Job Description
This Business Partnership opportunity is available immediately so apply now!
The Dolphin Hotel is a historic pub with rooms, in a fantastic location on the edge of the beautiful Dartmoor National Park. We are looking for enthusiastic and experienced applicants who will enjoy serving great quality food and drink to a wide variety of local guests, diners and holidaymakers. This Business Partnership opportunity is available early January so apply now!
Situated in the heart of the historic market town of Bovey Tracey, the Dolphin Hotel has been welcoming guests since the 1880s. In a prime location on the edge of Dartmoor, the pub attracts many visitors throughout the year, from walkers and cyclists to those seeking a more relaxed break.
Being within easy reach of the South Devon coast, the Dolphin also benefits from holidaymakers wanting to visit the nearby towns of Exmouth, Torquay and Paignton.
* Rent: Turnover rent at 9% net turnover
* Initial Investment: minimum £30,000
* Fair Maintainable Trade* (FMT) Turnover: £650,000 per annum
The Dolphin trades 7 days a week, with a strong community-focused offer that attracts a varied range of guests. The customer base includes a good mix of senior guests who enjoy a lunchtime treat, and young families who come for an early evening meal.
The spacious and sociable bar area allows for events all year round, supported by a large function room which can accommodate formal dining for up to 100 guests, and has its own private bar.
The Dolphin Hotel is rich in history and character. Originally owned by John Joll, it was built in the 1880s as a coaching house providing food, drink and rest for travellers and their horses. Excursions to Dartmoor commenced from the hotel and horse drawn carriages would escort guests up to Dartmoor. The striking exterior of the building has changed very little over the years and has always retained a classical Victorian look.
The large upstairs function room has had several uses over the years. In the late 1800s, the dance band ‘The Dolphins’ entertained there and during the Second World War the room acted as a temporary barracks for American allies who were training nearby. Today, it serves as a fantastic events space, with its own private bar and the space to accommodate up to 100 dining guests.
With 8 en-suite bedrooms, spacious trading areas, an extensive function room and a picturesque patio garden, the Dolphin has great business potential and is an exciting opportunity for the right operator.
Top Line Figures
* Rent: 9% of net turnover, with a minimum base rent of £61,500
* Minimum Initial Investment: £40,250 plus, VAT
* Fair Maintainable Trade* (FMT) Turnover: £650,000 per annum net
* Annual rent illustration based on FMT: £58,500
* Full Investment Breakdown**
* Fixtures & Fittings: Projected £85,000 (Inventory is an estimate net of VAT. Loan facilities are available for the purchase of fixtures and fittings).
Illustration of Year 1 Ingoings (excludes rent) Net VAT Inc VAT
Deposit £ 7,500 N/A £ 7,500
Training Fee £ 1,000 £ 200 £ 1,200
Change of DPS £ 254 £ 46 £ 300
Digital Asset Fee £ 250 £ 50 £ 300
Working Capital*** £10,000 N/A £10,000
F&F (Outright Purchase Option A) £85,000 £17,000 £102,000
F&F (Purchase Agreement Option B) £21,250 £17,000 £38,250
Total Option A £104,004 £17,296 £121,300
Total Option B £40,254 £17,296 £57,550
Additional Information
* Estimated Wet/Dry/Accommodation Split: 45%/45%/10%
* Business Rates**** Payable: £6.976 pa
* Available From: Immediately
* Closing Date for Applications: 31/08/25
E&OE
Trade
The Dolphin trades 7 days a week, with a strong community-focused offer that attracts a varied range of guests. The customer base includes a good mix of senior guests who enjoy a lunchtime treat, and young families who come for an early evening meal.
The spacious and sociable bar area allows for events all year round, supported by a large function room which can accommodate formal dining for up to 100 guests, and has its own private bar.
*Trade volumes for 2021-22 are for 7 months only (Jan – Aug 22), as the Dolphin Hotel was a new acquisition in January 2022.
“There is considerable potential to develop the business here in many different ways, given the pub’s unique location and available space. The guest accommodation is a huge advantage to the business and with the event spaces, this could easily be built upon.
The successful applicant(s) will have an entrepreneurial edge as well as being able to cope with the diverse demands of the eclectic guest base. Experience of a varied catering business would be a distinct advantage, and ideal applicants will be passionate, experienced chefs and restaurateurs, entrepreneurs, and current tenants.”
Izzy Hersom
Business Development Partner