WILTSHIRE - ATTRACTIVE FREE HOUSE IN SMALL HISTORIC TOWN
Mere, Warminster, Wiltshire
Ref: 46700
£395,000
Freehold
1 / 14
Key Features
Location
Mere is bypassed by the A303 London to West Country trunk road which has enabled the town to develop as a desirable residential location. Mere has a number of small businesses, shopping facilities and a primary school. Mere benefits from direct access onto the A303 and also from the main line railway station in neighbouring Gillingham which stands on the London Waterloo to Exeter line.
Mere has a population approaching 3,500 people and benefits from travellers attracted from the A303. Mere is close to the Dorset and Somerset border with the town of Shaftesbury being approximately 8 miles south and the town of Warminster 10 miles north.
Mere has a population approaching 3,500 people and benefits from travellers attracted from the A303. Mere is close to the Dorset and Somerset border with the town of Shaftesbury being approximately 8 miles south and the town of Warminster 10 miles north.
Property
The Butt of Sherry is contained in a period Grade II listed building in an area with many other fine stone residences, a short distance from the Old Market Square which features a chiming town clock and a 15th Century Parish Church.
Trade Areas
Front Entrance from Castle Street into the interlinking trade area and MAIN BAR. This trade space is full of character having exposed timbers, stone walls, wood burning in stone fireplace, and a mixture of fitted carpet, wood and flagstone flooring. Decorated with modern furnishings this area seats approximately 35 customers. The min bar also features a brick built polished topped bar servery with canopy above and back bar display.
At a higher level there is a small SNUG with boxed bay window, that can seat a further 10 customers.
CATERING KITCHEN fitted with nonslip flooring, a range of stainless steel equipment and a WASH-UP AREA.
LADIES’ and GENTLEMEN’S TOILETS.
Two refrigerated BEER CELLARS: One basement beer cellar for cask ales. One ground floor cellar for lagers and ciders.
Owners’ Accommodation
At first floor level and newly fully refurbished providing TWO DOUBLE BEDROOMS, LOUNGE, BATHROOM and KITCHEN. (The kitchen can be multi purpose to help serve the downstairs catering kitchen). At second floor is a large loft space which could be utilised as another large bedroom, subject to the necessary planning regulations.
Letting Accommodation
Two first floor newly refurbished DOUBLE BEDROOMS with en suite bathroom facilities and the benefit of private access.
External
To the rear of the property is a small COURTYARD which can be accessed from the side walkway and seats approximately 10 customers.
Beyond the courtyard are steps leading to a large decked TRADE GARDEN overlooked by Castle Hill, this area is fitted with rattan dining tables and chairs to seat circa 40.
Free parking can be found throughout the town of Mere including the free car park directly opposite the pub.
Trade Areas
Front Entrance from Castle Street into the interlinking trade area and MAIN BAR. This trade space is full of character having exposed timbers, stone walls, wood burning in stone fireplace, and a mixture of fitted carpet, wood and flagstone flooring. Decorated with modern furnishings this area seats approximately 35 customers. The min bar also features a brick built polished topped bar servery with canopy above and back bar display.
At a higher level there is a small SNUG with boxed bay window, that can seat a further 10 customers.
CATERING KITCHEN fitted with nonslip flooring, a range of stainless steel equipment and a WASH-UP AREA.
LADIES’ and GENTLEMEN’S TOILETS.
Two refrigerated BEER CELLARS: One basement beer cellar for cask ales. One ground floor cellar for lagers and ciders.
Owners’ Accommodation
At first floor level and newly fully refurbished providing TWO DOUBLE BEDROOMS, LOUNGE, BATHROOM and KITCHEN. (The kitchen can be multi purpose to help serve the downstairs catering kitchen). At second floor is a large loft space which could be utilised as another large bedroom, subject to the necessary planning regulations.
Letting Accommodation
Two first floor newly refurbished DOUBLE BEDROOMS with en suite bathroom facilities and the benefit of private access.
External
To the rear of the property is a small COURTYARD which can be accessed from the side walkway and seats approximately 10 customers.
Beyond the courtyard are steps leading to a large decked TRADE GARDEN overlooked by Castle Hill, this area is fitted with rattan dining tables and chairs to seat circa 40.
Free parking can be found throughout the town of Mere including the free car park directly opposite the pub.
The Business
The Butt of Sherry has been owned by the current operator since early 2021. Initially, she undertook a major refurbishment of the property and subsequently developed trade to a very healthy level with the accounts for the year ended April 2022 showing takings net of VAT of £359,119.
However, our client has subsequently stopped providing food sales and limited trading hours to four days a week; Thursday to Sunday and even then, only operating the following times:
Thursday: 15:00 – 23:00, Friday: 12:00 – 23:00, Saturday: 15:00 – 23:00 and Sunday: 12:00 – 15:00. This, as expected, has resulted in a decline in turnover and accounts for the year ended April 2025 show takings net of VAT of £140,592.
However, there is no reason given the outstanding facilities from which this property benefits that the former levels of turnover should not return with the reintroduction of food sales and the extension of the opening hours.
However, our client has subsequently stopped providing food sales and limited trading hours to four days a week; Thursday to Sunday and even then, only operating the following times:
Thursday: 15:00 – 23:00, Friday: 12:00 – 23:00, Saturday: 15:00 – 23:00 and Sunday: 12:00 – 15:00. This, as expected, has resulted in a decline in turnover and accounts for the year ended April 2025 show takings net of VAT of £140,592.
However, there is no reason given the outstanding facilities from which this property benefits that the former levels of turnover should not return with the reintroduction of food sales and the extension of the opening hours.
Tenure
FREEHOLD £395,000 + VAT to include goodwill, fixtures and fittings. Stock at valuation in addition.
The Property is elected for VAT. VAT will be levied on the sale price at the standard rate. Purchasers may wish to satisfy themselves with independent professional advice that this VAT may be reclaimed.
No direct approach to be made to the business; please direct all communications through Sidney Phillips.
Viewing strictly by appointment only
The Property is elected for VAT. VAT will be levied on the sale price at the standard rate. Purchasers may wish to satisfy themselves with independent professional advice that this VAT may be reclaimed.
No direct approach to be made to the business; please direct all communications through Sidney Phillips.
Viewing strictly by appointment only
Licence
A full Premises Licence is held for the sale of alcohol between 11:00 and 00:30 seven days a week
Services
All mains services are connected. Rateable Value: £6,750 Local Authority: Wiltshire County Council
Enquire about this listing
Grace Coles
Wessex
