The pub is a focal part of the village community, with its support of village fundraising and its links with the two local B&B’s. 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. Historically its main competitor has been the Worlds End pub which has recently closed down and there is no prospect of it reopening anytime soon.
The Botany Bay Inne has recently benefited from a full refurbishment and is in superb condition both inside and out, whilst retaining its unique and traditional character. The pub boasts a large, spacious and well equipped kitchen and cellar. In addition, it has a designer landscaped garden to the rear with a highly equipped outdoor catering bar, overlooking picturesque farm land. This is a great space in which to spend summer evenings, and is becoming increasingly popular. Internally there is a extensive 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 pub is well known for its home cooked food and friendly atmosphere, and has more recently developed a reputation for external dining with its attractive patio garden and outdoor grill shack, that can trade all through the summer months. The Botany Bay also benefits from its location on the busy A31 linking Wimborne to Wareham and Dorchester, which gives it a seasonal edge in attracting travelling as well as local guests.
This pub would suit a couple with the desire to run a traditional community pub with a strong food offer, and also with the ability to cope with the high demand of the summer season. A catering background or experience would be an advantage in order to maintain and grow the already well established food reputation. Successful applicants will have a knowledge of how to run a high volume site, and have a desire to build community strength.
The private accommodation is large and well maintained, comprising two bedrooms, a kitchen, an extensive lounge, a bathroom and office.
The trade comes from a variety of places but the key market at lunchtime is passing trade from guests travelling on the busy A31, and during the evening there are many more local guests. During the summer, the trade increases significantly by visitors travelling to and from their holiday destinations.
*Trade volumes are up until February 2020, and do not include the Covid-19 lockdown period.
* 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
Facilities
Facilities
