Plough, Witney

The Plough is a traditional stone terraced Cotswold pub situated in the highly desirable Oxfordshire town of Witney. Witney boasts all the benefits of sitting on the River Windrush on the southern edge of the Cotswolds, some 12 miles West of Oxford. Witney is a thriving market town with around 27,000 residents in over 10,000 households making it the largest town in West Oxfordshire, with a unique blend of history, culture and shopping it’s a great destination for visitors and a wonderful place to live. The pub itself is located minutes from the high street which is home to trendy cafés, restaurants and bars along with a variety of boutique shops. The famous Blenheim Palace is less than 10 miles away in the nearby market town of Woodstock.

Pub Layout

The Plough is Witney’s oldest pub, full of charm and character. Behind its modest frontage lies a surprisingly spacious interior, featuring a cosy traditional bar with a central open fire and a mix of fixed and loose seating. Toward the rear, you’ll find a fully equipped kitchen, customer toilets, and access to a beautifully landscaped riverside garden with decking, quality furniture, and an outdoor bar—perfect for summer trade. The pub also includes a characterful function room with stone walls, low beams, and space for up to 50 guests, making it ideal for private events.

The pub offers a premium experience, serving a quality selection of premium beers and well-kept cask ales. It has an established food trade with potential to expand and increase covers. A key highlight is the riverside garden, which becomes a standout feature during the summer months, attracting strong seasonal trade. Additionally, the upper-level function room provides a flexible space for small private events and meetings, adding to the venue’s overall appeal and versatility.

Private Accommodation

The private accommodation consists of three good sized bedrooms, lounge, kitchen and bathroom. There is also a further room which can be used as an office or store room.

Annual Rent: TBC

Security Deposit: £5,000

Working Capital: £5,000

Stock: £5,000

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.

Admiral Taverns are seeking an experienced licensee or enthusiastic couple with a proven ability to deliver a high-quality food offer. The ideal candidate will have a passion for great food and beer, a commitment to outstanding hospitality, and the drive to create a welcoming atmosphere. Strong marketing skills and an awareness of current industry trends will be key to maximising the pub’s potential and engaging the local community.

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 *