EAST SUSSEX - 25 BEDROOM HOTEL AND PUB

A superb opportunity to create a new concept in this substantial character property in the heart of a desirable and affluent community.

The Chequers Inn Hotel is situated in the desirable and affluent East Sussex community of Forest Row. The town lies in the Wealden District, approximately 3 miles south-east of East Grinstead. The village is known as ‘The Gateway to Ashdown Forest’, an area of ancient heathland and woodland renowned for being a medieval hunting forest for the Tudor Royals as well as the home of Winnie The Pooh. The area acts as a ‘honey pot’ for walkers, cyclists and nature enthusiasts as well.

The village is offset from the A22 trunk road which connects the conurbations of Hailsham, Uckfield and East Grinstead to the M25 at junction 6. Railway services are available from nearby East Grinstead with services into London Victoria. London Gatwick Airport lies approximately 9 miles north west making the area a popular stop off for those travelling to and from the airport.

The Chequers Inn Hotel occupies a prominent position in the village centre. The property occupies a substantial Grade II Listed building understood to date back to the 17th Century. This two-storey property retains much of its original charm and character and must be seen to be appreciated.

PUB & RESTUARANT
- LOUNGE AND RECEPTION: Sofa seating for 22.
- BAR: With a notable Inglenook fireplace, flagstone flooring, exposed timbers and wood built bar servery. Seating for 18 and room for plenty more standing, however this could well be increased if desired.
- SNUG: With second Inglenook fireplace and seating for 12.
- RESTAURANT: With seating for 24.
- FUNCTION ROOM/SECOND RESTAURANT: With a vaulted ceiling, log burner and integrated speakers. Capable of providing seating for up to 100.
- GENTLEMEN'S TOILETS
- LADIES' TOILETS
- TRADE KITCHEN

HOTEL
To the rear of the property there is a purpose built hotel understood to have been added to the original property in 1981. The letting accommodation is split over four floors as follows:

- 1 x FOUR POSTER WITH EN SUITE SHOWER
- 2 x FOUR POSTER WITH EN SUITE BATHROOM
- 5 x DOUBLE/TWIN WITH EN SUITE SHOWER
- 8 x DOUBLE BEDROOM WITH EN SUITE BATHROOM
- 4 x DOUBLE BEDROOM WITH WC AND HAND BASIN
- 1 x DOUBLE BEDROOM WITH HAND BASIN
- 3 x DOUBLE/TWIN BEDROOM
- 1 x FAMILY ROOM WITH EN SUITE BATHROOM
- 1 x SHARED WC AND SHOWER
- 1 x SHARED WC
- 1 x SHARED SHOWER

ANCILLARY
- SAUNA AND STEAM ROOM: With shower and WC.
- PLANT ROOM AND STORE
- LAUNDRY ROOM: With two commercial washing machines and two commercial driers.
- LINEN STORE
- GENTLEMEN'S TOILETS
- LADIES' TOILETS
- BASEMENT CELLAR

EXTERNAL
- FRONT TRADE PATIO: Seating for 30 and enjoying views of the high street.
- UNDERGROUND CAR PARK: Space for 14 vehicles.

Our clients have owned and operated the Chequers Inn Hotel for the past 52 years and now wish to hand the gauntlet over to a new operator who can create their own style of operation. We are of the opinion that the Chequers Inn Hotel would suit a ‘hands on’ operator or managed house style alike who could implement their own style of trade and food offering. At present, the business does not provide a food offering, creating a great opportunity for a new owner to greatly increase turnover with the introduction of a lunch and dinner menu, as well as providing a breakfast offering for guest and increasing the room rates accordingly.

No trade is sold or warranted. Trade accounts are not available. Any prospective incoming party will need to make their own judgement as to likely potential trade giving due regard to the size and location of the property.

LEASEHOLD £150,000 to include fixtures, fittings and grant of a new lease.

A new free-of-tie lease agreement is available as below:
- Part repairing and insuring lease agreement
- For a term of 10 years
- Inside Part II Landlord & Tenant Act 1954
- 3 month rental deposit in advance, plus personal guarantors if the lease were taken as a Limited Company, or alternatively a higher rental deposit figure between 6 and 12 months
- Rent £104,000 per annum
- Rent paid monthly in advance
- Subject to rent reviews every five years
- Suitable insurance to be in place prior to exchange of contracts

An incoming party will be required to demonstrate sufficient funds to sustain their business model, and will need to demonstrate ingoing capital to cover the premium, rental deposits, stock, working capital and solicitors fees as a minimum.

No direct approach to be made to the business, with all communications directed through Sidney Phillips. Viewing strictly by appointment only.

A full Premises Licence is held.

All mains services are connected.
Rateable Value: £34,600
Local Authority: Wealden District Council