LA PATISSERIE COFFEE SHOP CENTRE OF SHOREHAM BY SEA WEST SUSSEX

La Patisserie is an exceptional coffee shop located in a prime location in the heart of Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex and is only a short walk away from the mainline train station. Shoreham by Sea is an affluent town and located on the South Coast and is 6 miles west of Brighton & Hove and is only 45 minutes away from Gatwick Airport by train. The town has seen exceptional growth and investment in recent years with additional high-end flats being built nearby. The café is very well supported by local residents and local office workers, as well as many customers travelling from Brighton and other nearby towns to visit the café and buy the highly rated artisan produce. The business has been in the present vendors hands for 11 years and during this time has achieved an excellent reputation and is highly rated on Trip Advisor, Google Reviews, and Facebook. The vendors also have a 5* food hygiene rating. The vendors have now only decided to sell due to their wish to semi-retire.

THE PREMISES:  The café/coffee shop is located at the beginning of East Street and can be seen from the main road, and overlooks the River Adur and the Adur Ferry Bridge. The café occupies a prime location and is clearly visible from three directions. On entering the café there are two double chiller cabinets which are used to display the fresh artisan cakes, sandwiches, savouries, etc and also has under counter fridge storage. Behind the counter is a 2-group coffee machine,

2 grinders and a hot water machine. In order to reduce waiting times, the vendors created the coffee hatch which is on the left-hand side of the premises in the spring of 2021. This area has its own 2 group coffee machine and 2 grinders as well as a till point, which has enabled the vendors to serve customers quickly and efficiently. There are 20 covers available inside and a further 24 covers outside. The vendors have also invested in 3 outdoor heaters, as well as wind screens and a large canopy. Behind the serve over counter are a number of shelves where the freshly stocked bread from Real Patisserie is displayed. To the side of the premises is the impressive fully equipped kitchen which has a wealth of fixtures and fittings and has windows around three sides so that customers and passers-by can see the chef’s in action. A full inventory of the equipment will be made available to any bona fide purchaser. To the rear of the premises is a large 5 door freezer unit, a walk-in chiller, the savoury preparation area and a number of standalone freezers. To the very rear of the premises is the staff and customer toilet, office, staff changing room and utility space with a washing machine and tumble dryer as well as small dry storage space. There is also a rear door to the premises which allows access to the bin storage. The café/coffee shop has CCTV throughout the premises. Customers visiting the café can either in one of the many car parks in Shoreham or alternatively there is also on street parking available.

TENURE:  The entire premises are held on a full repairing and insuring lease, which has approximately 16 years unexpired at a current rental of £29,000 per annum. The rent is due to increase to £30,000 in May 2024. We are informed that there would be no difficulty in renewing the lease under the terms of the 1954 Landlord & Tenant Act.

RATES:  We have been verbally informed that the rateable Value is £24,000 and the current Rates Payable amount to £12,000 per annum. Prospective occupiers should make their own enquiries to verify same.

TURNOVER: The vendors are actively involved in the management of the café, with one vendor heading up the front of house operation and the second is the patisserie chef in the kitchen.  The staffing structure consists of 21 staff members including the vendors. There are 3 full time and 2 part time members of staff in the kitchen.  With 11 part time and 3 full time members of staff front of house. Full details of the turnover and accounts will be available upon request. The current opening hours are Monday –Saturday 7:30am – 5:00pm. At present 65% of food and drinks are bought on a take away basis and many of the cakes and savouries can also be pre ordered for collection. PLEASE NOTE: At the moment the café is closed every Sunday and bank holidays, these were historically very busy days, therefore should the new owners wish to reopen on these days, they would see an increase in turnover. The vendors also close the café for two weeks every year.  There would be huge scope to offer outside catering, as this is something that is regularly requested as well as increasing the number of coffee sales from the coffee hatch.

GENERAL REMARKS:  This business was personally inspected by the vendors sole selling agents who consider this to represent an outstanding opportunity to acquire an outstanding business in the heart of Shoreham-By-Sea. Obvious potential of this business will immediately be seen at the time of inspection. Secure lease. Proven turnover and profitability. Excellent reputation.

PRICE:   We are instructed to sell the shares of the Limited company for £399,950

LEGAL FEES:  Each party to be responsible for their own legal costs.

VIEWING: On no account should any approach be made to the Manager or the staff without a prior appointment through the vendor’s agents, Watkins Commercial, Telephone: 01273 709090. 

ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE: Our client is away an EPC is required for the property and we are awaiting the report

DISCLAIMER: Neither the Vendor nor the Agent gives or implies any warranty that the premises are fit for any particular use or that they comply with any relevant regulation or statutory requirement.

The agents have not tested any apparatus, equipment, fittings or services so cannot verify that they are in working order.  The buyer is advised to obtain verification from their solicitor or surveyor before proceeding with the purchase.

VAT:     All prices and rents are quoted exclusive of VAT.  Any intending purchasers or lessees must satisfy themselves independently as to the incidence of VAT in respect of any transaction.

MORTGAGE  & FINANCIAL PLANNING:  We shall be pleased to assist any purchaser in arranging finance to acquire this business or any other business you may be considering subject to status. 

Prop. Ref:         6709C

These particulars are believed to be correct but their accuracy is not guaranteed and

they do not form any part of any contract

APPLICANTS CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT

I understand and agree that any information regarding any business supplied to by Watkins Commercial will be kept strictly confidential.  I also undertake that I will:

i)                View businesses registered with Watkins Commercial by appointment only.

ii)               Not contact any owner, staff, suppliers, competitors or customers of any business registered with Watkins Commercial

iii)              Not pass on any information supplied by Watkins Commercial to any third party other than a professional advisor et. Bank, solicitor, surveyor accountant, etc.

iv)              Submit any offers direct to Watkins Commercial with whom I will conduct all negotiations

v)               Be liable for any commission which would have been due to Watkins Commercial should I be party to negotiations or actions which seek to preclude, or are contrary to the interest of Watkins Commercial.