Ox & Plough, Washington

The Ox & Plough requires an experienced licensee(s) with a proven background in running a pub and food operation. Applicants must demonstrate a genuine passion for operating a successful community local and be cheerful, sociable and approachable, acting as a friendly and welcoming presence behind the bar. The successful licensee will have the ability to cater for a broad range of customers across different age groups and backgrounds, continuing to support the existing customer base while also attracting less frequent and new users. Actively marketing the function room, developing a stronger and more profitable bar offering, and delivering a traditional yet affordable food menu will be key drivers of income growth. Excellent retail standards, a well-planned calendar of sport and entertainment, and a strong knowledge of the local area will be advantageous, as the pub is highly valued by the community and has both the scope and location to operate as a true hub of local life.

The Ox & Plough is a well-established community pub located in Washington, Tyne & Wear. Historically part of County Durham, Washington is the ancestral home of the Washington family, from whom George Washington descended. Situated on a residential community estate and adjacent to a local parade of shops, the Ox & Plough naturally serves as a hub for the surrounding neighbourhood. The pub benefits from excellent accessibility, with frequent local bus services stopping nearby and a shared community car park providing convenient parking for visitors. The surrounding woodland attracts walkers and outdoor enthusiasts, while the absence of another pub within almost a mile presents a strong opportunity to capture footfall from nearby households and passers-by alike.

Pub Layout

The Ox & Plough benefits from two distinct trading areas, offering flexibility and broad appeal. The main bar area features televised live sports, a darts board and pool table, creating a lively and informal atmosphere. Fixed perimeter seating is complemented by high bar stools and loose tables and chairs, with wooden and tiled flooring adding to the relaxed, traditional pub feel. The lounge area has been tastefully refurbished and centres around a prominent bar, traditional furnishings and a log burner, creating a warm and inviting environment. Wooden floors and exposed brick feature walls further enhance the character of this space. A small raised, carpeted area accessed by a few steps provides softer seating and leads through French doors to the beer garden. Externally, a beautifully paved beer garden wraps around three sides of the pub and enjoys attractive views over the surrounding woodland. The availability of a shared community car park further enhances accessibility, supporting the Ox & Plough’s offer as a vibrant and sociable community pub.

The Ox & Plough is a popular community pub offering a strong range of food and drink. Predominantly wet-led, the pub benefits from pool and darts teams, live televised sports and regular live music and karaoke, all of which drive strong weekly trade. The site currently offers a traditional food menu alongside a dedicated children’s menu, helping to rebalance the wet and dry mix and increase overall footfall. Further potential exists to grow the existing sports teams and expand the use of the large lounge as a dedicated function space for private hire. Maximising private functions and introducing local charity and community events would further strengthen the Ox & Plough’s position as a true hub of the local community.

Private Accommodation

The private accommodation is located on the first floor of the pub and comprises: three large bedrooms, a kitchen, living room and bathroom.

Annual Rent: £22,250

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

Working Capital: £2,000

Stock: £5,000

Fixtures and Fittings: To be confirmed upon valuation  – funding options available for the right licensee.

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 *

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.