Red Lion, Sleaford

The Red Lion is situated in the small town of Ruskington, approximately five miles from Sleaford and thirty minutes from Newark/A1 and Lincoln. It is a medium sized detached property set in its own grounds adjacent to the local shopping area. There is a significant amount of mixed housing just a short walk from the pub with the opportunity to attract diners from the nearby town of Sleaford and the surrounding hamlets. The area has schools, shops and other amenities to cater for its developing demographics.

Pub Layout

The layout and amenities of the Red Lion pub are fantastic for fostering a welcoming and versatile atmosphere. With the open-plan L-shaped trading room, there is plenty of space to socialize, enjoy pub sports like pool and darts, or relax in the designated dining area. The large bar with a view of all trading areas ensures efficient service and a convivial atmosphere. The mix of loose and fixed seating provides options for different group sizes and preferences, while the log burner adds a cosy touch, particularly during colder months. The presence of a fully equipped catering kitchen behind the bar presents an excellent opportunity to expand the pub’s offerings with a food menu. The small picket-fenced patio at the front of the pub offers a charming space for alfresco drinking or dining, while the large car park provides convenient parking for patrons. The fenced-off lawned rear garden with a children’s play area adds another dimension to the pub’s appeal.

The pub currently trades mainly as a drinks orientated operation but there is an opportunity to further develop the current food offer supplied from the fully equipped catering kitchen as the current wet/dry split is 80/20. The majority of current business comes from late afternoon and evening trade with food mainly being served at lunchtimes later in the week but there’s a great opportunity to build on the offer by opening all day every day i.e breakfasts.

There is an excellent range of keg beers, lagers & ciders with an excellent opportunity to develop a cask ale offer along with a fantastic range of wines, spirits and soft drinks. The current food offer comprises of a traditional home cooked pub food menu supplemented with sandwiches and lighter bites.

Private Accommodation

The private accommodation is located on the first floor and can be accessed internally which consists of three bedrooms, a family bathroom, lounge and kitchen. The accommodation is in good order.

Annual Rent: £18,500

Security Deposit: £5,000

Working Capital: £4,000

Stock: £3,000

Business Rates: £Nil. Based on the April 2023 rating list, the Zero Rates Payable is based on small business rates relief being applied 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.

Training: £325 plus VAT

For a breakdown on financial information, please refer to the ‘Additional Info’ tab.

Ideally the licensee should have experience in a community focused environment with some experience of producing and delivering a reasonable hot and cold food menu. They should be familiar and skilful with modern marketing techniques as this is a small town but is surrounded by several villages. Engaging marketing is key to attracting from these communities to increase wet footfall and drive the food offer.

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 – Before signing a long term agreement, you will be required to attend our 7 Steps to Sales Success training programme.  Held online over three days, you will learn marketing and business strategies that will help you to grow sales in your pub – step-by-step.

Service Charge Cost – £60.89 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 and the licensee only occupying one property for commercial purposes.  Please note, this only applies to pubs marked with an Asterix *