Forester's Arms Kirdford Billingshurst West Sussex RH14 0ND

Following a full refurbishment, the Foresters Arms has been transformed into a spectacular pub equipped to offer great food from a brand-new trade kitchen. A major investment of £350k has created a fabulous destination pub that will also cater for the local guest base. There are multiple zoned areas which have all been refurbished, the bar has been re-modelled, and the kitchen has been improved to cater for the large number of covers (80 covers internally and up to 200 covers outside).

A fantastic new Orangery area has also been created, adding 20-30 covers for private function drinking and dining when required.

Kirdford

Kirdford is an idyllic village and civil parish in the Chichester District of West Sussex, near the town of Petworth, located 6.5 miles southwest of the village. Brimming with history and character, Kirdford is home to a Grade I listed 12th century stone-built church of St John The Baptist. The village centre has a recreation ground with a small pavilion, football pitch, tennis court and a stoolball area, as well as a village shop and hall.

Kirdford is on several walking routes and footpaths through the beautiful South Downs National Park, as well as on routes for cycling and horse riding.

Extensive private accommodation comprising

Main Living Space:
2 x Double Bedrooms
Large Lounge with Partitioned Office
Bathroom
Smaller Living Room / Office / Store Room

Separate Flat:
2 x Bedrooms
Private Kitchen / Living Room
Bathroom
Private Entrance with Staircase

Top Line Figures

Rent: 8.5% of net turnover, with a minimum base of £48,790
Initial Investment: minimum £52,000 plus VAT
Fair Maintainable Trade* (FMT) Turnover: £717,500 per annum net
Annual rent illustration based on FMT: £61,000

Full Investment Breakdown**
Fixtures & Fittings: Subject to valuation (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*** £20,000 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) Enquire
F&F (Purchase Agreement Option B) Enquire

Additional Information
Estimated Wet/Dry Split: 50%/50%
Rateable value £12,000
Business Rates**** Payable: £0 pa - below current threshhold
Available From: February 2026
Closing Date for Applications: 30/11/2025
E&OE

Trade

Trade opportunities are open for the new Business Partner to capitalise on, but traditionally the Forester's Arms has had a strong community presence and a well respected food offering. Currently the pub's guest base includes couples, food enthusiasts, families, independent diners/drinkers, and regulars

*Trade volumes have been affected by the pub closure in 2024 during the investment scheme

"This is a fantastic opportunity for a strong, charismatic Business Partner(s) with loads of entrepreneurial spirit to run a recently refurbished pub, could it be the pub to rent for you?

We're looking for an operator who is willing to put in the hard work and focus on the goals to succeed in achieving an amazing business. Ideally our new BP will be enthusiastic, motivating and passionate and, with our support, will be able to provide amazing hospitality; grow sales; motivate their team through exceptional leadership; and deliver and maintain the high standards required for guests to have an exceptional experience.

A love of pubs and a strong working knowledge of fresh food is essential to succeed at The Forester's Arms."

Peter Hurdle

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.