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- Tasks: Lead the revitalization of a historic pub with a focus on experiential hospitality.
- Company: Join The Red Lion, a vibrant pub in Gillingham's bustling town center.
- Benefits: Enjoy a prime location, spacious areas, and a significant investment for growth.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting transformation and create a new concept in a thriving community.
- Qualifications: Looking for enthusiastic, experienced business operators ready to innovate.
- Other info: Available from Summer 2025; initial investment is negotiable.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 65000 £ per year.
Job Description
This Business Partnership opportunity is available from Summer 2025!
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The Red Lion is a historic town centre pub with a vibrant evening trade. This pub is in a prime high street location and benefits from a spacious interior, a good size patio and garden, and a large car park. This popular pub is set to benefit from a significant investment scheme and will be available for Summer 2025.
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Highlights:
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- Fair Maintainable Trade* (FMT) Net Turnover: £650,000
- Rent: 9% of turnover
- Wet/Dry split: expected 60%/40% (post investment)
- Historic site in a prime high street location
- Spacious trading areas and patio garden
- Large car park in a town centre site
- Future opportunity to help develop an exciting new concept
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The Red Lion is a historic pub and for many years was the largest and most important licensed house in the Dorset town of Gillingham. It occupies a large site that comprises a main drinking and sports bar at the front of the pub, with a toilet block and cellar in the middle, and a very large games and pool bar to the rear.
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There is a good sized enclosed garden and patio and a large car park to the rear that currently has a coin operated barrier for entry and exit. On the first floor, as well as extensive private accommodation, there is an impressive function room area that is currently disused and is available for development in the future.
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We are keen to make a major investment on this site to repositon the pub. There is also an adjoining cottage to the pub which is available for sub let or staff accommodation. View the investment designs.
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This is a great opportunity. Could this be the pub for you?
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Gillingham is a busy and growing town in North Dorset. It has been the subject of much housing development in the last 10 years and one of the key reasons behind this is the main line railway station on the Exeter to London Waterloo line.
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In recent years Waitrose, Asda, Lidl and Costa have all moved into the town and there is currently much activity underway with regard to the regeneration of the town’s High Street. In the middle of the High Street, sits the Red Lion and there is a bridge link leading off the pub’s car park to the back of Waitrose.
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The pub is ideally situated to make the best return from a potential investment and can only go from strength to strength as the town continues to grow and develop.
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The domestic accommodation comprises of 4 bedrooms, a kitchen, a living room, bathroom and separate WC, and an office.
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Top Line Figures
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- Rent: 9% of turnover
- Initial Investment: £60,000 (negotiable)
- Fair Maintainable Trade* (FMT) Turnover: £650,000
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Full Investment Breakdown
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- Deposit: £7,500
- Training Fee: £650
- Working Capital: £10,000
- Fixtures & Fittings: TBC.
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Additional Information
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- Estimated Wet/Dry Split: currently 100% wet – envisaged to be 60%/40% post investment
- Available From: Summer 2025
- Closing Date: 31/03/2025
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“This is a fantastic opportunity for an enthusiastic, experienced business operator looking for a chance to reinvigorate this popular high street pub. With a significant investment scheme, we are looking for a partner that will take the lead on building an exciting new concept with a focus on experiential hospitality.”
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Trade:
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The Red Lion has, for several years, been a very successful wet only pub, trading on a late licence until 2am at weekends and doing the vast majority of its total trade after 5.00 pm each day. Live sport has been a key element of the current business and the back room is well used for pool and has a large drop down TV. Machine income is also significant in this business.
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In recent years, other pubs in the town have started to ‘attack’ the late night drinking trade enjoyed by the Red Lion and it is our intention to carry out a significant refurbishment on the site to reposition it as an all round town pub offering food during the day and a variety of entertainment in the evenings. The pub has sufficient size and scope to achieve this and if successful, it will be impossible for the smaller pubs in the town (free houses) to respond.
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As part of our investment, we will be putting in the infrastructure to support an experiential gaming offer.
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For more details and to submit your interest, please click on Apply.
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Run A Hall & Woodhouse Pub (Tenancy) - The Red Lion employer: Hall & Woodhouse Business Partnerships Careers
Contact Detail:
Hall & Woodhouse Business Partnerships Careers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Run A Hall & Woodhouse Pub (Tenancy) - The Red Lion
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the local market in Gillingham. Understanding the demographics, competition, and recent developments in the area will help you present a compelling vision for The Red Lion.
✨Tip Number 2
Think creatively about how to reposition The Red Lion as an all-round town pub. Consider unique concepts that could attract both day and evening customers, especially focusing on food and entertainment.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with local suppliers and potential partners who can support your vision for the pub. Building relationships now can give you a head start when you take over the tenancy.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare a detailed business plan that outlines your strategy for the pub, including financial projections and marketing ideas. This will demonstrate your commitment and vision to the selection committee.
We think you need these skills to ace Run A Hall & Woodhouse Pub (Tenancy) - The Red Lion
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Opportunity: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description and understand what the role entails. Highlight your experience in managing a pub, especially in areas like customer service, event planning, and financial management.
Showcase Your Vision: In your application, clearly articulate your vision for The Red Lion. Discuss how you plan to reinvigorate the pub and implement the significant investment scheme. Be specific about the concepts you would introduce to enhance the customer experience.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to detail any previous experience you have in the hospitality industry, particularly in running pubs or bars. Include examples of successful initiatives you've led that increased trade or improved customer satisfaction.
Express Enthusiasm: Convey your passion for the hospitality industry and your excitement about the opportunity to partner with the company. A positive and enthusiastic tone can make your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hall & Woodhouse Business Partnerships Careers
✨Know the Pub's History
Familiarize yourself with the history of The Red Lion and its significance in Gillingham. Understanding its past will help you connect with the interviewers and show your genuine interest in revitalizing this historic site.
✨Demonstrate Your Vision
Prepare to discuss your ideas for the pub's future, especially regarding the planned investment and the shift towards a more diverse offering. Highlight how you can contribute to creating an exciting new concept that enhances the customer experience.
✨Understand the Local Market
Research the local competition and the recent developments in Gillingham. Being knowledgeable about the town's growth and how it impacts the pub's potential will demonstrate your strategic thinking and readiness to tackle challenges.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to share specific examples from your past experiences in hospitality or business management. Highlight any successful initiatives you've led that align with the goals of The Red Lion, particularly in enhancing customer engagement and driving revenue.
