15 Guest Rooms with Thriving Restaurant in Growing 'Foodie' Destination, Lancashire UK

ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO RUN THIS BUSINESS INCLUDED IN SALE

At a glance...
900sqm plus land  |  100 cover restaurant   |  40 cover garden terrace  |  15 ensuite bedrooms  |  40 space car park  |  £450k recent renovation  |  3 bed owner's accommodation  |  Complete branding assets  |  Strong online presence with fantastic reviews  |  Picturesque rural (but well linked) location  |  Affluent local residential area  |  Year-round trade / 7 days a week  |  Abundant local suppliers

A Culinary Haven in West Lancashire...

A rare and exceptionally profitable opportunity within the hospitality industry, The Rufford Arms Restaurant with Rooms comes to market under private sale. The business boasts a remarkable 31-year trading history and proven footfall, successfully navigating 3 recessions whilst maintaining an excellent stream of income.

This well-established and highly esteemed venue has captivated locals and visitors alike with its reputation for first-class service and outstanding cuisine. Now, as the current owners approach retirement, this turn-key business invites a passionate entrepreneur to continue its legacy of excellence.

Nestled in the picturesque countryside of Lancashire, The Rufford Arms is ideally situated in a region that has emerged as a burgeoning foodie destination in the UK. An abundance of local agriculture and passionate farmers provide a bountiful supply of ingredients, allowing the restaurant to offer seasonal delicacies with sustainability at the forefront of the business model.

Meticulously maintained and cherished by the family owners, The Rufford Arms underwent an impressive £450k investment in 2021/2022 to renovate the entire property to an impeccable standard. The result is a stunning venue that seamlessly blends a classic charm with contemporary comforts. The building is in perfect condition, coming equipped with solar panels which reflects the owner's commitment to sustainability and responsible practices.

Beyond its gastronomic offerings, the local area has lots to offer for visitors including National Trust sites and top-rated nature reserves just a stones throw from the venue. The scenic countryside setting creates an ideal backdrop for weddings and sets the stage for food & eco-tourism.

The three-bedroom owners' apartment offers a convenient and spacious retreat, making it an idyllic place to reside while overseeing the operations. With year-round trade and operating seven days a week, this business promises a steady income and a truly rewarding lifestyle; an unparalleled opportunity for individuals in the hospitality industry, looking to make their mark.

The Restaurant...

The Rufford Arms has recently undergone a comprehensive refurbishment (2021), resulting in a refreshed and sophisticated space. The renovations included new tables, bespoke seating, industrial-grade flooring and the installation of a new bar with a stunning marble counter. Floor-to-ceiling bay windows were added to maximize natural light and showcase the surrounding landscape.  The neutral colour scheme with accents of fresh greens creates an inviting atmosphere with a timeless charm.

A fastidious attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the refurb with a thoughtfully curated collection of artwork, complemented by exquisite light fittings by RV Astley.  The inclusion of custom pieces crafted by local artisans infuses the space with character and individuality. An integrated state-of-the-art sound system further enhances the ambience.

With a seating capacity of 100 covers, the restaurant accommodates a weekly average of 600-1,000 guests and enjoys a strong reputation, supported by positive online reviews across multiple platforms. The venue is naturally divided into two sections, catering to both casual and formal dining preferences, with ample space available for hosting large parties, weddings and events. The restaurant is fully air-conditioned, with upgrades to the system completed during the refurbishments.  

The Rooms...

Recently renovated in 2022 to impeccable standards, The Rufford Arms features 15 spacious en-suite bedrooms, providing onsite accommodation that elevates its appeal as a destination venue. Each room has been individually designed with a boutique style, featuring a soft colour palette that harmonizes with the natural beauty of the surrounding area. The sale of the property includes all bedroom accessories, sourced from local independent boutiques, as well as original artworks from esteemed local galleries.

Every room offers either king-size or twin beds, with two suites which easily convert into family rooms. All bathrooms are complete with large bathtubs and exquisite designer fittings, exuding a sense of luxury. Attractive countryside views allow guests to immerse themselves in the tranquil surroundings.

Modern appliances such as smart TVs, tea & coffee making facilities and good Wi-Fi access ensure that guests enjoy a comfortable and memorable stay.

The Kitchen...

At the heart of this fruitful business is a pristine kitchen, which has been meticulously maintained and regularly upgraded. The facilities allow for quality food to be produced at scale, with ample space for preparations and storage as well as offering a pleasant environment for its work force. Local suppliers are more than happy to deliver goods to the venue, offering both variety and stability in procurement. Fittings include:
- Recently upgraded fire suppressant system
- Custom made stainless steel working stations 
- Dawson "Mareno" oven range & chargrill unit
- Lincat bain marie unit 
- Dawson dishwasher
- Custom walk-in cold room

The Area...

Rufford is a stunning countryside village with an abundance of wildlife, top-graded agricultural land and renowned bodies of water. The area attracts golfers, cyclists, walkers and nature enthusiasts as well as a steady flow of business visitors.

Surrounded by pockets of affluent residential areas, Two Michelin star restaurants within 10 miles of Rufford demonstrates the demand for quality experiences in West Lancashire.

- 41% residents aged 35-64 
- 53% of the population in the social grade ABC1 
- Growing population with continuous developments

Also in the Area...

- Leeds - Liverpool Canal (0.1m)
- River Douglas (0.2m)
- NT Rufford Old Hall (0.5m)
- Mere Sands Wood (2m)
- WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre (3.6m)
- Ormksirk Historic Market Town (6m)
- Edge Hill University (6m)
- North west coastline incl. Formby Beach (11m)
- Royal Birkdale Golf Club (13m)
- Liverpool City Centre (21m)

The Building...

Approx. 900sqm | An attractive, purpose built venue, The Rufford Arms has bee exceptionally well maintained with no signs of deterioration and no outstanding work to be completed. With an abundance of natural light and good airflow, the venue offers a welcoming environment to all its visitors. The layout has been thoughtfully contrived to cater for the needs of the hospitality industry to allow for a seamless operation.
 

The Terrace...

he installation of an outdoor terrace area has elevated the businesses offerings and provided an extra stream of income with passers by stopping for coffees and snacks by day and cocktails and aperitifs by night. The space lends itself nicely to functions and events, with seating for 40 guests.

The south-facing position of the terrace means that it has sunshine all day long and is an idyllic spot to watch the sunset with unrivalled views of the Lancashire countryside.

The space is equipped with designer patio furniture including parasols that enhance roadside visibility and has also allowed the restaurant to welcome dog owners, boosting profitability.

Marketing...

A £50k recent investment (2020) in professional re-branding and an on-going marketing strategy have vastly improved the businesses reach and further enhanced The Rufford Arm's already stellar reputation. The addition of a dedicated marketing manager to the team has seen proven results both in terms of footfall and a digital presence, that significantly exceed industry averages. The business has a strong following of regular guests and an engaged online audience with demonstrable growth each month:

- 3k Mailing list
- 5.5k Facebook followers / 1.3k Instagram
- Above average reach for sector on Google
- Professional website with booking capabilities
- Monthly overall organic reach of 70-125k (before ad spend)

Handover...

A 3-6 month handover period is negotiable within the remit of the sale. The current owner runs the business hands-on and, as such, is well connected with local suppliers and trades people. The business operates with a strong team of staff and a good system of management which can readily be integrated into new practices. The owner's years of industry knowledge and access to the community that she has built will enable any new owner to walk through the doors and hit the ground running.