Lee Mill pub seeks new tenant as brewery looks to secure its future
The Westward Inn, close to the A38 on the southern edge of Dartmoor, is being offered under a new tenancy agreement
A ”family-run, dog-friendly pub” on the southern edge of Dartmoor National Park is seeking a new long-term tenant after a previous arrangement with an operator fell through.
The Westward Inn, at Lee Mill Bridge on the outskirts of Ivybridge, is being marketed for a new tenancy, with the rent deposit reduced to £5,000 to attract potential operators.
St Austell Brewery had previously selected an operator to run the business, but the arrangement did not work out.
A temporary management team from the brewery is now running the pub while agents search for a permanent tenant.
Sprosen Ltd, the agent handling the marketing, said a fresh push to advertise the opportunity and the reduction in upfront costs had generated a number of new enquiries.
The agent said it was fairly confident a suitable operator would be found, but stressed the importance of finding the right person to run the business successfully over the longer term.
The property listing describes it as a business with "scope to improve", with weekly takings currently around £10,000 under temporary management.
“Takings are as advised and are not warranted,” the listing states.
A new tenancy agreement with St Austell Brewery is being offered at an annual rent of £34,000, equivalent to approximately £654 a week.
The agreement will include a tie to the brewery for beer and other wet sales products.
Facilities include a main bar with seating for around 40 people and a restaurant accommodating approximately 80.
There are also two function rooms, including a skittle alley, with a combined capacity of around 140.
Outside, the premises have a partly covered beer garden with seating for approximately 45 and parking for more than 50 vehicles.
Accommodation includes an en-suite letting room and a separate three-bedroom apartment, with a kitchen, lounge, office and two bathrooms.
Situated close to the A38 at Lee Mill, the Westward Inn is within easy reach of Plymouth and the wider area.
St Austell Brewery and its agents Sprosen are now looking for a suitable operator to take on the business and establish a long-term future for the pub.