Please note: Applicants must be prepared to invest financially in taking on and running this pub. To understand the level of investment required, please review the financial section. Description The Top Railway is a cherished community pub located in Shepshed, Leicestershire. Positioned on the main Charnwood Road, it sits in a prime location surrounded by residential housing and a variety of local amenities, including shops, cafés, and schools. Shepshed itself is a small market town situated approximately four miles west of Loughborough, with excellent transport links via the nearby M1 motorway offering easy access to Leicester, Nottingham, and Derby. Pub Layout As you enter the pub, the bar is directly in front of you and serves all areas of the premises. To the right is the games area, home to the pool table and darts board, both well-used by locals and pub teams. To the left, the atmosphere is more relaxed, with plenty of seating ideal for catching up with friends over a drink. This space features a mix of fixed and loose seating, with both carpeted and wooden flooring adding to its character. Outside, there’s a generous enclosed beer garden, perfect for enjoying a drink with friends and family during the warmer months. The pub also benefits from a car park with space for around 10 vehicles, although many regulars choose to walk from the surrounding area. Trading Style: The Top Railway has a strong community focus, supported by a loyal base of regulars. It hosts both pool and darts teams, along with weekend entertainment such as a DJ or karaoke. There is clear potential to broaden its appeal by introducing additional weekly activities such as quiz nights, bingo, board games and by offering the space as a base for local community groups. A simple back-bar food offering, such as pies, filled baps, or pizzas, could enhance the pub’s appeal without the need for a full kitchen, creating an extra stream of income. Introducing Sky or TNT Sports could also help draw in a wider crowd, particularly during major sporting events. The enclosed beer garden offers further opportunity for growth, especially in the summer months, by hosting community events and family-friendly activities. Accommodation: Private Accommodation The private accommodation consists of three bedrooms, a sitting room, kitchen and bathroom. Financial: Annual Rent: £16,500 Security Deposit: £5,000 or the equivalent of three months’ rent, whichever is greater Working Capital: £3,000 Stock: £3,000 Business Rates: £Nil. Based on the April 2023 rating list, the Zero Rates Payable is based on small business rates relief being applied for by the licensee and the licensee only occupying one property for commercial purposes. Fixtures and Fittings: To be confirmed upon valuation – funding options may be available for the right licensee. Tie: All drinks categories are tied. For fully funded licensees on long term agreements, we offer free-of-tie options for certain drinks categories in exchange for an annual fee. For a breakdown on financial information, please refer to the ‘Additional Info’ tab. BDM Vision: We are seeking an individual or couple who are familiar with the local area and understand the value of a true community pub. The Top Railway was once a well-established and much loved local, and with the right licensee and investment support from Admiral Taverns we believe it can be restored to its full potential. We’d be keen to hear from applicants who share our vision of making this the best pub in the community. There are also exciting opportunities to enhance the drinks offer, including the introduction of cask ales, premium world beers, and an improved selection of wines and spirits. An external redecoration is planned for this site, however, this is subject to Board Approval and will only be completed upon the right licensee signing a 5 year tenancy agreement. Additional Information: Annual Rent – This is our lowest rent figure associated with a Full Tie. If the tie is reduced the effective rent (via Tie Release Fees) will increase. Rent is billed and paid for weekly in advance depending on the payment terms agreed). On occasion, our Business Development Manager will discuss a start up rent which is discretionary to an individual pub and can be discussed. Security Deposit – A security deposit is required when applying for a pub with Admiral. This will be the greater of £5,000 or three months’ headline rent. The deposit is held on your account and returned when you leave, subject to your final account balance and the condition of the property. We will also carry out a credit check as part of your application, which may affect the deposit amount required. Working Capital – This is a recommend amount required which will be used in the day-to-day running of the business. Stock – This will be valued by an independent valuer on the day you take over the pub. This includes unbranded glassware, unopened bottles, wines, spirits, any unopened / opened kegs and cask ale providing the container is unopened. Fixtures & Fittings – This includes any item that is bolted to the floor or walls, and a fitting to be any item that is free standing or hung by a nail or hook. This will also include furniture. Tie: All drinks categories are tied. For fully funded licensees on long term agreements, we offer free-of-tie options for certain drinks categories in exchange for an annual fee. Training – £350.00 – Before signing a long term agreement, you will be required to attend our 7 Steps to Sales Success training programme. Held online over two days, you will learn marketing and business strategies that will help you to grow sales in your pub – step-by-step. Service Charge Cost – £63.33 per week – The Admiral Taverns Premium Maintenance Package will help take care of your compliance and statutory obligations with one simple fee, whilst giving you piece of mind about your boiler and cellar cooling repair and replacement. This also includes full access to e-learning for you and your staff. *Zero Business Rates – Based on the April 2023 rating list, the Nil Rates Payable is based on small business rates relief being applied for by the licensee and the licensee only occupying one property for commercial purposes. Please note, this only applies to pubs marked with an Asterix *