The George Inn The Square, BA12

About The Pub to Rent

The George Inn is a very well-known building whose characterful appearance reflects its 400 year old history. According to local records, in 1651 King Charles II stayed at this pub on his way from Trent to Heale House, whilst fleeing after his defeat at the Battle of Worcester. Today, The George retains its rustic charm with cosy seating, a relaxed dining area and an impressive log fire for guests to enjoy.

This is a multi-faceted business offering letting accommodation, quality food, a friendly locals bar and meeting facilities. The pub offers guests two separate dining areas in the main bar and there is an additional separate room perfect for overflow or private dining, breakfast, functions, or meetings.

The public areas are:- the main bar, which has flagstone floors and a large traditional open fire; a carpeted restaurant with two feature, but non-functional fireplaces; a separate dining room off the main corridor from the front to the rear of the pub, which can seat up to 24 guests or provide space for meetings and private functions. The George benefits from 8 well appointed en-suite guest bedrooms, an outside seating area and a car park.

Location - Mere

The George Inn is located in the centre of Mere, an idyllic market town perfectly positioned beneath the South Wiltshire Downs, and just two minutes' drive off the A303; a perfect halfway point for guests travelling between London and the South West. Mere borders the Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the surrounding picturesque countryside is extremely popular with walkers, cyclists and dog-walkers.

The pub benefits from being in close proximity to many local attractions, including Longleat House and Safari Park, National Trust's Stourhead House and gardens, and the Hall & Woodhouse Brewery, as well as several local wedding venues.

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: 8.5% of turnover, with a minimum base rent of £50,870
Initial Investment: minimum £28,000, plus VAT
Fair Maintainable Trade* (FMT) Turnover: £630,000 per annum net
Annual rent illustration based on FMT: £53,550

Full Investment Breakdown**
Fixtures & Fittings: £35,920 (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) £35,920 £ 7,184 £43,104
F&F (Purchase Agreement Option B) £ 8,980 £ 7,184 £16.164
Total Option A £54,924 £ 7,480 £62,404
Total Option B £27,984 £ 7,480 £35,464


Additional Information
Estimated Wet/Dry/Accommodation Split: 47%/33%/20%
Business Rates**** Payable: £6,138 pa
Available From: Immediately
Closing date for applications 31/08/25

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, 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.