The Dolphin Hotel Station Road Bovey Tracey TQ13 9AL

About The Pub

The Dolphin Hotel is rich in history and character. Originally owned by John Joll, it was built in the 1880s as a coaching house providing food, drink and rest for travellers and their horses. Excursions to Dartmoor commenced from the hotel and horse drawn carriages would escort guests up to Dartmoor. The striking exterior of the building has changed very little over the years and has always retained a classical Victorian look.

The large upstairs function room has had several uses over the years. In the late 1800s, the dance band 'The Dolphins' entertained there and during the Second World War the room acted as a temporary barracks for American allies who were training nearby. Today, it serves as a fantastic events space, with its own private bar and the space to accommodate up to 100 dining guests.

With 8 en-suite bedrooms, spacious trading areas, an extensive function room and a picturesque patio garden, the Dolphin has great business potential and is an exciting opportunity for the right operator.

Bovey Tracey

Situated in the heart of the historic market town of Bovey Tracey, the Dolphin Hotel has been welcoming guests since the 1880s. In a prime location on the edge of Dartmoor, the pub attracts many visitors throughout the year, from walkers and cyclists to those seeking a more relaxed break.

Being within easy reach of the South Devon coast, the Dolphin also benefits from holidaymakers wanting to visit the nearby towns of Exmouth, Torquay and Paignton.

The Dolphin Hotel benefits from two recently refurbished private apartments. One is located on the top floor of the building and has one bedroom, a lounge, kitchen and bathroom. The other is located on the ground floor and has two bedrooms with an en-euite bathroom and an open plan lounge, kitchen and dining room.

Bedrooms - 3

Private kitchens - 2

Lounge/diners - 2

Bathrooms - 2

Top Line Figures

Rent: 9% of net turnover, with a minimum base rent of £61,500
Minimum Initial Investment: £40,250 plus, VAT
Fair Maintainable Trade* (FMT) Turnover: £650,000 per annum net
Annual rent illustration based on FMT: £58,500

Full Investment Breakdown**

Fixtures & Fittings: Projected £85,000 (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) Net VAT Inc VAT
Deposit £ 7,500 N/A £ 7,500
Training Fee £ 1,000 £ 200 £ 1,200
Change of DPS £ 254 £ 46 £ 300
Digital Asset Fee £ 250 £ 50 £ 300
Working Capital*** £10,000 N/A £10,000
F&F (Outright Purchase Option A) £85,000 £17,000 £102,000
F&F (Purchase Agreement Option B) £21,250 £17,000 £38,250
Total Option A £104,004 £17,296 £121,300
Total Option B £40,254 £17,296 £57,550

Additional Information

Estimated Wet/Dry/Accommodation Split: 45%/45%/10%
Business Rates**** Payable: £6.976 pa
Available From: Immediately
Closing Date for Applications: 31/08/25

E&OE

Trade

The Dolphin trades 7 days a week, with a strong community-focused offer that attracts a varied range of guests. The customer base includes a good mix of senior guests who enjoy a lunchtime treat, and young families who come for an early evening meal.

The spacious and sociable bar area allows for events all year round, supported by a large function room which can accommodate formal dining for up to 100 guests, and has its own private bar.

*Trade volumes for 2021-22 are for 7 months only (Jan - Aug 22), as the Dolphin Hotel was a new acquisition in January 2022.

"There is considerable potential to develop the business here in many different ways, given the pub's unique location and available space. The guest accommodation is a huge advantage to the business and with the event spaces, this could easily be built upon.

The successful applicant(s) will have an entrepreneurial edge as well as being able to cope with the diverse demands of the eclectic guest base. Experience of a varied catering business would be a distinct advantage, and ideal applicants will be passionate, experienced chefs and restaurateurs, entrepreneurs, and current tenants."

Izzy Hersom

Business Development Partner

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.