Three Bottles, Halstead

The Three Bottles represents a hidden gem within a well-supported village, benefitting from a strong A-road location and significant untapped potential. An experienced individual or couple leading from the front would be ideally placed to elevate the pub into one of the best in the area, building a reputation for traditional, high-quality hospitality delivered with consistency and care. By strengthening the core drinks offer, particularly real ales, and introducing well-planned, locally relevant events, the pub could broaden its appeal beyond its immediate regulars while remaining firmly rooted in the village. Enhancing its role as a true community hub, a new licensee could engage local residents through regular social events, partnerships with nearby producers, and effective use of social media to promote what’s on offer. Greater use of the external spaces would allow for seasonal trading opportunities, village gatherings, and summer events that take advantage of the pub’s attractive setting. With strong leadership, excellent standards, and a hands-on approach, The Three Bottles has the potential to become a well-known and much-loved pub in its immediate vicinity, celebrated for doing the fundamentals of traditional hospitality exceptionally well while trading successfully across multiple dayparts.

Pub Layout

The Three Bottles offers a well-balanced and characterful pub layout that combines traditional features with flexible trading spaces, all presented in excellent condition following a refurbishment completed just 18 months ago. Guests enter through the front door into the main bar area, where the central servery immediately draws the eye alongside a striking feature fireplace that creates a warm and welcoming focal point. This space functions as the social heart of the pub, ideal for casual drinks, village regulars, and relaxed gatherings throughout the day and evening. To the left of the main bar is a separate room overlooking the sunny patio garden, providing a lighter and more relaxed environment that lends itself well to dining, informal meetings, or quieter social occasions. To the right, a dedicated pool room offers additional versatility, featuring a small secondary bar servery and the potential to host small functions, games nights, or private events without impacting the main trading area. Externally, the pub benefits from a good-sized car park for six or more vehicles, ensuring convenience for both locals and visitors. There is also a further garden area with significant potential to become a real gem during the warmer months, offering space for sunny evening drinks, family gatherings, and community events. Overall, the thoughtful internal layout and attractive outdoor areas allow The Three Bottles to trade successfully across multiple dayparts while maintaining a welcoming village pub atmosphere at the heart of the community.

The Three Bottles currently operates as a wet-led village pub, primarily serving the local community and offering a welcoming, informal environment for social drinking. While trade is presently focused on village regulars, the quality of the pub, its recent refurbishment, and its flexible internal and external spaces present significant scope for growth across multiple areas of the business. There is strong potential to further develop the real ale offer, broaden the drinks range, and create a more diverse and engaging proposition that appeals to both existing customers and new audiences. By actively engaging with the local village and wider community, a new licensee could introduce well-marketed, regular events such as quizzes, live music, themed evenings, and community gatherings, strengthening the pub’s role as a social hub. The introduction of sports viewing could also help attract a younger demographic and increase midweek and evening trade. In addition, greater use of the attractive outdoor areas would unlock further opportunity during the warmer months, enabling alfresco drinking, seasonal events, and village celebrations. Overall, The Three Bottles offers a substantial opportunity to evolve from a traditional wet-led operation into a vibrant, multi-stream village pub that maximises its setting, facilities, and strong community potential.

Private Accommodation

The private accommodation consists of 2 bedroomed flat above the pub with bathroom, lounge office area. The kitchen is downstairs. There is a second floor to the accommodation, which is accessible, but is not available for sleeping due to constraints of a fire risk assessment. The accommodation area was refurbished in 2024 prior to occupation by the current tenant.

Annual Rent: £19,950

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

Working Capital: £2,500

Stock: £4,500

Fixtures and Fittings: To be confirmed upon valuation –  funding options may be 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.