Whifflet Arms, Coatbridge

Admiral Taverns are seeking an experienced and skilled licensee, someone with a solid track record in running a successful pub business and delivering consistently high-quality pub food. This is not a pub for a first-time licensee; it demands experience, confidence, and a proactive approach however we would be willing to consider applicant(s) with a strong catering background. The ideal candidate will come with strong cashflow, a well-developed marketing presence, and the ability to maximise social media platforms to drive footfall and engagement. More importantly, they’ll be someone who’s ready to become part of the community, getting involved at a local level, building relationships, and creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere that keeps customers coming back.

Description

Situated in the heart of Coatbridge, the Whifflet Arms enjoys a high-visibility position on a bustling main road, surrounded by a mixture of local shops, residential housing and steady footfall. With direct train links to Glasgow Central, regular bus services and easy access to the M8 motorway, the location offers exceptional connectivity to both Glasgow and Edinburgh, making it ideal for attracting a broad and diverse customer base. Coatbridge itself is a town in North Lanarkshire just over eight miles east of Glasgow City Centre. Historically industrial, the area has seen renewed energy in recent years, with ongoing regeneration efforts and the ongoing addition of 280 new homes nearby signalling a growing and evolving community.

Pub Layout

Upon entering from the main street, guests are welcomed into a stylish, open-plan bar and restaurant that combines the character of a traditional pub with a fresh, modern edge. The focal point is a striking L-shaped bar, finished in sleek dark tones and stocked with a selection of premium products. High bar stools line the bar, while nearby posser tables with matching stools offer casual seating perfect for small groups. Large TVs are strategically placed in the main bar area, providing live sports coverage and enhancing the venue’s appeal. The restaurant side offers a more relaxed feel, featuring low-level bench seating and a cosy booth area, designed to cater to families, diners and evening crowds. Warm wooden flooring runs throughout, complementing the modern décor and adding a sense of comfort to the overall design. Positioned behind the bar, the fully equipped commercial catering kitchen ensures a smooth and efficient flow of service. Conveniently located amenities include the gents’ toilets near the main bar and the ladies’ facilities within the restaurant area. A discreet exit beside the gents leads to an attractive outdoor garden space, paved and well-appointed with a mix of bench seating and posser tables. Colourful mural walls add vibrancy, while the option to cover the area during the colder months offers valuable flexibility, boosting year-round trading potential. Although the venue does not have a private car park, the garden area opens directly onto a large local authority car park, providing ample parking and easy access for customers arriving by car.

The Whifflet Arms currently operates on a well-balanced 60/40 split between food and drink, offering a strong premium drinks selection. The bar benefits from a well-established rhythm of the week, creating consistent footfall and a loyal customer base. Throughout the week, guests enjoy live sports and midweek entertainment such as karaoke and quiz nights keeps the venue engaging and community focused, while live performances at the weekend bring added energy and draw in an evening crowd.

Private Accommodation

There is no private accommodation with this site.

Annual Rent: £47,000

Security Deposit: £6,000 or the equivalent of three months’ rent, whichever is greater

Working Capital: £10,000

Stock: £5,000

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 – 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 *