Hornbrook Inn

Brighton Rd, Horsham RH13 6QA

  • 50
  • 144
  • Asset 1 108

Built in the 1930s on the Horsham to Brighton Road, the Hornbrook Inn is the only pub in Britain so named and whilst "Hornbrook" dates back to dark ages, no one really knows what it means – forever a great British mystery.
This is an extraordinarily rare chance to take on a characterful Sussex pub with huge untapped potential as it transitions from success in the H&W Managed model to the freedom and extra opportunity of Business Partnerships.
Guests step inside the Hornbrook to a welcoming, free-flowing space anchored by exposed oak beams, flagstone floors and multiple open fireplaces. The design of the Hornbrook blends traditional pub character with modern comfort, creating a relaxed and atmospheric environment. The open plan arrangement ensures seamless transitions between bar and dining areas which is ideal for busy service and mixed trade use.
Back of house the kitchen is large and well-appointed with all the up-to-date equipment you'd want in a business of this size.
Another feature that sets the Hornbrook apart is its expansive garden and terrace – a true sun-trap with generous seating that encourages relaxed, sociable drinking and dining. The front and rear outdoor areas deliver significant additional covers and add to the genuine destination credentials.
Plenty of car parking ensures an easy stop off and hassle free visit with approximately 50 spaces available.

Key Pub Features

Hornbrook Highlights:

  • Fair Maintainable Trade (FMT) turnover – £1.15M  per annum net
  • Rent 8.5% of net turnover
  • Characterful pleasing interior with over 100 covers
  • Expansive front and rear sun-trap gardens
  • Large well-equipped commercial kitchen
  • Great food led reputation
  • Opportunity to flex the offer and grow
  • Prominent position on the busy Brighton route
  • Large scale business with high profit potential

Private Accommodation:

Domestic accommodation comprises: 3 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms and one kitchen.

 

Location - Hornbrook Inn - Horsham

Located on the outskirts of Horsham, West Sussex – The Hornbrook Inn is a short drive to the south of the town and surrounded by many small villages. The fabulous country pub occupies a prominent position close to the South Downs National Park and within easy reach of Brighton, Crawley, Dorking and Worthing.

 

 

Top Line Figures

  • Rent: 8.5% of net turnover, with a minimum base of £83,000
  • Initial Investment: minimum £25,000
  • Fair Maintainable Trade* (FMT) Turnover: £1.15M per annum net
  • Annual rent illustration based on FMT: £97,750
  • Estimated Operating Profit £94K (8.2%) pa based on FMT*

*Estimated figures for illustration only cannot be guaranteed

E&OE

Full Investment Breakdown**

  • Fixtures & Fittings: To be confirmed subject to valuation (VAT. Loan facilities are available for the purchase of fixtures and fittings).
Illustration of Year 1 Ingoings (excludes rent)     Net      VAT    Inc VAT
Deposit  £ 7,500      N/A £  7,500
Training Fee  £ 1,000  £    200 £  1,200
Change of DPS  £    254  £      46 £     300
Digital Asset Fee  £    250  £      50 £     300
Working Capital***  £10,000      N/A £10,000
F&F (Outright Purchase Option A)  Enquire Enquire Enquire
F&F (Purchase Agreement Option B)  Enquire Enquire Enquire
Total Option A  Enquire Enquire Enquire
Total Option B  Enquire Enquire Enquire

 

Additional Information

  • Estimated Wet/Dry Split: 40%/60%
  • Business Rates**** Payable: £36,036 pa
  • Available From: Jan 2026
  • Closing Date for Applications: 31/12/2025

E&OE

Trade

Last 3 year Volume Beer & Cider - HL Wines - Litres Spirits - Litres Soft Drinks - Litres
Current Year 234 3086 235 5081
Last Year 220 3126 234 3178
2 Years Previous 257 3599 241 5651

Currently the Hornbrook Inn is trading under Hall & Woodhouse’s Managed House division. Average sales are circa. £22k per week with a busy bar and strong food trade attracting local and destination diners.

Meet the Pub's Business Development Partner.....

“This unique business requires an experienced operator with a proven track record in food led operations. You will understand how to balance a busy bar with quality dining, keep standards consistently high and to spot opportunities to grow sales. The successful operators will need to be innovative natural leaders with the ability to motivate, inspire and connect with people.

The Hornbrook is a well-respected food led business with deep roots in its community while also attracting destination trade, so to unleash the full  potential you will need to be equally adept at building and maintaining both”

Peter Hurdle

Business Development Partner

Useful Links

British Institute of Innkeeping:  https://www.bii.org/

British Beer and Pub Association:  https://beerandpub.com/

Pre-Entry Awareness Training (PEAT):  https://www.bii.org/BII/Industry-Advice/PEAT.aspx

Personal Licence:  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-licence-application–2

Misrepresentation

*Fair Maintainable Trade (FMT):

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 to rent, 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.

Code of Practice:

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:

The Full Investment Breakdown for each public house is higher than the minimum investment we will accept. This is 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.

***Working Capital:

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.

****Business Rates Payable:

This figure reflects the current multipliers for 2025/2026 and the 40% hospitality relief, effective until 31/03/2026.