Blacksmiths Arms

Kingsley Holt, Stoke on Trent

Your Local Partnership

Your pub with
our backing

Support that
keeps giving

Get off the
ground fast

Award winning
training

Overview

RUN THE BLACKSMITHS ARMS, KINGSLEY HOLT

Your Local Partnership

Overview: The Blacksmiths Arms is a welcoming community pub in Kingsley Holt, near Cheadle, with a loyal customer base and a strong local reputation. Positioned on a main road in the Staffordshire Moorlands, the pub benefits from regular local trade, passing custom and seasonal visitors, making it an excellent pub partnership opportunity for an operator looking to grow a traditional wet-led community pub.

The business: Currently taking around £5,400 per week, the business operates with a 100% wet sales mix. The pub is a simple one-room operation featuring a central bar, pool table and darts board, providing strong foundations as a community-focused local. One of its standout features is the large grassed beer garden, which offers valuable additional trading space and opportunities for outdoor events, gatherings and summer occasions.

The opportunity: The Blacksmiths Arms already benefits from established pool and darts teams that generate regular footfall throughout the week. There is clear potential to grow sales further by increasing rhythm-of-the-week activity, introducing additional pub teams, developing local events and making greater use of the beer garden. With a strong community feel already in place, the next operator can build on existing foundations and strengthen the pub’s reputation as a go-to local destination.

Who we’re looking for: We’re looking for an experienced, hands-on operator who understands what makes a successful community pub. You’ll be confident building relationships with regulars, supporting local teams and creating reasons for guests to visit throughout the week. Strong hosting skills, local engagement and a passion for providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere will be key to success.

What’s in it for you?

20% share of weekly wet sales, excluding VAT.
Keep 100% of the food sales.
Low ingoing costs, starting with just a £5,000 deposit and £360 legal cost (deposits can vary depending on the business).
Accommodation included, with most bills covered except council tax and TV Licence.

Ready to take the next step? Run the Blacksmiths Arms and build on the success of an established community pub with a loyal customer base and clear growth potential. If you’re ready to take on your own pub business, create memorable occasions for local guests and make the most of a fantastic beer garden and community atmosphere, we’d love to hear from you.

Private accommodation information

Bedrooms

1 bedroom

Details

There is a small flat above the Blacksmiths Arms with a bathroom, bedroom and open living area.

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

Pub games

Beer garden

Customer car park

Live acts

How to apply

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Blacksmiths Arms, Kingsley Holt, Stoke on Trent

Kingsley Holt, Stoke on Trent

ST10 2DJ

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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!