Norwich, Norfolk, NR2

Bishop's Dining Room & Wine Bar is a highly acclaimed, two AA Rosette award-winning restaurant and wine bar nestled in the heart of Norwich's historic St Andrews Hill-the city's oldest lane. This cozy and intimate establishment has been delighting patrons since 2010 with its exquisite seasonal dishes, warm hospitality, and artisanal food crafted from the finest British produce. Led by owner Alessandro Tranquillo, the restaurant has earned numerous accolades, including the EDP Food & Drink Awards 2024 'Front of House' Winner. With a strong turnover of approximately £450,000 per annum, this thriving and profitable venture presents an exceptional opportunity for a new owner to step into a well-established business with a stellar reputation for excellence. The business is now available for sale due to the vendor's retirement and planned return to Italy.

THE BUSINESS

Bishop's Dining Room prides itself on sourcing the best of British produce, focusing on local ingredients that allow the chefs to passionately craft seasonal dishes and share a love of artisanal food. Established in 2010 under the current ownership, Bishop's Dining Room has become a staple in Norwich's vibrant dining scene. The restaurant operates from Wednesday to Saturday, offering lunch and dinner services, and on Sundays for lunch. There is significant potential to increase revenue by extending trading hours to include Tuesdays and Sunday evenings, as well as hosting private functions. The business holds a 7-day alcohol licence, adding flexibility to its operations.

Staffed by an experienced team to transfer under TUPE regulations, the business is positioned for a seamless transition. The vendor is looking to retire and return to Italy, ensuring the business is left in the best possible position for the new owner. Committed to facilitating a smooth handover, the vendor is leaving the business in excellent condition for a new proprietor to take over, and they are willing to provide a handover period on terms to be agreed.

PREMISES

Set within a charming Grade II listed building leased from the local council, the premises benefit from small business rates relief and an attractive current rent of £13,750 per annum. The ground floor features a welcoming bar area with seating and a feature fireplace. The bar is fully equipped with under-counter double-width drinks refrigerators, additional under-counter refrigerator, shelving for glasses, a stainless steel glass dishwasher, ice machine, stainless steel sink, and an Expobar coffee machine with coffee bean grinder. An EPOS till system is included, and the area is finished with wood-effect flooring and windows on two elevations.

Ascending a few steps leads to the well-designed restaurant area, set for 27 covers, featuring wood-effect flooring, air-conditioning, and a feature open fireplace with a log burner. The restaurant offers a warm and personal dining experience, complemented by an outdoor seating area licensed for 12 covers-perfect for alfresco dining.

The commercial kitchen spans two levels and is equipped to an exceptionally high standard.

The lower level includes:

• Prodis stainless steel counter with refrigerated salad bar and three under-counter fridges.
• Rational multi-function cooker.
• 6-ring gas range with oven.
• Under-counter Polar refrigerator.
• Blue Seal grill.
• Countertop fryer.
• Stainless steel central food service pass with warming cupboard and heat lamp.
• Stainless steel work counters and shelving.
• Stainless steel extraction unit and hand wash basin.

The upper level features:

• Dishwashing station with slide-through dishwasher and drainer.
• Turbo-fan oven.
• Polar stainless-steel workbench with three under-counter refrigerators.
• Countertop Caterlite induction plate.
• Full-height stainless steel freezer.
• Additional sink for food preparation.
• Wine refrigerator.
• Walk-in refrigerator.
• Stainless steel workbench and shelving.
• Single-width chest freezer.

Additional facilities include male and female WCs, a shared cobbled courtyard with an outside storage shed, and bin storage. The building's character features and modern amenities create an inviting atmosphere for patrons.

ACCOMMODATION

Situated on the top floor is a well-appointed one-bedroom flat, providing convenient en-suite accommodation for a new owner or chef/manager with comparable units in this location renting for around £900 per month. The flat comprises:

• Open-plan living room and kitchen with cream shaker units and wood-effect worktops.
• Built-in oven, electric hob with extractor, and space for a fridge freezer and under-counter washing machine.
• Spacious double bedroom featuring exposed brickwork and timber beams.
• En-suite bathroom with a double-width walk-in shower, fitted wash basin, and vanity cupboards.

This unique opportunity combines a thriving business with characterful premises and comfortable accommodation, all set in a prime location with ample potential for further growth. For further information, please get in touch at your earliest convenience.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

AGENTS NOTE: This is a business for sale as a going concern, not an empty premises for sale or let.

CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION: In order to release further information on the business - such as the accounts, we require you to complete a short online non-disclosure form. Please contact our office and we will provide full instructions and assist where required.

REFERENCE NUMBER: R36083E.

OPENING HOURS: Wednesday to Saturday, Lunch 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, Dinner 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM. Sunday, Lunch 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

TENURE: Leasehold. The remainder of a 15-year lease which commenced in 2016. There are approximately 7 years remaining on the lease, with an expiration date in 2031.

The purchaser will be responsible for the landlord's costs and fees in connection with the assignment of the existing lease.

RENT PAYABLE: £13,750 per annum, Local County Council Lease.

RATES PAYABLE: Nil. We are advised that the business benefits from Small Business Rate Relief.

STAFF: To be advised.

EPC: Grade II Listed Building; no Energy Performance Certificate required.

PRICE: £199,950.-- + Stock at Valuation.

For the benefit of the leasehold, goodwill of the business, fixtures, fittings and equipment. Stock payable in addition on completion at valuation. This is an asset and goodwill sale of the business as a going concern.

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DISCLAIMER

1. Money Laundering Regulations: Intending purchasers will be asked to produce identification documentation at a later stage and we would ask for your co-operation in order that there will be no delay in agreeing the sale.

2. General: While we endeavour to make our sales particulars fair, accurate and reliable, they are only a general guide to the property and, accordingly, if there is any point which is of particular importance to you, please contact the office and we will be pleased to check the position for you, especially if you are contemplating travelling some distance to view the property.

3. Measurements: These approximate room sizes are only intended as general guidance. You must verify the dimensions carefully before ordering carpets, flooring or any built-in furniture.

4. Services: Please note we have not tested the services or any of the equipment or appliances in this property, accordingly we strongly advise prospective buyers to commission their own survey or service reports before finalising their offer to purchase.