High rated coffee shop sandwich bar – Lewes Road, Brighton

This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire a fully operational and well-established coffee shop/café, ideally situated on Lewes Road — one of Brighton’s busiest and most dynamic thoroughfares, and a major gateway into the city centre. The location enjoys consistently strong footfall throughout the year, fuelled by a large student population, nearby retail and service outlets, and excellent transport connections, with multiple key bus stops just moments away. This prime position ensures a steady stream of both loyal local customers and passing trade. The café was established in 2016 and has since built an outstanding reputation, reflected in its excellent online reviews — Google 4.9*, Facebook 4.8* and TripAdvisor 5*. The business currently offers a popular menu of freshly prepared cakes, pastries, paninis and sandwiches, all of which are displayed attractively in the serve-over counter on entering. The owner has now decided to sell in order to focus on a new business venture, presenting a fantastic opportunity for a new operator to take on a thriving, turnkey business in a highly sought-after part of the city.

THE PREMISES: The café is exceptionally well fitted and ready for a new owner to walk in and start trading straight away. On entry, there’s an attractive serve-over counter showcasing freshly prepared cakes, pastries and sandwiches. Behind the counter is a well-organized workspace, including a dedicated washing-up area, ample food prep space, a 2-group coffee machine with grinder, and under-counter fridges and a freezer. To the rear of the premises, there is a customer toilet, and the layout has been designed to maximize the space. There is bar-stool seating inside at the front of the café, along with additional seating for four customers outside, creating a welcoming spot for passers-by. While compact, the café is perfectly suited to an owner-operator looking for an easy-to-run, highly manageable site in a great location.

TURNOVER: The café is currently trading Monday-Friday 7am-5pm, 8am-5pm on Saturday and 9am-4pm on Sunday. The owner works full time in the business with the assistance of 1 full time and 2 part time staff members. The business is currently averaging £2,800 per week and they close for 2 weeks over Christmas.

TENURE: The premises is held on a FRI lease at a current rental of £9,000 per annum. The current lease has 5 years remaining and there is a break clause in 2026.  

RATES: The business receives the benefit of the Small Business Rate Relief and the amount payable at the present time is zero. The rateable value for the property is £4,450 per annum.   Prospective occupiers should make their own enquiries to verify same.

GENERAL REMARKS: The shop is ideally located on a busy main road with lots of passing trade and traffic. Low overheads and a secure lease.  The location has a vibrate population of students.

PRICE: We are instructed to quote for the goodwill, lease and fixture and fittings - £45,000 SAV

LEGAL FEES:  Each party to be responsible for their own legal costs. The purchaser to pay for the landlord’s legal costs.

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

ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE:  The property is rated a Band C, the full report is available on request.

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:        6915C

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