Stag Bar, Dumfries

The Stag Bar is prominently situated on Bank Street in the historic market town of Dumfries. As a former royal burgh since 1186, Dumfries is rich in history, notably due to its many associations with the poet Robert Burns, who lived there in the 1790s. The town is affectionately nicknamed “Queen of the South,” a name also adopted by the local professional football club. Dumfries benefits from excellent transport links. The A74 motorway provides northbound connections to Glasgow and Edinburgh, while the A75 offers an eastbound route that links to the southbound M6, facilitating travel to England. Additionally, Dumfries lies on the Glasgow South Western rail line, ensuring convenient rail connections to major cities.

Pub Layout

Despite its central location in the heart of Dumfries, the Stag Bar has steadfastly remained a genuine community pub. Currently operating as a drinks-only venue, it offers a warm and inviting atmosphere including some televised sports and its own darts board. The pub has become a cornerstone for local residents, known for its friendly environment and role as a social hub for meeting friends.

Private Accommodation

There is no private accommodation at this site.

Annual Rent: £30,000

Security Deposit: £5,000

Working Capital: £2,000

Stock: £3,000

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.

Training: £325 plus VAT

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

Admiral Taverns are looking for an individual or couple who are not only passionate about interacting with people but also have the drive and skills to run a successful town centre business. Knowledge of the local area would be advantageous, however the desire to balance a town centre site whilst creating a positive impact on the local community, whether through events, promotions, or simply providing a welcoming environment is key. The ability to enhance the existing offerings and introduce new ideas like an active rhythm of the week to attract more customers and increase revenue whilst honouring the legacy of the current licensees by carrying on their successful initiatives will ensure the success of the business and establish the Stag Bar as a central hub of the community.

As this pub is also available to purchase, we are initially looking for a short term licensee for this site, however, should they potentially wish to stay longer term, this may be available for further discussion.

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 *