Lothian, Scotland, ideally located midway between Scotland’s two largest cities, approximately 23 miles east of Glasgow and 22 miles west of Edinburgh. Steeped in history, Whitburn was traditionally a mining town until the closure of the local colliery in the 1980s and later benefited from the presence of the renowned Levi Strauss clothing manufacturer. The town is currently experiencing significant regeneration and investment. Whitburn is well connected with regular bus services, excellent road access via the M8 motorway and nearby train stations at Armadale and Bathgate.

Pub Layout

The bar is a cosy, single-room operation, with a prominent bar immediately visible upon entry. To the right of the entrance sits a pool table, providing a focal point for socialising and games. Two large windows overlooking the main street fill the space with natural light, enhancing the welcoming atmosphere. The wooden flooring complements the bench seating arranged in intimate snug sections, paired with low-level tables and chairs. High poser tables line the front of the bar, which is adorned with high stools, creating an authentic traditional “olde worldly” pub feel. TVs are positioned around the room, broadcasting live sports and racing. The toilets are conveniently located to the left of the bar.

The Olde Market Inn is a classic, wet-led pub, buzzing with live sports and team games, supported by a loyal and friendly customer base. It features a pool table and offers the perfect opportunity to add a dartboard and host local teams, creating even more community engagement and footfall.

Private Accommodation

There is no private accommodation with this site.

Annual Rent: £30,000

Security Deposit: £5,000

Working Capital: £2,000

Stock: £2,000

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 – £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.