White Rose Book Cafe, Market Place, Thirsk

A fantastic opportunity to acquire commanding premises and a long-established business in the attractive North Yorkshire market town of Thirsk. This award-winning independent bookshop and café is situated in the centre of the thriving market square and comprises large retail premises over 3 floors, including a very popular café and unique garden with an outdoor terrace.

Description - 79-81 Market Place is an attractive period building that has a prominent position in the town, with very good frontage and visibility from the market square. The property extends to circa 3,750 sq.ft (GIA) arranged over three floors. There is a secluded walled garden to the rear to suit a variety of uses, but is ideal for outside dining/entertaining.

Location - Thirsk is a very popular market town that has a wide range of shops, amenities and facilities. There are excellent main line rail connections and a very good road infrastructure with the A19 and A1 connections. Thirsk is also a thriving North Yorkshire tourist destination which makes this building very attractive for business use.

Accommodation - Ground Floor:
All open plan measuring circa 85 ft front to back.

First Floor:
Galleried walk way and sitting area, 2 offices, 3 x WC, utility and back stairs.

Second Floor:
2 x storage rooms / offices.

(Potential to re configure and create a first floor residential unit subject to planning)

Outside:
Enclosed courtyard and unique walled garden. Side access to the property and rear off the market square is also available.

Services - We are advised that the property has mains water, electric, gas and drainage.

Trade & Business - White Rose Book Café is a family-owned business, established in 1995. They purchased the freehold in 2000 and expanded from specialist bookselling to include greeting cards, gifts and non-book products and added a modern café (35 covers). In 2001 they acquired a local Children's bookshop and brought this expertise in-house. The welcoming and spacious premises, over 2 floors, attracts a wide range of customers from regulars to tourists, from both the UK and abroad, due to the popularity of The World of James Herriot and The Yorkshire Vet TV series. In 2010, the family invested in the rear garden, to create additional café seating and an attractive event space.

A spirit of independence and entrepreneurialism has informed their marketing, to include Loyalty schemes, Book Clubs, weekly Story Time sessions, regular events and author signings, e-newsletters to an active database of 1000 customers and active social media marketing across several platforms. In 2020 their website was re-vamped and rebranded to include an online shop.

The Bookshop is regularly short-listed for Independent Bookshop of the Year Awards for the North and was overall category winner for the North & Scotland in 2014. In 2009 the Café won 'Herriot Tearoom of the Year' award for its local sourcing and speciality Yorkshire Teas.

The business is run by a friendly and professional team and enjoys an excellent reputation within the thriving independent business community. Huge growth potential is evident in the demand for subscription services, further book groups, outside catering and events.

Accounting information is available upon request, following a formal viewing of the property.

Tenure - The freehold, business goodwill and business fixtures and fittings are offered for sale for £550,000. Stock is to be addition and at valuation.

Local Authority - North Yorkshire Council.

Business Rates - Rateable Value: £19,250

Energy Performance Certificate - The property has an energy performance asset rating of C 57.

Value Added Tax - We understand that the property has been opted to tax.

Viewings - Strictly by way of appointment with the sole selling agent - Stephensons Estate Agents (01904 625533)