OXFORDSHIRE – ATTRACTIVE 17th CENTURY GASTRO PUB

The village of Epwell is set in the most desirable part of North Oxfordshire, 7 miles from the large market town of Banbury and north-east of the popular market town of Chipping Norton, made famous by Jeremy Clarkson’s television series ‘Clarkson’s Farm’. The village is a popular residential location which also appeals to commuters due to its proximity to the M40 at Banbury to the east and the A40 at Oxford and Witney to the south.

The subject property, The Chandlers Arms, is a most attractive Grade II listed property, dating back to the 17th century. It takes it name from candle making, reputedly with links to the internationally renowned brand, Fortnum & Mason, which started as a candle makers. Indeed, the company states in its own literature that Mr Mason lived in Epwell, and Mr Mason is also recorded as one of the pub’s first licensees.

The Chandlers Arms was acquired by our clients in 2021, at which time it had been closed for two years. They immediately undertook a complete refurbishment programme, the quality and extent of which will be evident to all who view. It opened six months later and has subsequently traded at an extremely healthy rate, despite limited trading hours and there being little external promotion. It is now for sale due to a new addition to an expanding family, offering a prospective purchaser the opportunity to exploit the considerable investment that has been carried out. It is briefly described as follows:

TRADE AREAS
The property has extremely well appointed trade areas and even though it was completely refurbished in 2022 and has a contemporary feel, it retains its period charm. It has two interconnecting rooms which have boarded floors throughout, beamed ceilings, part panelled walls and contemporary dining chairs and tables currently arranged to seat 28 diners. There is a feature, double-sided fireplace with beamed lintel over and real flame effect cast iron log burner installed. A fully equipped bar servery has panelled frontage. The servery interconnects with the CATERING KITCHEN.

CUSTOMER TOILETS, again appointed to an extremely high standard, completely refurbished during 2022.

At basement level is a BEER CELLAR with delivery access from the front of the property.

Well presented CATERING KITCHEN in three sections, providing a main catering area which has Altro nonslip flooring, fully sealed walls, a comprehensive selection of stainless steel catering effects and work surfaces, a top quality controlled induction oven, two Blue Seal turbo fan ovens and a four section, galvanised extraction canopy. There is a WALK-IN DRY STORE and a good size PREPARATION AREA, again appointed to a similar standard.

OWNERS’ ACCOMMODATION
Located at first floor, the owners’ accommodation is arranged as follows:

BEDROOM 1: double with bespoke fitted wardrobes and boarded floor. EN SUITE SHOWER ROOM with modern suite of wash hand basin, WC and shower.

DOMESTIC LOUNGE: of good size with boarded floor.

BEDROOM 2: well-appointed double with boarded floor, walk-in wardrobe and EN SUITE SHOWER ROOM with modern suite.

EXTERNAL
The gardens are the feature of the pub and are superbly landscaped with terraced, patioed and gravelled areas. They are conveniently located for the rear entrance and for the service of food from the kitchen. There are flagstones over two levels, currently providing external seating for up to 30 customers, but this area could seat considerably more. Two further lawned areas.

There is a gravelled car park with space for approximately 10 vehicles (if sensibly parked). SERVICE COMPOUND and block-built OUTBUILDING used for storage and laundry.

Our clients acquired the property in October 2021, at which time it was closed. They immediately undertook a complete refurbishment programme and reopened for trade in April 2022. We are advised takings for the first financial year amounted to £250,000 net of VAT. This trade was split 70% food sales to 30% drinks trade. The business operates on relatively limited trading hours, being open four days a week (Wednesday to Saturday) and is only open during the evening on Wednesdays.

Prospective purchasers will feel there is scope for development, particularly of the local custom, with an extension to the opening hours during the day in the summer months when this part of Oxfordshire is very popular with walkers and ramblers. Epwell itself has a well-known circular walk.

FREEHOLD £485,000 to include goodwill and fixtures and fittings. Stock at valuation in addition. 

No direct approach to be made to the business; please direct all communications through Sidney Phillips.

Viewing strictly by appointment only.

Under the terms of the Premises Licence, the business is permitted to retail alcohol between the hours of:

Sunday - Thursday: 10:00 - 23:00
Friday and Saturday: 10:00 - 01:00

The property has the benefit of mains electricity, water and drainage. Oil-fired central heating.

Local Authority: Cherwell District Council.

Rateable Value: £7,200 as at 01 April 2023.