The Fountain, Southgate, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19

The Fountain is a stunning traditional pub in the centre of Chichester, a vibrant and bustling city with a large and affluent population boosted by both students and tourism throughout the year.
Historic and characterful it's one of the oldest pubs in Chichester, opening in 1798. Divided into three main sections all with different appeal, The Fountain sits prominently on a pedestrianised close amid a cluster of boutique retail outlets. Trading areas include a traditional bar space on entry with fixed seating to the side and large bay window. The central section of the pub has a feature fireplace with sofas, and pantry style benches/tables for large groups.

To the rear of the building is the dining room with views of the ancient Roman city wall creating a quieter space for diners or groups and private parties. There is good access through the pub to the attractive courtyard laid out with planting and lighting which provides an additional 30 dining covers.

Private Accommodation:

The accommodation at The Fountain is on the 2nd floor of the premises with easy access to the pub itself, it comprises a large bedroom with separate kitchen/dining room and bathroom/wc.

There are two further storage rooms on the 3rd floor.

Location:

Chichester is an historic cathedral city marked by its world-famous festival and proximity to Goodwood a renowned venue for both horse racing and prestige motoring events. The city is surrounded by beautiful countryside with sandy beaches and fishing villages to the south and the South Downs National Park to the north. It is also well known for its cultural significance with galleries and the festival offering incredible appeal to suit every visitor. The city is affluent with a permanent population of 30,000 - boosted through large numbers of students attending the city's University and Colleges.

The Fountain is situated on South Street, a vibrant area at the centre of Chichester's shopping, bar and restaurants zone with the main railway station a short walk away.

Top Line Figures

Rent: 8% of net turnover, with a minimum base of £41,000
Initial Investment: minimum £30,050 inc VAT
Fair Maintainable Trade* (FMT) Turnover: £600,000 per annum net
Annual rent illustration based on FMT: £48,000

Full Investment Breakdown**
Fixtures & Fittings: Estimated £35k, 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
Training Fee £ 1,000 Plus VAT
Change of DPS £ 254 Plus VAT
Digital Asset Fee £ 250 Plus VAT
Working Capital*** £ 5,000 VAT N/A
F&F (Outright Purchase Option A) £35,000 Plus VAT
F&F (Purchase Agreement Option B) £ 8,750 Plus VAT
Total Option A £56,300 Inc VAT
Total Option B £30,050 Inc VAT


Additional Information
Estimated Wet/Dry Split: 80%/20%
Business Rates**** Payable: £11,976 pa
Available From: April 2026
Closing Date for Applications: 31/12/2025
E&OE

Trade

The Fountain currently trades predominantly as a weekend led music venue. It could develop trade from early morning with the introduction of breakfasts and coffee. During the day there is steady lunch time trade available through shoppers and businesspeople. In the evening the focus moves much more towards drink associated with meeting friends and enjoying the traditional surroundings and regular entertainment.

"The ideal applicant will be one who loves traditional pubs but with the entreprenurial skills to build a regular and loyal weekday trade alongside the successful weekend music events.

Key is also developing and delivering a menu which successfully competes against the extensive competition in Chichester"

Ian Pearson

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.