EXCEPTIONAL GENERAL STORE & CAFÉ VILLAGE LOCATION, WEST SUSSEX

Located in a West Sussex village between Horsham and Worthing and close to the A24. This well-established general store and café offer an attractive opportunity in a desirable and well-supported village setting. The business occupies a prominent position within a modern residential development (with planning for a further 150 dwellings within the village) and benefits from ample free on-site parking, as well as proximity to the village hall, football club, cricket Club and veterinary practice. The business is located in a sought-after and affluent village, characterised by a strong local demographic and good levels of owner occupation, providing a supportive trading environment for a quality food and retail offering. In addition to its immediate residential catchment, the business attracts regular custom from walkers, cyclists, and dog owners drawn to the surrounding countryside, contributing to consistent levels of footfall throughout the week.

Successfully operated by the current owners for six years, the business has established an excellent reputation for quality and service, supported by strong online reviews, including 4.9 stars on TripAdvisor, 4.7 stars on Google Reviews, and 5 stars on Facebook. The operation comprises a general store offering fresh deli produce, household goods, and gifts, together with a popular café serving breakfast and light lunches. The business is fully operational and profitable, providing immediate income for a purchaser, with scope to extend trading hours subject to demand. The sale is due solely to the owners planned retirement, presenting a rare opportunity to acquire a well-regarded business in a highly desirable West Sussex village location.

THE PREMISES: Occupying a prominent corner plot, the business benefits from a large wrap-around terrace providing seating for up to 50 covers, ideal for outdoor trading in the warmer months. Bifold windows surround the premises, opening the space up entirely during summer and enhancing the indoor-outdoor experience. Internally, there is seating for approximately 40 covers. The premises are presented in excellent condition, having been fully fitted out in 2020, and are arranged to provide a well-defined trading layout. On entry, a gift and retail area leads through to the café seating and serve-over counter, showcasing freshly baked cakes and pastries and equipped with a two-group coffee machine, grinder, and hot water boiler, with ample space for order preparation. Adjacent is a well-equipped kitchen featuring stainless-steel worktops, shelving, fridges and freezers, and a combi oven. Adjacent to the kitchen is also an office space.  The farm shop is located to the rear, offering fresh produce displays, shelving, and two double upright display chillers. The premises are fully air-conditioned, fitted with CCTV, and include an accessible toilet with changing facilities.

ALCOHOL LICENCE: The licence permits on and off sales during opening hours.

TURNOVER: The business is currently run by the vendors, with the assistance of 8 part time members of staff. The business has the benefit of 3 revenue streams, comprising of the café, farm shop, and gift sales. The café and general store generate a weekly turnover of £8,200 per week, this is based on trading for 50 weeks of the year as the current vendors close for two weeks over Christmas and New Year. The café generates 70% of the turnover while the farm shop and gifts generate the additional 30%. Current trading hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday 8:30am-4pm, 8:30am-5pm on Wednesday and Friday and 10am-3pm on Sunday.

TENURE:  The premises are held on a full repairing and insuring lease at a current rent of £27,000 per annum.  There is currently 4 years remaining on the lease and it is understood that the landlord would be prepared to extend the lease.

RATES: The current business rates payable are £230 per month. The rateable value for the premises is £14,750 per annum, (rates have been confirmed at £14,250 for 2026/27). Prospective occupiers should make their own enquiries to verify same.

GENERAL REMARKS: Personally inspected by the vendor’s sole agents and highly recommended as a well-run and attractively presented business. Located in a newly built village development close to the village hall, football club, and vets, with ample free parking. The business benefits from three income streams comprising a café, farm shop, and gift sales, and enjoys an excellent reputation within the local community.

PRICE: We are instructed to quote for the shares of the limited company £150,000 SAV

LEGAL FEES:  Each party to be responsible for their own 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 premises has been rated a band C and the full report is available upon 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:        6918C

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.