Attractive, historic 17th century gastro pub
2 bar/dining areas
Excellent two bedroom (both en suite) owners accommodation
Trade garden, car parking
Turnover £250,000 p.a. net of VAT from limited trading hours
Completely refurbished
The village of Epwell is set in the most desirable part of north Oxfordshire, 7 miles from the large market town of Banbury, north-east of the popular market town of Chipping Norton, made famous by Jeremy Clarkson’s television series ‘Clarkson’s Farm’. The village is a popular residential location that also appeals to commuters due to its proximity to the M40 at Banbury, and the A40 at Oxford and Witney to the south.
The subject property, The Chandlers Arms, is a highly attractive Grade II listed property, dating back to the 17th century. It takes it name from candle making, reputedly with links to the internationally renowned brand, Fortnum & Mason, which started as candle makers. Indeed, the company lists in their own history that Mr Mason lived in Epwell, and Mr. Mason is also recorded as one of the pub’s first licensees.
Chandlers Arms was acquired by our client in 2021, at which time it had been closed for two years. They immediately undertook a complete refurbishment programme, the quality and depth of which will be evident to all who view it. It opened six months later and has subsequently traded at an extremely healthy rate, despite limited trading hours and there being little external promotion. It is now for sale due to a new addition to an expanding family, offering a prospective purchaser the opportunity to exploit the considerable investment that has been made. It is briefly described as follows:
TRADE AREAS
The property has extremely well appointed trade areas, and even though the property was completely refurbished in 2022, while having a contemporary feel, it retains its period charm. It has two interconnecting rooms that have boarded floors throughout, beamed ceilings, partially panelled walls, and contemporary dining chairs and tables currently arranged to seat 28 diners. There is a feature double-sided fireplace with beamed lintel over and a real-effect cast iron log burner installed. A fully equipped bar servery that has panelled frontage. The servery interconnects with the catering kitchen.
Customer toilets, again appointed to an extremely high standard, were completely refurbished in 2022.
At basement level is a beer cellar with delivery access from the front of the property.
The well-presented catering kitchen is in three sections, providing a main catering area with altro nonslip flooring, fully sealed walls, a comprehensive selection of stainless steel catering effects and work surfaces, a top quality controlled induction oven, two blue-sealed turbofan ovens, and a four section galvanised extraction canopy. There is a walk-in dry store and a good-sized preparation area, again appointed to a similar standard.
OWNERS ACCOMMODATION
Located at first floor, the owners accommodation is arranged as follows:
Bedroom 1: Double with bespoke fitted wardrobes and a boarded floor. En suite shower room with modern suite of wash hand basin, WC, and shower.
DOMESTIC LOUNGE: Of good size having boarded floor.
Bedroom 2: A well-appointed double bedroom has a boarded floor, a walk-in wardrobe, and an en suite shower room with a modern suite.
EXTERNAL
The gardens are the feature of the pub and are superbly landscaped with terraced, patio and gravelled areas. It is conveniently located for the rear entrance, and also the kitchen for the service of food. There are flagstones over two levels, currently providing external seating for up to 30 customers, but could seat considerably more. Two further lawned areas.
There is a gravelled car park with space for approximately 10 vehicles (if sensibly parked). Service compound and block-built outbuilding used for storage and laundry.
Our clients acquired the property in October 2021 at which time it was closed. They immediately undertook a complete refurbishment programme. They reopened for trade in April 2022 and we are advised takings for the first financial year amounted to £250,000 net of VAT. This trade was split 70% food sales to 30% drinks trade. The business operates relatively limited trading hours, with the business open four days a week (Wednesday to Saturday) and only open during the evening on Wednesdays.
Prospective purchasers will feel there is scope for development, particularly of the local custom, with an extension to the opening hours during the day in the summer months when this part of Oxfordshire is very popular with walkers and ramblers. Epwell itself has a well known circular walk.
FREEHOLD £575,000 to include goodwill and fixtures and fittings. Stock at valuation in addition.
No direct approach to be made to the business; please direct all communications through Sidney Phillips.
Viewing strictly by appointment only.
Under the terms of the Premises Licence, the business is permitted to retail alcohol between the hours of:
Sunday—Thursday: 10:00—23:00
Fridays and Saturday: 10:00—01:00
The property has the benefit of mains electricity, water and drainage. Oil fired central heating.
Local Authority: Cherwell District Council.
Rateable Value: £7,200 as at 01 April 2023.
Historic 17th century pub
2 bar/dining areas
2 bed owners accommodation
Trade garden, car parking
T/O £250,000 p.a. net of Vat
Completely refurbished
