Royal Oak, Long Bennington

The Royal Oak represents an exciting and rewarding opportunity for an experienced and motivated licensee to take the reins of a well established pub with a strong existing customer base. With its solid wet trade and clear demand for an expanded food offering, the site is perfectly positioned for further growth. The ideal licensee(s) will bring a clear vision for the future of the pub, coupled with the drive to deliver consistent, high‑quality standards. A strong and proactive approach to social media will be essential in order to engage the local community, raise the profile of the pub, and build momentum behind new initiatives. There is significant potential to enhance the current offer at the Royal Oak by developing the food menu, creating a compelling rhythm of the week, and driving regular activity that keeps customers returning. With the right leadership, energy, and creativity, the Royal Oak can continue to thrive and reach its full potential.

The Royal Oak stands as a much-loved village pub and restaurant at the heart of Long Bennington, celebrated for its excellent food, warm hospitality, and inviting beer garden. A true hub of local life, it offers a welcoming setting for both residents and visitors alike, blending traditional charm with a vibrant, community-focused atmosphere. Positioned within the well-connected village of Long Bennington in the South Kesteven district of Lincolnshire, the area enjoys a prime location just off the A1, providing excellent road links to nearby Newark, Grantham, and further afield to Lincoln and Nottingham. Surrounded by picturesque countryside, the village is ideal for those who enjoy walking and cycling, with a network of scenic routes and easy access to neighbouring villages. Rich in history and community spirit, Long Bennington remains a thriving and desirable village, perfectly balancing rural tranquillity with connectivity. Regular bus services link the village to surrounding towns, while rail connections can be found at nearby Grantham and Newark stations, offering direct routes to London and other major cities.

Pub Layout

 The pub enjoys a well earned reputation for quality home cooked food, providing a solid platform from which to enhance the overall offer while remaining true to its much-loved character. At the heart of its success is a loyal customer base, with the front bar coming to life during evenings and weekends, creating a vibrant and sociable atmosphere that underpins the pub’s role within the community. A new operator may look to refine and develop the food offering, combining traditional pub favourites with rotating specials to keep the menu fresh and appealing, while continuing to deliver the consistency and quality customers have come to expect. Introducing well-planned weekly promotions, such as themed food nights or value-led offers, can help drive repeat visits and strengthen midweek trade, while the use of locally sourced produce would further enhance the quality of the menu and reinforce community connections. In addition, there is clear scope to build on the pub’s lively atmosphere through events such as quiz nights, live music, and seasonal gatherings, helping to broaden its appeal and attract a wider audience. With the right balance of tradition, innovation, and community engagement, The Royal Oak is perfectly positioned to grow even further as a thriving and much-valued village hub.

Private Accommodation

The private accommodation consists of two bedrooms, bathroom, lounge and kitchen.

Annual Rent: £27,000

Security Deposit:£6,875 or the equivalent of three months’ rent, whichever is greater

Working Capital: £4,000

Stock: £3,500

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

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.

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.