This Business Partnership opportunity is available Immediately! This delightful traditional coaching inn is brimming with character and history, situated right in the centre of the idyllic market town of Mere. The oldest pub in the town, The George Inn is a landmark building with over 400 years of history and the potential to become a thriving hub once again. Local records even note that King Charles II stayed here in 1651 while fleeing after the Battle of Worcester. Today, the pub retains its rustic character with cosy seating, relaxed dining areas, and an impressive log fire. With its enviable location, eight guest bedrooms, and planned investment from Hall & Woodhouse, The George Inn has all the ingredients to be a thriving and profitable business once again. The George Inn is a multi-faceted site with the facilities to support a diverse and successful business. • 8 well-appointed en-suite guest bedrooms • Two main dining areas plus a separate room suitable for private dining, meetings, or functions (up to 24 covers) • A characterful locals’ bar, with flagstone floors and a traditional open fire • Meeting and function room • An outside seating area and on-site car parking • 1 large bedroom flat for private accommodation Hall & Woodhouse are planning an investment programme to enhance the outdoor trading space, including creating a more welcoming garden and adding a new section on currently unused land. This will increase capacity to 72 outdoor covers and create an attractive space for both locals and visitors. We are seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial operator with the ambition to relaunch and grow this historic inn. The right partner will: • Have a proven track record in food-led hospitality, developing a high-quality, accessible offer for locals and tourists. • Be able to position the pub as both a destination inn and a community hub, ensuring year-round trade. • Show creativity in marketing and events, capitalising on the area’s heritage, tourism, and local traditions. • Bring strong leadership and operational skills, building a team that delivers excellent service every time. Could this be the pub for you? Location: Mere is a beautiful market town of around 3,000 residents, with a strong sense of community and a busy local calendar, including the popular Mere Carnival. The pub sits prominently on The Square, the focal point of the town, benefitting from local trade and strong year-round tourism potential. The town is exceptionally well-serviced for its size, with shops, schools, healthcare facilities, and an active community network. Its location offers easy access to the A303, while nearby towns such as Warminster and Shaftesbury expand the catchment further. Tourism is a major strength, with Stourhead (National Trust), Longleat Safari Park, and the Cranborne Chase AONB all close by. Historic Castle Hill, countryside walking trails, and a packed local events calendar bring consistent footfall. This combination makes The George Inn a prime opportunity to serve both a loyal local audience and a steady stream of visitors. Private Accommodation The George has a large, one bedroomed flat with its own lounge, kitchen and bathroom. At present, it is only linked to the rest of the building by electricity and water, however there is provision for a landline telephone link to the rest of the pub and the wiring for a TV aerial. Double bedrooms – 1 Lounge – 1 Private kitchen – Yes Bathrooms – 1 Key Pub Features Fair Maintainable Trade* (FMT) Net Turnover: £630k per annum, pre investment scheme Historic 16th century inn with traditional features and cosy log fire Town centre location in an affluent market town Stunning local surroundings with a range of nearby attractions Eight comfortable en-suite guest bedrooms Top Line Figures Rent: 9.5% of turnover, with a minimum base rent of £50,800 Initial Investment: minimum £31,300, inc VAT Fair Maintainable Trade* (FMT) Turnover: £630,000 per annum net, pre investment scheme Annual rent illustration based on FMT: £58,000 Full Investment Breakdown Fixtures & Fittings: £40,000 (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) £40,000 £8,000 £48,000 F&F (Purchase Agreement Option B) £ 4,000 £8,000 £12.000 Total Option A £54,004 £8,296 £67,300 Total Option B £23,004 £8,296 £31,300 Additional Information Estimated Wet/Dry/Accommodation Split: 47%/33%/20% Business Rates Payable: £6,138 pa Available From: Immediately Closing date for applications 31/10/25 E&OE Trade The George currently has a seasonal uplift in trade, with the busiest months from March to October, and with the lunchtime trading period attracting the highest volume of guests, particularly from June to the end of September. The guest base tends to be predominantly mature professionals with a good disposable income, looking for high quality food and a drink in relaxed atmosphere. There currently tends to be more couples than families, and more passing trade from visitors than local trade. “We are seeking a well funded community focused Business Partner with bags of personality to drive this beautiful town centre pub with rooms. We would welcome experienced hospitality operators with lots of fresh ideas who would love to build on this already great business.” Izzy Hersom Business Development Partner