Busy Year Round Trade Cafe in Poundbury Dorset

36 Covers Inside; 20 Covers Outside; Fully Fitted Kitchen; Wash Up; W.C. with Disabled Facilities.

Rent only £12,000 vat; Very Advantageous Lease;

Free Parking throughout Poundbury;

Ideal for Husband & Wife

The premises are prominently located in Pummery Square which is the hub of the first phase of the development of Poundbury. Complimented by the pub opposite and Brownsword Hall, a local place for meetings and events, the café was the first in Poundbury, opening in 2006.

Poundbury is an urban extension to the Dorset county town of Dorchester and is built on Duchy of Cornwall land, in accordance with the principles of architecture and urban planning as advocated by the 24th Duke of Cornwall, now King Charles 111, in his book ‘A Vision of Britain’. 

Currently home to some 5,000 people in a mix of private and affordable housing, Poundbury also provides employment for over 2,730 people working in more than 250 shops, cafés, offices and factories. A further 200 are employed in construction across the site and many more are self employed and occasionally work from home.

An octagonal building with rendered elevations under a slate roof and surrounded by taller properties, the interior is surprisingly spacious and seats 36 comfortably with a well fitted cooking area, separate wash up and a w.c. There is gas central heating.

Tenure: The premises are held under the terms of an advantageous lease for 10 years which commenced in March 2024 at a current rent of £12,000 vat with provision for 3 year rent reviews. The agents are informed that the property is maintained by the landlord and was redecorated and repaired by the landlord at the commencement of the lease.

An easily managed and licensed café which is run by a proprietor and staff. The hours are attractive; opening at 10 am and closing at 2.30 pm. The business is open 6 days per week, closing on Tuesdays and in winter Sunday lunches are offered at three different prices according to size of portion. Themed early evening three course meals are served on Fridays at c. £28 per person.

The café has a traditional breakfast menu, all day breakfast and British favourites in its Lunchtime Specials menu which includes a coffee or tea. Alternatively, sandwiches, salads and cakes are served.

The menu reflects the strength of this business which caters mostly for local residents, many of whom are retired and who prefer the ambience of an owner run traditional licensed café which is to their taste and they return frequently. In addition, clubs and attendees to Brownsword Hall add to the sense of the café being at the heart of a thriving community.

The owners have been here only a short time having taken over in March 2024 but health problems have now caused them to reluctantly seek a buyer.

The first eight months of trading in the current year show takings figures which underscore a projection for the year of c.£90,000 being the vat threshold. The rateable value is sufficiently low for no business rates to be paid.

Publicity – The agents are informed that two Poundbury publications and emailing service are available free of charge for local businesses to publicise special events etc.

Potentials – the agents are informed that the lease has no trading time restrictions and therefore there is the opportunity for a chef/proprietor to open in the evenings expanding on the limited evening opening currently undertaken and the newly acquired liquor licence; or, opening longer each day to include Dorset cream teas in the summer.

A buyer wishing to continue as licensed premises will be required to hold a personal licence.

Price: £49,950 sav

EPC: B (41)