“The Wheatsheaf ideally needs an operator who is capable of running a town centre business which changes nature from a food-led business during the week to a more wet-led business at weekends, with music and entertainment.
Strong commercial acumen is essential, and a proven capability to drive a business forward through developing great local links is required in order to maximise this opportunity.”
Ian Pearson
Business Development Partner, South West Region
The Wheatsheaf sits in the heart of the South Downs National Park in the affluent town of Midhurst. The town is regularly highlighted as one of the Sunday Times’ ‘Best places to live in the UK’, and has a population of approximately 5000 residents, with a high proportion of families and senior residents. Despite a relatively small number of residents, the town bustles with life throughout the year as the high street is home to many small shops, cafes and schools, which provide a substantial guest base.
As well as being at the heart of the beautiful South Downs, Midhurst is also home to the Cowdray Park ruins which date back to the 12th Century, and is within easy distance of the historic towns of Chichester, Arundel and Petworth. The pub is ideally situated on the High Street and benefits from a wide range of guests, from shoppers and tourists during the day to a more vibrant evening trade, with sports and entertainment.
This is a great opportunity. Could this be the pub for you?
The Wheatsheaf is an historic building dating back to 1621 which incorporates part of an old Squire’s Chapel, and many features of this can be seen throughout the pub. The pub went through an extensive development in 2019 so is presented in great condition and is fitted out to an exceptional level, both in the trading areas and back of house.
The three main trading areas are all served by a stunning island bar and can all be zoned to offer differing styles. The main bar is traditional in nature with a stone floor, feature fireplace and an eclectic mix of furniture. There is a more relaxed area laid out with fixed seating and wooden floors, and a mixed area with sports for social drinking. The Chapel room is accessed from this area and offers a space which is perfect for private meetings or events with a capacity of around 60 guests.
Towards the rear of the pub is a sizeable courtyard with 9 large tables, heat, light and an opportunity to offer either pool or external TV’s in a covered outbuilding. Toilets are easily accessed from the main bar, and the kitchen and cellar both offer well-equipped and serviceable areas and are also on the ground floor for easy access.
As expected from a historic property, the private accommodation at the Wheatsheaf is quirky and full of character, but in great condition.
The accommodation benefits from its own separate entrance and comprises a single floor with 4 large bedrooms, a lounge/dining room, separate kitchen and bathroom/wc, and several storage cupboards throughout.
Bedrooms – 4
Private kitchen – 1
Lounge/diner – 1
Bathrooms – 1
Office – 1
The Wheatsheaf trades as a traditional town centre pub, which moves between trading throughout the day and the week. The ability to deliver great food and a quality lunch menu are essential for daytime trade, whilst midweek evenings will attract sports viewers with demand for sharing plates and snacks. At the weekends the offer of a great Sunday Roast is essential whilst the Friday and Saturday nights will revolve around a more upbeat offer of music and entertainment with premium drinks, cocktails and wine.
The key to unlocking the business will be in developing community links and maximising use of the function room. The business currently trades with an 80-20% split which is wet-led. However there is a great opportunity to develop the food offer through traditional, good quality, and locally sourced food.
British Institute of Innkeeping: https://www.bii.org/
British Beer and Pub Association: https://beerandpub.com/
Pre-Entry Awareness Training (PEAT): https://www.bii.org/BII/Industry-Advice/PEAT.aspx
Personal Licence: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-licence-application–2
More Pubs to Rent: https://www.hall-woodhousepartnerships.co.uk/pubs-for-rent
FMT is the level of turnover and profit that we believe that the business is capable of delivering if being operated competently. The FMT is usually calculated by the Business Development Partner for the pub to rent, who will produce a shadow profit and loss account for the business which supports the rent. A copy of the shadow profit and loss account will be provided during the recruitment process.
Please see our Code of Practice for more information on FMT and rent. The Fair Maintainable Trade is not a guarantee of levels of trade or profit that will be made from the business – we strongly recommend you seek appropriate independent legal and business advice as part of your Business Plan.
The Full Investment Breakdown for each public house is higher than the minimum investment we will accept. This is because potential Business Partners with the minimum investment available can still be accepted as we are able to offer them financial support for the rest of the monies.
The working capital incorporates the purchase of stock, glassware, loose catering effects and valuer fees – please note the number quoted on this website are based on estimates. The exact costs will be determined on the day you take on the public house by independent valuers and stock takers. Please see our Code of Practice for more information about investment.
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Station Road, Bovey Tracey, Devon, TQ13 9AL
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Wool Lane, Rumbolds Hill, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 9BY
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Street Lane, Ardingly, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH17 6UA
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