The Hambro Arms stands in the picturesque and much photographed village of
Milton Abbas in Dorset. The village has a fascinating history: It dates from
1773, being a purpose built village commissioned by the Lord of the Manor to
replace a settlement which spoilt his idyllic country view, close to his
country of Milton Abbey. The remnants of this lie beneath the ornamental lake
which replaced the former village. The village includes thirty six identical
whitewashed and thatched cottages which flank the main street, at the head of
which is The Hambro Arms.
Milton Abbas is approximately 8 miles from Blandford Forum and 11 miles from
the county town of Dorchester. These link via the nearby A354. The village
hosts a biennial street fair which has taken place for over 225 years and is
one of Dorset’s main summer events:
Milton Abbey and House have now become a highly regarded independent school.
This proves beneficial to The Hambro Arms with letting rooms often being used
by visiting parents and the bar and dining facilities benefitting from visits
by staff and visitors. Milton Abbas is also regularly used for period drama
filming.
The Hambro Arms occupies a two - storey Grade II listed detached property
constructed of plastered cob under a hip thatched roof. The Hambro Arms
underwent a stylish and sympathetic refurbishment programme in 2020, and the
thatched roof was entirely replaced in the summer of 2023. The property is
briefly described as follows:
**Trade areas**
Ground floor:
A front entrance porch leads into the main bar which provides seating for 50.
This room includes a fine solid wood bar servery counter with back bar
display, feature rustic brick fireplace with inset multifuel stove, ceiling
timbers, fine mellow tiled floor and wooden floorboards. It is furnished with
a variety of natural wood tables and chairs.
Dining room of similar high quality presentation with library wallpapering,
exposed rustic brick walls, inglenook fireplace with multifuel stove and
dining tables and chairs for approximately 38 customers.
Rear hallway with access to ladies’ and gentlemen’s toilets. Catering kitchen
with a comprehensive range of commercial equipment. Main cooking area with
starter/preparation section and a wash - up/laundry facility. Service areas
including bottle store and refrigerated beer store.
**Owners/staff accommodation**
Located on the first floor and comprising:
2 x double bedrooms
lounge (could also be used as a bedroom)
**Bathroom
letting accommodation**
Located on the first floor and comprising:
2 x double bedrooms, each with en suite bathroom
2 x double bedrooms, each with en suite shower room
**External**
The Hambro Arms is set back from the street beyond a forecourt which has table
and bench seating for up to 75 covers. To the side of this is forecourt
parking, although there is also unrestricted parking in the village.
A range of outbuildings include two integral garages and character stables,
currently used for storage. A further concrete pad and a detached garage
adjoin.
The Hambro Arms has been under its current ownership since June 2017 and
during this time a sympathetic upgrade and refurbishment programme has taken
place.
The business is largely run by the owners and as of 28th February 2023 the
business achieved an annual net turnover of £147, 766. Prior to the Covid - 19
pandemic the year ending 28th February 2020 showed an annual net turnover of
£393, 888. The business has an historic annual net turnover exceeding £400, 000.
Full trading information can be made available to serious parties following a
formal viewing.
The trade split is approximately 70% wet and the remaining 30% split between
food and letting. Up until the year ending January 2022 the business offered
fine dining but since that time now offers light lunches.
We are of the opinion that the business would suit a hands - on operator looking
to reintroduce a fine dining element to the business and capitalise on the
tourism generated from this picture postcard village.
Leasehold £225, 000 to include goodwill and fixtures & fittings. Stock at
valuation in addition.
The Hambro Arms is held on a fully repairing and insuring lease agreement from
Admiral Taverns, for a term of twenty years which commenced March 2007. The
lease falls within the security provisions of the Landlord & Tenant Act 1954
and is fully assignable. Rent currently stands at £59, 772 exclusive of VAT per
annum paid monthly in advance, subject to five yearly rent reviews and annual
rpi adjustments. An incoming party will be required to provide a rental
deposit to the Landlord. The lease is free of all trade ties.
No direct approach to be made to the business; please direct all
communications through Sidney Phillips.
Viewing strictly by appointment only.
A full Premises Licence is held for the supply of alcohol, late night
refreshment and provision of facilities for music and dancing. Permitted hours
are:
10: 00—00: 30 Monday to Thursday
10: 00—01: 00 Friday and Saturday
12: 30—21: 30 Sunday
All mains services, except for gas, are connected.
There is bottled propane gas at the property.
Oil fired central heating.
The rateable value as at 01 April 2023: £20, 750
Local Authority: Dorset Council

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