The Red Lion High Street, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8

Situated in a prime High Street location, this historic town-centre pub is perfectly placed to attract locals, shoppers, commuters, and passers-by. The pub benefits from constant footfall, excellent visibility, and strong connections - just minutes from the train station, opposite the new Waitrose (with pedestrian access to the pub), and with a large on-site car park for 50 cars.

The refurbishment plans will transform The Red Lion into a true community hub, with:

* A complete overhaul of all guest-facing areas
* Relocated toilets to increase internal covers from 40 to 80
* A vibrant front restaurant area
* A lounge-style back space with additional covers and social gaming activities
* A refreshed garden and patio for year-round appeal

Gillingham is the fastest-growing town in North Dorset, with new housing developments driving a growing local population - particularly families looking for casual, welcoming dining experiences. With the right operator, The Red Lion could quickly establish itself as the go-to pub and restaurant in Gillingham.

The site also offers further opportunities:

* A large first-floor function room (currently unused) with huge potential
* The extensive domestic accommodation comprises of 4 bedrooms, a kitchen, a living room, bathroom and separate WC, and an office.
* An adjoining cottage, available for sub-let or staff use

Are you the driven, entrepreneurial Business Partner with the vision to deliver a great food-led offer and maximise the untapped potential of this landmark site?

Top Line Figures
Rent: 8% of turnover, with a minimum base rent of £61,200
Minimum Initial Investment: £46,300 inc, VAT
Fair Maintainable Trade* (FMT) Turnover: £900,000 per annum net
Annual rent illustration based on FMT: £72,000

Full Investment Breakdown**
Fixtures & Fittings: Projected £90,000 (Inventory is an estimate net of VAT. Loan facilities are available for the purchase of fixtures and fittings).

Illustration of Year 1 Ingoings (excludes rent)

Deposit £7,500 VAT N/A
Working Capital*** £15,000 VAT N/A
Training Fee £1,000 Plus VAT
Change of DPS £250 Plus VAT
Digital Asset Fee £250 Plus VAT

F&F (Outright Purchase Option A) £90,000 Plus VAT
F&F (Purchase Agreement Option B) £28,004 Plus VAT

Total Option A £132,300 Inc VAT
Total Option B £51,300 Inc VAT

Additional Information
Estimated Wet/Dry Split: currently 100% wet - envisaged to be 60%/40% post investment
Business Rates**** Payable: £7,245 pa
Available From: Immediately
Closing Date: 31/10/2025

E&OE

Trade

Historically, the Red Lion has been a very successful wet-led pub, mainly focussed on evening and night-time trade.  Live sport has been a key element of the business, and the back room is well used for pool and has a large drop down TV. Machine income is also significant in this business.

The night-time drinking market is highly competitive, and we believe there is an opportunity to re-position the Red Lion's business to benefit from an all-day trading offer, with more food, and a variety of entertainment in the evenings. It is our intention to carry out a significant refurbishment to enhance the pub and enable this re-positioning.  Our investment includes improving the outside terrace, which is a real USP for the pub, and providing the infrastructure to support an experiential gaming offer. Both of these elements will help to drive day-time footfall and increase dwell time.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for an enthusiastic, experienced business operator looking for a chance to reinvigorate this popular high street pub. With a significant investment scheme, we are looking for a partner that will take the lead on building an exciting new concept with a focus on experiential hospitality."

Izzy Hersom

Business Development Partner, South West Region

Misrepresentation
*Fair Maintainable Trade (FMT):

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.

Code of Practice:

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:

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.

***Working Capital:

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.

****Business Rates Payable:

This figure reflects the current multipliers for 2025/2026 and the 40% hospitality relief, effective until 31/03/2026.