Priory Marina Beefeater, Priory Marina, Barkers Lane, Bedford, MK41 9DJ

The property comprises a substantial, purpose-built Beefeater public house and restaurant arranged over ground floor, designed to accommodate both destination dining and high-volume casual trade. The site benefits from a modern configuration, including a large restaurant space, separate bar area and an open kitchen concept that enhances customer experience.

A significant feature of the property is its extensive external trading areas, particularly the lakeside seating which offers a unique and highly attractive setting for customers. The premises are complemented by shared access to a large customer car park serving both the restaurant and adjacent Premier Inn.

The property is prominently positioned within the Priory Marina development in Bedford, overlooking the highly attractive Priory Lake. This established leisure destination provides a picturesque trading environment and draws strong footfall from both local residents and visitors, benefiting from its waterside setting and associated recreational activity.

The site sits adjacent to a busy 60-bedroom Premier Inn hotel, generating consistent customer flow, and is further enhanced by neighbouring national operators including Costa Coffee. The location benefits from excellent connectivity, with convenient access to Bedford town centre and major road networks including the M1 and surrounding A-roads.

Overall, Priory Marina represents a well-established leisure and hospitality hub, with the property's lakeside aspect forming a key differentiator and significant driver of trade.

Internally, the property is arranged to provide two principal trading areas. The bar accommodates approximately 40 covers and offers a relaxed environment suitable for drinks-led and informal dining occasions. The main restaurant provides approximately 130 covers, configured to suit a high-volume food-led operation.

A key feature of the layout is the open kitchen positioned adjacent to the restaurant, creating an engaging dining experience. Back of house facilities are extensive and well-equipped, including a large food preparation area, dedicated wash-up section, walk-in refrigeration, dry storage, staff facilities and office accommodation. The overall configuration is highly functional and designed to support efficient service at scale.

The trade fixtures and fittings are included in the purchase price. Certain items bearing corporate identity, brand name, third-party owned or on the excluded list (see “Terms of Disposal” document) may be removed from the property prior to, or shortly after, completion.

T&C’s Link
Click Here for Terms and Conditions

Boundary Plans
• Restaurant Only Disposal - the plans edged in blue are a guide to Whitbread’s property’s ownership, the boundary edged in red is the demise that will transfer as part of the Freehold, Long Leasehold or shorter leasehold transactions.
• Whole Site Disposal – the plans edged in red are a guide to the property’s boundary only. Please seek your own legal advice in respect to the ownership plan.
• Stacked Sites – where the restaurant sits directly below the hotel, the access from the Hotel reception will be closed off, with access directed through the main restaurant entrance.

Service Charge (excluding Whole Sites) The buyer will be expected to pay a service charge, to cover common areas and grounds maintenance and repairs on a proportional basis.

VAT - will be calculated if the property has living accommodation at 90% or 100% if not and will be added to the purchase price. If the transaction is deemed to be a Transfer of a Going Concern (TOGC), VAT will not be payable.

Externally, the property boasts extensive customer areas, with seating for approximately 250 covers, a large proportion of which overlook the lake, creating a standout feature and a key driver of seasonal trade. The outside space is well configured for both casual dining and larger groups.

The property benefits from ample shared customer parking with the adjacent Premier Inn, providing easy access and convenience for visitors.

The property includes well-presented staff/manager’s accommodation arranged as a self-contained duplex flat. The accommodation comprises two bedrooms, a kitchen/diner, lounge and bathroom, providing comfortable on-site living space suitable for management occupancy.

The property offers a rare opportunity to acquire a high-capacity, well-located pub and restaurant adjacent to a major branded hotel, benefiting from a consistent flow of captive trade. The scale of the internal and external trading areas, particularly the lakeside seating, provides significant scope to maximise revenue across food, drink and seasonal outdoor trade.

The sale is subject to TUPE - Transfer of Undertaking (Protection of Employment), all staff will transfer with the business on completion. Anonymised schedules will be available in the data room for review by qualified parties only.

Trading information is available exclusively to qualified buyers via a secure data room. Access is subject to the execution of a signed Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). For further details, please contact the appointed agent.

Long leasehold is to be sold as a trading going Concern (TOGC). The property is held under a long lease granted by The Council of the Borough of Bedford for a term of 125 years from 1st March 1998. Approximately 96 years remain unexpired.

The property benefits from a Premises Licence. Any prospective purchaser will be required to hold a Personal Licence and to apply, at their own expense, for the transfer of the Premises Licence (subject to approval by the licensing authority).