RUN THE SUN INN, KESWICK
Pillar Partnership
Overview: The Sun Inn is a characterful food-led village pub in the heart of the Lake District National Park. Ideally located close to Bassenthwaite Lake, Skiddaw and some of the area’s most popular walking and cycling routes, the pub attracts a strong mix of local residents, tourists, outdoor enthusiasts and holidaymakers throughout the year. This is an exciting pub partnership opportunity for an experienced operator looking to run a successful destination food pub in one of the UK’s most visited locations.
The business: Currently taking around £14,000 per week, the business benefits from an even 50/50 split between food and wet sales. The Sun Inn has delivered continued growth and is currently performing 11% year on year, supported by a healthy balance of local trade and year-round tourism. The pub enjoys strong trading opportunities during school holidays, weekends, peak walking season and the festive period, while its loyal local customer base provides consistency throughout the year.
The opportunity: The Sun Inn offers significant scope to develop a standout food offer that fully capitalises on its destination location. The next operator can build on the pub’s existing food reputation, increase daytime trade, attract walkers and visitors, and create a relaxed, high-quality dining experience for both locals and tourists. With millions of visitors travelling to the Lake District every year, there is clear potential to further strengthen the pub’s position as a must-visit food destination.
Who we’re looking for: We’re looking for an experienced operator with a strong food-led background, commercial awareness and the ambition to grow an already successful pub business. You’ll have a passion for hospitality, the ability to develop an appealing food offer and the confidence to engage both the local community and visiting guests. Strong operational standards and an eye for opportunity will be key to maximising the pub’s potential.
What’s in it for you?
- 35% share of weekly wet sales, excluding VAT.
- Keep 80% of food sales, with the opportunity to create and operate your own menu.
- 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.
- As part of this opportunity, the successful operator will be responsible for business rates and all entertainment-related costs.
Ready to take the next step? Run the Sun Inn and build on the success of a well-established Lake District destination pub. If you’re ready to create a food-led business that attracts both loyal locals and visitors from across the UK, we’d love to hear from you.
