The Kings Head, Church Street, Merriott

Public House with vacant possession for Sale by Informal Tender (Deadline: 2 August 2024)

The Property - The Kings Head on Church Street is the only functioning public house in the Somerset village of Merriott and has been in operation since 1696!

The pub still turns a profit consistently, with scope to add further revenue, as it is currently only open Thursday to Sunday, due to the vendor's circumstances. It has a fantastic reputation catering to the local and wider community by offering a traditional pub menu prepared with local seasonal produce. The Kings Head is in a central location which is easily accessed from many local villages with affluent populations. This historic 17th Century public house is definitely worth a look whether you want a full-time occupation or if you are just looking for the perfect lifestyle business.

The property comprises a detached Grade II listed public house with a three bedroom owners' apartment at first floor level, gardens and useful outbuildings. To the front there is a private car park with ample parking for patrons across the road. There is a main front door opening to the pub interior, side driveway which provides access to the rear and side of the property for deliveries and the separate building which serves as function rooms and houses two skittles alleys. The building is also used for entertainment events such as weddings, Christmas lunches and dinners . The rear has a covered terrace area with heating and seating and then a pub garden with an entertainment area (The Kings Shed), ideal for those summer garden parties and outdoor events.

The property provides scope for further value to be added, subject to planning, with the potential for accommodation to be developed within the existing buildings. The sale price will include all goodwill, fixtures and fittings, but stock, equipment and furniture will be valued independently by an expert at the time the sale is agreed.

Situation - Merriott is very well located with ease of access to the A303 only a few miles North and Crewkerne with its mainline train station only a few miles to the South. It is a growing village with planning permission for over 100 new homes and is within a semi-rural area with a high proportion of affluent residents, surrounded predominantly by farmland and a rural landscape and within easy reach of Crewkerne, Yeovil and Taunton. The Jurassic Coast is a short drive away, with Lyme Regis and Bridport both within easy reach.

Directions - From the A303, take the A356 (signposted Crewkerne) south for approximately 2.5 miles, until you reach the junction signposted Merriott/Lynash Nurseries, turn right onto the lane and follow it for 1 mile into the village until the junction with Church Street. Turn right and the Kings Head will be on the right hand side, opposite the car park.

Services - Mains electricity, water, gas and sewerage.

Business Rates - Rateable Value
Pub: £14,600
Car park: £1,200

Local Authority - Somerset Council:

The Business - The business is currently operated as a partnership by the vendors. Annual turnover is reported as £207,790 for the year ending 31 May 2022 and £228,109 for the year ending 31 May 2023. EBITDA for 2022 is assessed at £40,701 in 2022 and £37,624 in 2023. The figures for 2024 are not available at the time of publication of these particulars, but management accounts can be provided. Full accounts for 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 can be provided to qualified purchasers. The accounts show consistent turnover, apart from those years that were impacted by the Covid-19 Pandemic. The accounts also show consistent profitability, thanks to the support of loyal customers and the Kings Head's fine reputation locally and regionally.

There is significant scope to increase trade, with the current owners operating the pub on a part-time basis at present. There are a range of useful outbuildings that have potential for conversion to holiday or residential accommodation, subject to the necessary consents.