Valiant Sailor, Folkestone

We are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced operator, or couple, to build on The Valiant Sailor’s strong reputation for quality, great-value food and drink. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in food-led operations and a passion for delivering exceptional front-of-house service. With the business having grown steadily over the past three years, there is real potential to continue driving footfall from both the local community and the wider area, further developing this much-loved pub into a thriving destination for locals and visitors alike.

The Valiant Sailor is a charming and historic detached pub in the picturesque village of Capel-le-Ferne, just outside Folkestone. Perfectly positioned on the main road into the village and next door to the popular Battle of Britain Memorial, it benefits from strong passing trade and steady tourist footfall throughout the year. The area enjoys excellent transport links, with easy access to the A20 and M20 leading to Dover, the Port, and the wider Kent coastline, while Folkestone’s high-speed rail connects directly to London. Capel-le-Ferne has a stable and predominantly mature residential population alongside a steady influx of walkers, ramblers, and visitors drawn to the nearby cliffs and coastal paths. This combination of local loyalty and tourist appeal makes The Valiant Sailor a fantastic opportunity for an operator looking to build a successful, community-focused destination pub in a beautiful and well-connected location.

Pub Layout

The Valiant Sailor is a well-presented and fully equipped pub, ideally suited to operate as a thriving community hub with a strong and appealing food-led offer. Accessed via a large car park with space for around 10 cars, the pub welcomes guests through a small porch into the main trading area. Inside, the layout is practical and inviting, with the ladies’ and gents’ toilets to the left and a spacious games area to the right, currently featuring pool, darts, and comfortable sofas. Beyond this lies a cosy dining area with seating for around 30/40 covers, all efficiently served from a central bar servery. Traditional wooden beams and a welcoming log fire add to the pub’s warm, characterful atmosphere. A fully equipped ground-floor catering kitchen supports smooth service and food operations. Externally, guests can enjoy a large, well maintained beer garden that combines grass and stone areas, alongside a sheltered decked space at the front, perfect for outdoor dining or summer events.

The Valiant Sailor is a traditional pub that welcomes both drinkers and diners, attracting loyal regulars from the village as well as visitors from further afield who come to enjoy its quality food, well-kept drinks, and friendly service. The spacious interior provides ample room for dining, which is further complemented by a large beer garden that thrives in the warmer months. With community spirit and a wholesome, family-friendly atmosphere at its core, The Valiant Sailor is a true village favourite offering warmth, character, and a genuine sense of local belonging.

Private Accommodation

The private accommodation is located on the first floor and includes a lounge, kitchen, bathroom, three bedrooms, office and plenty of store rooms.

Annual Rent: £27,500

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

Working Capital: £5,000

Stock: £4,000

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.

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 – £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 *