Wheatsheaf, Biggleswade

This well-loved pub offers the perfect opportunity for a new licensee with a passion for people and community. Whether you’re new to the industry and eager to roll up your sleeves, or an experienced publican looking to downsize from a larger operation, this is a chance to truly make a difference in a town that values local community. Ideally suited to a couple particularly those looking for a lifestyle change who are ready to immerse themselves in village life, build strong relationships with locals, and carry forward a proud legacy. For the past 35 years, the pub has been run by a wonderfully dedicated couple who’ve earned a peaceful retirement. Now, it’s time for the next chapter: someone ready to step into their shoes, earn the trust of regulars and put their own stamp on the business bringing fresh energy while respecting its roots. This is more than just a pub it’s a cornerstone of the community, ready for new licensees to guide it into the future.

Description

Tucked away on a quiet terraced residential back street, The Wheatsheaf enjoys a prime position in the heart of Biggleswade, a thriving market town in Bedfordshire. Just a 10-minute walk from the town centre, the pub is conveniently close to a wide selection of shops, cafés, bars, and restaurants, making it easily accessible for both locals and visitors. Biggleswade combines its traditional working-class roots with modern development. The town hosts a mix of small industrial units, high street retail, and a large out of town retail park. Over the past decade, it has experienced significant residential expansion, with new housing developments nearly doubling the population bringing a strong and growing customer base to the area. Benefiting from excellent transport links, including nearby access to the A1 and a direct rail line to London, Biggleswade offers superb connectivity, making The Wheatsheaf an attractive venue for locals and weekend visitors alike.

Pub Layout

Accessed via the main entrance, the pub opens into a cosy, single-bar layout that creates a warm atmosphere. The main bar area comfortably seats around 30 guests and is full of character, making it perfect for sociable evenings. Conveniently located customer toilets are easily accessed from the trading space, while a rear door leads directly to a spacious, covered terrace and a generous beer garden. This outdoor area includes a popular children’s play area, making it a favourite with families and offering excellent scope for seasonal events, alfresco dining, or further development.

The Wheatsheaf is a wet-led pub, offering a well-established selection of popular draught beers alongside a rotating range of quality cask ales. Draught products drive the majority of drinks volume, making it a straightforward and efficient operation for new licensee. While there is no commercial kitchen on site, the pub makes excellent use of its outdoor space during the warmer months especially BBQ events as they are well-attended and offer great potential for further development of casual food offerings.

Private Accommodation

The private accommodation consists of three bedrooms, lounge, kitchen and bathroom all in very good order.

Annual Rent: £15,500

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

Working Capital: £5,000

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 for by the licensee 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.

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 – 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 – £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 *