Freehold Licensed Village Tea Room Café Post Office Gifts Living Accommodation Hornby Lancashire

AJF Commercial Business Sales are delighted to present to the market an exceptional opportunity to acquire this beautifully presented, long-established, and highly regarded village tea room, café, gift shop, and post office, complete with spacious three-bedroom living accommodation above.

This is not simply a business purchase – it is a lifestyle opportunity, offering the perfect balance of profitable trading, community engagement, and countryside living within one of Lancashire’s most desirable and picturesque villages.

Owned and successfully operated by our client for over 10 years, the business has been lovingly developed into a thriving and respected enterprise that sits at the very heart of the local community.

The business enjoys an enviable reputation for quality, service, and atmosphere, making it a destination venue for both locals and visitors alike.

Business:

This outstanding business offers a rare combination of revenue streams, creating both stability and flexibility for a new owner.

At its core is a charming and highly popular tea room and café, known for its welcoming atmosphere and consistently high-quality offering.

The menu has been carefully developed to cater to a wide audience and includes:

• Freshly prepared breakfasts (hot and cold options)
• Light lunches and homemade daily specials
• Traditional and indulgent afternoon teas
• Premium teas, barista-style coffees, and specialty drinks
• Soft drinks and locally renowned Wallings ice cream

The café is complemented by a thriving retail element, which enhances customer spend and adds diversity to the business.

The gift shop offers a thoughtfully selected range of products including:

• Greeting cards for all occasions
• Handbags, jewellery, and fashion accessories
• Soft toys and children’s gifts
• Artisan food items such as jams, chutneys, and marmalades

Further adding to the uniqueness of the business is the inclusion of a village post office, a vital local service that reinforces the business’s position as a community hub.

Despite operating on limited hours (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings only), the post office has clear potential for growth if hours are extended.

Over the years, the business has evolved into far more than just a café – it is a central meeting place for the village and surrounding areas.

It is particularly popular with:

• Local residents and families
• Walking and cycling groups
• Tourists exploring the countryside
• Community organisations and social groups

The business is proudly dog-friendly, further enhancing its appeal and increasing footfall, particularly from visitors enjoying the surrounding rural walks.

With a 5-star food hygiene rating and an excellent online presence supported by glowing reviews, the business continues to attract new customers while maintaining a strong base of loyal, repeat clientele.

While the business already performs strongly, there remains considerable scope for further development, making this an exciting opportunity for an ambitious buyer.

Potential avenues for growth include:

• Expanding the internal seating into the additional side room
• Further utilising the attractive outdoor seating areas
• Introducing evening opening hours to create a licensed bistro or dining experience
• Hosting private events, themed evenings, or community functions
• Developing an online retail offering for gift items
• Extending the post office opening hours to increase revenue

The foundations are firmly in place for a new owner to significantly increase turnover and profitability.

Location – Hornby, Lancashire

The business is situated in the highly sought-after village of Hornby, located in the Lune Valley area of Lancashire, widely regarded as one of the most scenic and desirable parts of the North West of England.

Hornby is a quintessential village, steeped in history and character, centred around its historic market square and dominated by the impressive Hornby Castle, which dates back to the 13th century.

The village offers a unique blend of heritage, charm, and modern rural living.

Surrounded by rolling countryside and positioned on the edge of the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Hornby is a magnet for:

• Walkers and ramblers
• Cyclists exploring the scenic routes
• Tourists seeking a peaceful countryside retreat
• Day visitors from nearby towns and cities

The village itself benefits from a strong and supportive local community, with a range of independent businesses, traditional pubs, and essential amenities, all contributing to a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere.

Its strategic position also provides excellent access to:

• Lancaster
• Kirkby Lonsdale
• The Yorkshire Dales
• The Lake District National Park

This makes Hornby an ideal location for a business that thrives on both local loyalty and consistent tourist trade throughout the year.

Premises:

The business operates from an impressive and well-maintained double-fronted freehold property, offering excellent visibility and strong kerb appeal within the village.

The premises are full of charm and character, featuring:

• Original stone walls
• Wooden flooring
• Feature fireplaces
• A cosy log burner creating a warm and inviting environment

The ground floor layout includes:

• Entrance hallway leading into a spacious open-plan tea room
• Comfortable seating arrangements including sofas, tables, and chairs
• A beautifully presented serving counter with glass display showcasing homemade cakes and desserts
• EPOS system and card payment facilities

Behind the counter is a fully equipped beverage preparation area including:

• Bean-to-cup coffee machine and grinder
• Hot water boiler
• Fridge and freezer
• Panasonic NE SCV2 oven
• Menu display

Retail shelving is positioned throughout, encouraging additional sales of gifts and food items.

To the rear of the premises:

• Dedicated post office counter
• Fully equipped commercial kitchen with:
o Oven, hob, air fryer
o Commercial microwave
o Fridge and freezer
o Commercial sink
o Extensive preparation and storage areas

Additional internal space includes:

• A second open-plan room currently used for gift retail, offering excellent potential to increase seating capacity
• Customer W/C facilities
• Storage room

Outdoor Seating Area

The rear of the property opens out to a delightful and well-maintained outdoor space, comprising:

• Patio garden area
• Steps leading to a raised decked seating area
• Approximately 24 covers
• Surrounded by mature trees, plants, and shrubs

This peaceful and attractive setting is extremely popular during warmer months and adds significant value to the customer experience.

Accommodation:

The property benefits from a self-contained three-bedroom apartment with its own private entrance, offering flexibility for both lifestyle buyers and investors.

Currently let at £900 per calendar month, it provides a reliable additional income stream.

The accommodation briefly comprises:

• Three spacious double bedrooms
• Comfortable lounge
• Fully fitted kitchen
• Bathroom

Alternatively, the apartment could be utilised as:

• Owner’s accommodation
• Holiday let or Airbnb
• Bed & Breakfast business

Key Points:

• Tenure: Freehold
• Business Rates: Exempt
• Opening Hours: 9:00am – 4:00pm daily
• Rental Income (Accommodation): £900 per Calander month
• Turnover: Available upon request

Summary:

This is a rare opportunity to acquire a beautifully presented, multi-income lifestyle business in one of Lancashire’s most desirable village locations.

Combining a thriving café, retail offering, post office income, and residential accommodation, this business provides both financial security and lifestyle appeal, with substantial potential for further growth.

Whether you are seeking a profitable business, a change of lifestyle, or a long-term investment, this opportunity ticks all the boxes.

Early viewing is strongly recommended to fully appreciate the quality, charm, and potential of this outstanding business.

Contact Details:

If you would like to contact us to discuss the business in further detail or to arrange a viewing, you can by the following methods:

Telephone – 01204 325 101

Email – [email protected]

Website – www.ajfcommercial.co.uk

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