Wheatsheaf, Castle Hedingham

We’re looking for an engaging and experienced licensee with the drive to bring this pub to life.  Someone who can build strong community connections while growing a successful business.  This pub has been approved for an extensive refurbishment and is set to become a truly outstanding venue once completed. The images provided showcase our vision for its transformation, and prospective licensees will have the opportunity to explore these exciting plans in greater detail during the interview stage.  This opportunity calls for a well-funded licensee with a proven track record and a passion for creating a memorable pub experience. The pub itself will boast a warm and characterful interior, full of traditional charm. It’s set to become a true village gem, offering a quality drinks range across cask ales, draught beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks. A simple but thoughtful back bar food offer—think Scotch eggs, sausage rolls, and a hearty Ploughman’s—would perfectly complement the drinks and atmosphere.  This is more than just a pub—it’s a chance to shape a much-loved local with your own flair and personality.

Castle Hedingham is a picturesque village nestled in the Colne Valley in northern Essex, England, located just four miles west of Halstead and three miles southeast of Great Yeldham. Steeped in history, the village lies along the ancient route connecting Colchester and Cambridge. Among its standout attractions are the remarkably well preserved Norman Hedingham Castle, the heritage Colne Valley Railway, Kirby Hall and a collection of charming timber-framed medieval buildings including the historic Wheatsheaf. According to the latest census, Castle Hedingham is home to 1,186 residents across 533 households. The village also boasts two pubs: The Wheatsheaf and The Bell, both run by tenants. Additional pubs can be found in the nearby villages of Sible Hedingham, Great Yeldham and the larger market town of Halstead.

Pub Layout

As you step into the pub, you’re welcomed by a spacious public bar area featuring a central servery and a striking fireplace which is a key feature. The ladies and gents toilets are conveniently accessible from this main trading area.  Moving towards the bar, you’ll discover a cosy additional seating area tucked behind the fireplace, leading to a charming raised nook which is perfect for transforming into a snug in the future.  Just behind the bar and down a few steps lies the kitchen area. Whilst not fully commercial, it’s well suited for food preparation, back bar snacks and everyday use as a domestic kitchen.  Outside, the pub boasts a small car park and a delightful beer garden, offering room for approximately 10 tables and seating for up to 60 guests.

This is a pub with real character and potential. With around 90% of sales expected to come from wet trade, cask ale will be a cornerstone of the offer. The draught line up will include a quality session lager alongside a selection of premium, easy-drinking ‘sunshine’ beers – perfect for relaxed enjoyment.

Full of traditional charm, the pub is ideal for a quick pint on the way home, a pre dinner drink, or a social catch-up with friends. While there’s no commercial kitchen, there’s plenty of opportunity to offer light bites that pair perfectly with the drinks menu, adding to the overall customer experience.

Private Accommodation

The private accommodation consists of three good sized bedrooms, a lounge and bathroom with toilet.  There is no separate domestic kitchen.

Annual Rent: £22,500

Security Deposit: £5,500

Working Capital: £2,000

Stock: £5,500

Training Fee: £460

Legal Fee: £570

Fixtures and Fittings: £30,000 with an initial upfront payment of £10,000 – 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 *