Oddfellows Arms

Keswick

Community Food Partnership

Your pub with
our backing

Support that
keeps giving

Get off the
ground fast

Award winning
training

Overview

RUN THE ODDFELLOWS ARMS, KESWICK

Community Food Partner Opportunity

Overview: The Oddfellows Arms is a well-loved community pub in the heart of Keswick, set against the stunning backdrop of the Lake District and available on a new and improved agreement. Popular with tourists and loyal locals, it currently averages £12,000 per week, with strong wet-led trade and clear potential to grow food sales further.

The business: Set in one of the Lake District’s busiest tourist destinations, The Oddfellows Arms benefits from strong year-round footfall from walkers, holidaymakers, local residents and visitors exploring Keswick’s lakes, mountains and walking routes. The pub is known for its lively weekend entertainment, spacious beer garden, welcoming atmosphere and carefully selected Marston’s-branded food offer. Sales currently average £12,000 per week, with 80% from wet trade and 20% from food, giving the pub a solid trading base and a loyal, diverse customer mix.

The opportunity: There is a significant opportunity to grow The Oddfellows Arms by developing the food offer, improving consistency and making the most of Keswick’s busy seasonal and tourist trade. With food currently accounting for 20% of total sales, the right operator can use creativity, local marketing, strong standards and community engagement to turn food into a bigger revenue driver while building on the pub’s already strong wet-led performance.

Who we’re looking for: We’re looking for an experienced pub partner with a background in high-street, community or seasonal trading environments. The right person will be confident recruiting, training and leading a team through peak periods, while maintaining high standards throughout the year. Adaptability, community focus and the ability to manage the demands of a busy Lake District pub will be key to building on the pub’s success.

What’s in it for you? You’ll receive a 26% share of weekly sales, excluding VAT, plus a guaranteed annual retained sum of £35,000 released weekly. Low ingoing costs start with a £5,000 deposit and £360 legal cost, with deposits varying by business. Private accommodation is included, with most bills covered apart from council tax and TV Licence.

Ready to take the next step? Run The Oddfellows Arms and build a new life in the Lakes at the heart of Keswick. This is a standout pub partner opportunity for an ambitious operator to grow sales, develop the food offer and make their mark in one of the UK’s most beautiful tourist locations. If this specific opportunity isn’t quite right but you’re still dreaming of a life in the Lakes, we’d still love to connect and have a chat.

Private accommodation information

Office

Yes

Bedrooms

2 bedrooms

Details

Private accommodation is above the pub.

As part of our application process, we may use Lily, an AI-powered interviewing assistant to support the early stages of screening. Lily helps us move quickly, keep things flexible for you, and create a more consistent candidate experience, but one thing you should know – all hiring decisions are still made by our people.

Please note: Photos featured in our Grandstand advertisements may include images of previous Grandstand investments across the estate to illustrate the look and feel of a typical Grandstand conversion. Images used may not reflect the current setup of the specific site being advertised.

All proposed investment is subject to final approval and formal sign‑off in accordance with company governance and capital expenditure approval processes.

Pub features

Private accommodation

Food offer

Pub games

Beer garden

Live sports

Live acts

How to apply

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Oddfellows Arms, Keswick

Keswick

CA12 5BL

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Partner FAqs

How long is the recruitment process?

We understand that taking on your own pub business is an important decision. We are proud to operate under the provisions of the Pubs Code regulations (2016), by providing certain important information during the recruitment process which will enable you to make an informed decision about the pub business and the agreement which you are applying for. The recruitment process is structured to include meetings with our recruitment and operations team (virtually or in person). The process usually takes 3-6 weeks from application to offer, but varies depending on meeting dates, availability and information required for the completion of the business plan.

How do I obtain a personal license?

For any of our partnership agreements you must have a personal licence to legally operate one of our pubs. We can help in the process of obtaining a personal licence through our partners at John Gaunt. A member of our recruitment team will be able to discuss this option with you as part of your application or enquiry.

Do I need to pay the whole deposit upfront?

If you receive an offer from us, we will require payment of the full deposit at your earliest convenience. However, from time to time at the Regional Operations Managers discretion a part deposit payment may be made with an agreed deposit builder in place for the remaining amount. The deposit, or deposit builder, would need to be paid before the commencement of the agreement.

How do I receive my % turnover share and guaranteed retained sum?

Takings are banked in a Marston’s account in accordance with the agreements, to allow us to deduct our Management Charge. Your share (‘Retained Sum’) will be settled on a weekly basis. Any guaranteed annual Retained Sum is released on a weekly basis to you at the same time as your turnover % share Retained Sum.

Can I replace the menu? Can I run specials?

In any partner agreement pub with a Marston’s menu on offer there is no opportunity to put on your own version of food or specials due to allergies and food regulations. We do have a number of pubs that do not have a Marston’s menu in, and you are free to put on your own food menu.

What would happen if I wanted to exit the business before the end of the term?

Marston’s are well aware that life doesn’t always go to plan, that’s why most of our Partnerships have an early termination clause which can be triggered by both parties. There is the option to give three or six months’ notice (depending on the agreement) for both parties and would need to be confirmed in writing to your Area Manager.

What development opportunities are there?

Our award-winning learning and development teams offer tonnes of support and training to both partners and your pub teams. When you join us, you will be booked onto our BII* accredited induction programme which includes classroom-based learning, practical sessions and for our food-led businesses, time spent at one of our Centres of Excellence pubs where an experience operator will show you the ropes.

As a Marston’s partner, you’ll also get access to our online training platform where you will be able to access a wide range of free online training courses, tools, and resources. In addition, our trainers will support you with in-person and virtual training sessions when you need the extra help! Our team can also help you access a range of apprenticeships for entry level team members, up to managers and directors.

Can I become a multi-site operator with Marston’s?

We do have multiple pub operators across our business, this is approved on a case by case basis and would need to be approved at a senior level. Feel free to discuss this with a member of our recruitment team in the first instance.

What happens next?

Speak to a member of our team

Meet one of our area managers

Providing you with information on the pub

Present your business plan

Offer and arrangements for taking on your pub business!