The pub is a focal part of the village community. Winterborne Zelston is a small Dorset village with around 100 residents, situated in the Winterborne Valley. The pub itself is a well known local landmark siting alongside the A31 road. It is this roadside location that makes the pub a popular stopping point on the coastal journey through Dorset, for coach parties and holiday makers travelling down to Devon and Cornwall. It lies just eight miles south of Blandford Forum and ten miles north west of Poole. Whilst the pub has an excellent location alongside a busy road, previous experience of operating a roadside pub will be a distinct advantage.
The pub has recently benefitted from a full refurbishment and is in superb condition both inside and out. However, it has still kept its traditional feel. It boasts a large, spacious and well equipped kitchen and cellar. In addition, it has a designer landscaped garden to the rear which overlooks attractive farm land and is becoming increasingly popular as a great space in which to spend summer evenings. Internally there is a large guest area that has allowed the pub to successfully trade (prior to lockdown) as a carvery operation although this is not a necessity on this site.
The private accommodation is large and well maintained, comprising two bedrooms, one with an en-suite, a kitchen, an extensive lounge, a bathroom and office.
Bedrooms – 2
Private kitchen – Yes
Lounge – Yes
Office – Yes
Bathrooms – 1
The trade comes from a variety of places but the key markets are at lunchtime, passing trade from guests travelling on the busy A31 and in the evening, a much more local market. During the summer, the trade increases significantly by visitors travelling to and from their holiday destinations.
*Trade volumes have been affected by Covid-19 lockdown closure periods.
“This pub would suit operators who have a desire to run a traditional community pub with a strong food offer, but also have the ability to cope with the high demand of the summer season. There is real scope to drive this business through its food offer, so an operator with experience of running a kitchen will have a distinct advantage. A strong knowledge of effective social media is a must, as well as an understanding and desire to be at the centre of village community life.”
Scott Rhodes-Ward
Business Development Partner, South West Region
* Fair Maintainable Trade (FMT) is the level of turnover and profit that we believe that the business is capable of delivering if being operated competently. The FMT is usually calculated by the Business Development Partner for the pub, who will produce a shadow profit and loss account for the business which supports the rent. A copy of the shadow profit and loss account will be provided during the recruitment process. Please see our Code of Practice for more information on FMT and rent. The Fair Maintainable Trade is not a guarantee of levels of trade or profit that will be made from the business – we strongly recommend you seek appropriate independent legal and business advice as part of your Business Plan.
† The Full Investment Breakdown for each public house is higher than the minimum investment we will accept because potential Business Partners with the minimum investment available can still be accepted as we are able to offer them financial support for the rest of the monies. The working capital incorporates the purchase of stock, glassware, loose catering effects and valuer fees – please note the number quoted on this website are based on estimates. The exact costs will be determined on the day you take on the public house by independent valuers and stock takers. Please see our Code of Practice for more information about investment.
Facilities
