DORSET FREEHOUSE IN EXQUISITE PICTURESQUE VILLAGE

Freehouse in exquisite, much photographed village
Character bar and dining areas (88)
4 en suite letting rooms
2/3 bedroom owners accommodation
Car park and outdoor seating (75)
Free of tie lease assignment

The Hambro Arms stands in the picturesque and much photographed village of Milton Abbas in Dorset. The village has a fascinating history: it dates from 1773, being a purpose built village commissioned by the Lord of the Manor to replace a settlement which spoilt his idyllic country view, close to his country of Milton Abbey. The remnants of this lie beneath the ornamental lake which replaced the former village. The village includes thirty six identical whitewashed and thatched cottages which flank the main street, at the head of which is The Hambro Arms.

Milton Abbas is approximately 8 miles from Blandford Forum and 11 miles from the county town of Dorchester. These link via the nearby A354. The village hosts a biennial street fair which has taken place for over 225 years and is one of Dorset’s main summer events: www.miltonabbasstreetfair.co.uk.

Milton Abbey and House have now become a highly regarded independent school. This proves beneficial to The Hambro Arms with letting rooms often being used by visiting parents and the bar and dining facilities benefitting from visits by staff and visitors. Milton Abbas is also regularly used for period drama filming.

The Hambro Arms occupies a two-storey Grade II listed detached property constructed of plastered cob under a hip thatched roof. The Hambro Arms underwent a stylish and sympathetic refurbishment programme in 2020, and the thatched roof was entirely replaced in the summer of 2023. The property is briefly described as follows:

TRADE AREAS 
GROUND FLOOR:
A front entrance porch leads into the MAIN BAR which provides seating for 50. This room includes a fine solid wood BAR SERVERY COUNTER with back bar display, feature rustic brick fireplace with inset multifuel stove, ceiling timbers, fine mellow tiled floor and wooden floorboards. It is furnished with a variety of natural wood tables and chairs.

DINING ROOM of similar high quality presentation with library wallpapering, exposed rustic brick walls, inglenook fireplace with multifuel stove and dining tables and chairs for approximately 38 customers.

Rear hallway with access to LADIES’ and GENTLEMEN’S TOILETS. CATERING KITCHEN with a comprehensive range of commercial equipment. Main COOKING AREA with STARTER/PREPARATION section and a WASH-UP/LAUNDRY facility. Service areas including BOTTLE STORE and REFRIGERATED BEER STORE.

OWNERS/STAFF ACCOMMODATION 
Located on the first floor and comprising:
2 x DOUBLE BEDROOMS
LOUNGE (could also be used as a bedroom)
BATHROOM

LETTING ACCOMMODATION 
Located on the first floor and comprising:
2 x DOUBLE BEDROOMS, each with en suite BATHROOM
2 x DOUBLE BEDROOMS, each with en suite SHOWER ROOM

EXTERNAL 
The Hambro Arms is set back from the street beyond a FORECOURT which has table and bench seating for up to 75 covers. To the side of this is FORECOURT PARKING, although there is also unrestricted parking in the village.

A range of OUTBUILDINGS include two INTEGRAL GARAGES and character STABLES, currently used for storage. A further concrete pad and a DETACHED GARAGE adjoin.

The Hambro Arms has been under its current ownership since June 2017 and during this time a sympathetic upgrade and refurbishment programme has taken place.  

The business is largely run by the owners and as of 28th February 2023 the business achieved an annual net turnover of £147,766.  Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic the year ending 28th February 2020 showed an annual net turnover of £393,888.  The business has an historic annual net turnover exceeding £400,000.  Full trading information can be made available to serious parties following a formal viewing.  

The trade split is approximately 70% wet and the remaining 30% split between food and letting.  Up until the year ending January 2022 the business offered fine dining but since that time now offers light lunches.  

We are of the opinion that the business would suit a hands-on operator looking to reintroduce a fine dining element to the business and capitalise on the tourism generated from this picture postcard village. 

LEASEHOLD £225,000 to include goodwill and fixtures & fittings. Stock at valuation in addition. 

The Hambro Arms is held on a fully repairing and insuring lease agreement from Admiral Taverns, for a term of twenty years which commenced March 2007. The lease falls within the security provisions of the Landlord & Tenant Act 1954 and is fully assignable. Rent currently stands at £59,772 exclusive of VAT per annum paid monthly in advance, subject to five yearly rent reviews and annual RPI adjustments. An incoming party will be required to provide a rental deposit to the Landlord. The lease is free of all trade ties.

No direct approach to be made to the business; please direct all communications through Sidney Phillips.

Viewing strictly by appointment only.

A full Premises Licence is held for the supply of alcohol, late night refreshment and provision of facilities for music and dancing. Permitted hours are:
10:00—00:30 Monday to Thursday
10:00—01:00 Friday and Saturday
12:30—21:30 Sunday
All mains services, except for gas, are connected.
There is bottled propane gas at the property. 
Oil fired central heating.

The rateable value as at 01 April 2023: £20,750

Local Authority: Dorset Council