Run an Admiral Pub, Blue Bell, Amble

The Blue Bell is located in Amble, a charming small town nestled along the main Northumberland coastal road, which stretches from Newcastle to Scotland. This scenic route offers spectacular views and is part of the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, making it a popular destination for travellers, especially in the high season. Amble is easily accessible by car via the A1 and is well-served by bus services from nearby towns like Alnwick, Newcastle, and Morpeth.

Rich in history, Amble retains a strong working-class character, a legacy of its maritime roots. The town’s marina is a central hub, attracting boat owners and water enthusiasts. Several local boatyards cater to the needs of these customers, further cementing Amble’s connection to its maritime heritage. The presence of major caravan parks has added a vibrant atmosphere to Amble’s high street, which is lined with an exciting mix of restaurants, pubs, bars, cafes, and independent shops.

Pub Layout: The pub offers a warm and welcoming environment across two main trading rooms. The main bar is thoughtfully designed with a blend of low-level fixed benches and loose tables and chairs, creating a relaxed, flexible space. Large windows overlook the street, allowing natural light, enhancing the lively atmosphere. High stools line the bar, providing a comfortable spot for locals. Adjacent to the bar is the games room, which doubles as a small function space for private events. This room is equipped with a pool table and a darts board, serving as the home base for the pub’s pool and darts teams. An additional, currently unused space presents an exciting opportunity for expansion, whether for extra seating or larger gatherings.

For those seeking overnight accommodation, the pub offers three letting rooms—two twin rooms and a family room. These rooms share two bathrooms, offering affordable and practical lodging for contractors or budget-conscious travellers. While the rooms are not en-suite, they are easily serviceable with minimal decoration, providing basic, comfortable accommodation for short stays. The pub features a small pavement area with a couple of benches, ideal for those looking to appreciate the outdoors.

Trading Style: The Blue Bell is currently a wet-led outlet, driven by its loyal sports teams and local community support. As a true local’s pub, it is run by local people, fostering a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The pub has earned a great reputation for its excellent staff, who have built strong relationships with customers, making it a staple in the community. The sports teams that regularly frequent the pub are an integral part of its identity, creating a lively environment for locals and visitors alike.

Additionally, the letting accommodation offers a valuable secondary income stream, currently let to contractors. However, the accommodation is in need of some TLC, presenting an opportunity for a new licensee to bring it back to its full potential. With the right investment and attention, the accommodation could be revitalized and expanded to offer a wider range of guests, such as tourists or short-term visitors.

Accommodation: The private accommodation consists of three bedrooms, a bathroom, lounge/diner, and a kitchen. Letting Accommodation includes three letting rooms (two twins and a family room with two bathrooms) that are not en-suite and would therefore perfectly suit contractors and budget-seeking visitors. These rooms do require some decoration but can be made serviceable at low cost.

Financial: Annual Rent: £TBC, Security Deposit: £5,000, Working Capital: £2,000, Stock: £2,000, Fixtures and Fittings: To be confirmed upon valuation. 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.

BDM Vision: Admiral Taverns are seeking an individual or couple, ideally local, to take on The Blue Bell in Amble, a unique opportunity to develop a well-established pub. A local presence is key to quickly earning the trust and support of the pub’s loyal regulars, ensuring a smooth transition and fostering a connection with the community. This strong community tie is essential for sustaining the pub’s reputation and encouraging repeat business.

Located slightly on the edge of Amble, the pub offers the potential for a fresh vision and a unique identity. There’s significant potential to expand the pub’s offering beyond the established wet trade by introducing a small back bar food offering and B&B accommodation, creating a vibrant and diverse destination for customers. Additionally, there’s room to elevate its online presence, embracing modern marketing channels to engage with a wider audience.

This is a rare opportunity to take the reins of a beloved community pub with the potential for growth and success.