Twa Dogs

Keswick

Community Wet Partnership

Your pub with
our backing

Support that
keeps giving

Get off the
ground fast

Award winning
training

Overview

RUN THE TWA DOGS, KESWICK

Community Wet Agreement

Overview:
The Twa Dogs is a traditional wet-led community pub situated on Penrith Road, within walking distance of Keswick town centre in the heart of the Lake District. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, sports viewing and strong local following, it attracts local residents, tourists, walkers and holidaymakers throughout the year. With established weekly sales, successful letting rooms and further growth potential across food, sport and community activity, this is a fantastic opportunity for the right operator to build on strong foundations.

The business:
The pub offers comfortable internal trading areas, sports viewing, pool and darts facilities, outdoor seating and customer parking. Supported by a strong wet trade, successful letting rooms and a complementary food offer, it generates weekly sales of approximately £11,500, with a sales mix of 64% wet, 27% food and 9% accommodation. The pub benefits from both loyal residential trade and year-round tourism. Key strengths include its prime Lake District location, established letting room income and diverse customer base.

The opportunity:
The next operator can grow sales and profitability across multiple income streams while strengthening the pub’s position at the heart of the local community. The strongest growth priorities are developing the food offer, increasing sport and entertainment-led occasions, and growing community-led events and local engagement.

Who we’re looking for:
We’re looking for an operator, couple or team with a passion for hospitality, strong community engagement skills and the drive to develop a successful, welcoming local pub. The ideal partner will be commercially minded, entrepreneurial and confident in maximising opportunities across wet sales, letting rooms and food while building a strong reputation within the local community.

What’s in it for you?
22% share of weekly sales excluding VAT, plus a guaranteed annual retained sum of £25,000 released weekly. Low ingoing costs start with a £5,000 deposit and £360 legal cost. Separate owner’s accommodation is included, with most bills covered except council tax and TV Licence.

Ready to take the next step?
Run The Twa Dogs and build a thriving community pub with multiple income streams in one of the UK’s most popular visitor destinations. If you’re ready to make your mark in the heart of the Lake District, enquire today.

Private accommodation information

Office

Yes

Bedrooms

2 bedrooms

Details

Living room, kitchen, bathroom with shower and bath, 2 bedrooms and office situated within the accommodation.

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

Customer car park

Live acts

How to apply

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Twa Dogs, Keswick

Keswick

CA12 4JU

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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!