The George Inn The Square, BA12

About The Pub

This delightful traditional coaching inn is brimming with character and history, situated right in the centre of the idyllic market town of Mere. The oldest pub in the town, The George Inn is a landmark building with over 400 years of history and the potential to become a thriving hub once again. Local records even note that King Charles II stayed here in 1651 while fleeing after the Battle of Worcester. Today, the pub retains its rustic character with cosy seating, relaxed dining areas, and an impressive log fire.

With its enviable location, eight guest bedrooms, and planned investment from Hall & Woodhouse, The George Inn has all the ingredients to be a thriving and profitable business once again.

The George Inn is a multi-faceted site with the facilities to support a diverse and successful business.

* 8 well-appointed en-suite guest bedrooms
* Two main dining areas plus a separate room suitable for private dining, meetings, or functions (up to 24 covers)
* A characterful locals' bar, with flagstone floors and a traditional open fire
* Meeting and function room
* An outside seating area and on-site car parking
* 1 large bedroom flat for private accommodation

Hall & Woodhouse are planning an investment programme to enhance the outdoor trading space, including creating a more welcoming garden and adding a new section on currently unused land. This will increase capacity to 72 outdoor covers and create an attractive space for both locals and visitors.

We are seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial operator with the ambition to relaunch and grow this historic inn.

The right partner will:

* Have a proven track record in food-led hospitality, developing a high-quality, accessible offer for locals and tourists.
* Be able to position the pub as both a destination inn and a community hub, ensuring year-round trade.
* Show creativity in marketing and events, capitalising on the area's heritage, tourism, and local traditions.
* Bring strong leadership and operational skills, building a team that delivers excellent service every time.

Could this be the pub for you?

Mere is a beautiful market town of around 3,000 residents, with a strong sense of community and a busy local calendar, including the popular Mere Carnival. The pub sits prominently on The Square, the focal point of the town, benefitting from local trade and strong year-round tourism potential.

The town is exceptionally well-serviced for its size, with shops, schools, healthcare facilities, and an active community network. Its location offers easy access to the A303, while nearby towns such as Warminster and Shaftesbury expand the catchment further.

Tourism is a major strength, with Stourhead (National Trust), Longleat Safari Park, and the Cranborne Chase AONB all close by. Historic Castle Hill, countryside walking trails, and a packed local events calendar bring consistent footfall. This combination makes The George Inn a prime opportunity to serve both a loyal local audience and a steady stream of visitors.
Private Accommodation

The George has a large, one bedroomed flat with its own lounge, kitchen and bathroom. At present, it is only linked to the rest of the building by electricity and water, however there is provision for a landline telephone link to the rest of the pub and the wiring for a TV aerial.

Double bedrooms - 1

Lounge - 1

Private kitchen - Yes

Bathrooms - 1

Top Line Figures

Rent: 9.5% of turnover, with a minimum base rent of £50,800
Initial Investment: minimum £31,300, inc VAT
Fair Maintainable Trade* (FMT) Turnover: £630,000 per annum net, pre investment scheme
Annual rent illustration based on FMT: £59,850

Full Investment Breakdown**
Fixtures & Fittings: £40,000 (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*** £10,000 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) £40,000 Plus VAT
F&F (Purchase Agreement Option B) £ 4,000 Plus VAT

Total Option A £67,300 Inc VAT
Total Option B £31,300 Inc VAT


Additional Information
Estimated Wet/Dry/Accommodation Split: 47%/33%/20%
Business Rates**** Payable: £6,138 pa
Available From: Immediately
Closing date for applications 31/10/25

Estimated Fair Maintainable Volumes 290HL
Estimated Volumes Split:

247 HL Beer and Cider
2250 Litres Wine
121 Litres Spirits
2000 Litres Soft Drinks & Minerals

E&OE

Trade

The George currently has a seasonal uplift in trade, with the busiest months from March to October, and with the lunchtime trading period attracting the highest volume of guests, particularly from June to the end of September. The guest base tends to be predominantly mature professionals with a good disposable income, looking for high quality food and a drink in relaxed atmosphere. There currently tends to be more couples than families, and more passing trade from visitors than local trade.

"We are seeking a well funded community focused Business Partner with bags of personality to drive this beautiful town centre pub with rooms. We would welcome experienced hospitality operators with lots of fresh ideas who would love to build on this already great business, could that be you."

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.