* Substantial modern bar and charming boutique style 44 cover restaurant set within the "Malt Whisky Capital of the World".
* Prime trading location with high levels of passing custom in a central village position.
* Easy - to - operate business model and, whilst currently not trading, offers an ideal venture for first time entrepreneurs with a hospitality background and passion for food.
* Superb customer facilities enabling wet sales and food service in a location offering both local recurring and tourist trade.
* Spacious owners accommodation with 3 double bedrooms and generous modern living space.
**Description**
The Stuart Arms Bar & Restaurant is currently non - trading and non - licenced but
is a well - presented boutique style establishment. The business benefits from
internal investment in both infrastructure and décor. Situated in the centre
of Dufftown, this characterful property is not only presented in good order
with pleasing décor throughout the customer areas, but also includes a
spacious 3 - bedroom owners flat. The Stuart Arms has an appealing character,
warmth and ambience which gives the opportunity to be a true destination
restaurant. The previous offering was an excellent mix of modern and
traditional Scottish cuisine utilising a range of locally sourced products;
the operation provided seasonal fayre to a consistently high level.
**Trade**
Historically the Stuart Arms had a strong customer base generating a good
level of turnover, although it is now currently non - trading due to the owners
change in circumstances. The business comes to the market almost in walk - in
condition, as seen. The Stuart Arms Bar & Restaurant was an established
restaurant / bar venue but had significant potential to develop the business
further. Previously the business operated with the two income streams of bar
and food sales. The bar service historically offered over 200 single malt
whiskys as well as stocking local beers made by Spey valley.
The business previously drew in a strong local clientele supplemented by the
influx of tourists during the main season (Easter to October). The business
was well represented over a number of web platforms with solid Trip advisor
reviews.
**Reason for sale**
The current owners purchased the business in 2011 and it is due to a change of
family circumstances that brings this attractive business to the market.
**Location**
The Stuart Arms Bar & Restaurant is situated within the town centre of
Dufftown which has a resident population of around 1, 700 and benefits from a
much larger catchment area. The Historic town of Dufftown is situated in the
heart of one of the most stunning areas of Scotland with the Cairngorm
National Park just a short drive away. Dufftown is located on the River
Fiddich and is the location of several Scotch whisky distilleries; the most
popular being the Glenfiddich distillery. Dufftown produces more malt whisky
than any other town in Scotland; in fact, a signpost on the way into Dufftown
declares it the "Whisky Capital of the World". This declaration puts the town
on the famed Malt Whisky Trail.
The town has a number of visitor attractions which draw in many tourists each
year. The hills and coast are within a relatively short drive with an
abundance of wildlife within the region. Tourists also enjoy visiting the many
historic site and castles in the area. There is a range of sporting facilities
including shooting plus salmon and trout fishing on the rivers Deveron,
Findhorn, and the world famous Spey. The nearby mountains provide
opportunities for hill walking and skiing with ski resorts both on the
Cairngorm range and the Lecht. The area has renowned golf courses with quality
clubs at Boat of Garten, Grantown on Spey, Dufftown and Keith to name but a
few. All the other normal facilities one would expect from a vibrant country
town such as nhs health centre, small shops, Post Office, hotels and
supermarkets are close by. Primary education is available at Dufftown with
Secondary Schooling at Speyside High in Aberlour.
**The property**
The Stuart Arms Bar & Restaurant has excellent potential as a business
enjoying spacious owners accommodation. The business operation is located at
street level and the owners accommodation is set on the first floor. The
building is of traditional stone construction with pitched roofs and the
original aspects dating from the early 1900s.
**Public areas**
The business is well signed and is located on a main street within Dufftown.
The public entry to the premises is from pavement level into a draught lobby
from which there is separate access to the bar and restaurant. Both areas
benefit from frosted branded windows. The bar entrance is to the right - hand
side and upon entry there is a modern and well - appointed bar servery. This
attractively presented bar has modern flooring and lighting and a darts lane.
There is ample space for 30 seated patrons. Previously this area also
accommodated a pool table and juke box in addition to the seating noted. The
bar also has a large TV and gaming machine. The bar and gantry are roomy
offering the ample space to sell a wide range of beers and spirits. There are
ample under - counter chillers to hold bottles and cans. To the rear of the
public bar are a ladies and gents WCs. There is a staff connection between the
bar and the restaurant facility good control of both areas.
The restaurant is a very pleasantly decorated dining space offering a truly
warming ambience. There is a small area with soft seating which previously
accommodated a wood - burning stove and large TV. Thereafter are free - standing
tables and chairs set comfortably to around 44 covers, however, there is
capacity to seat 65 diners should new owners wish to increase the serving
provision. The restaurant has two levels and both are accessible to wheel
chair users. There is a secondary bar in the restaurant area which is themed
around whisky. Throughout the restaurant there are good quality carpets and
rustic lighting, supplemented by spotlights. To the lower level is a disabled
WC and baby changing unit and to the high level, accessed via steps, are the
ladies and gents WCs.
**Service areas**
At the rear there is a service entry close to the cellar and commercial
kitchen area making deliveries easy to accommodate at any time. The kitchen
has been very well equipped although some equipment has now been sold. The
kitchen is fitted out with stainless steel worksurfaces, some cooking
equipment, utensils, stainless steel shelving units, refrigeration units and
food preparation aids. Over the winter of 2021/22 a burst pipe did some damage
to finishes and lights in the kitchen area. This has been made safe but not
repaired, the price reflects this condition. It has a modern extraction hood.
The kitchen has a dry goods store and immediate access to the rear of the
property to enable ease of deliveries etc. There is a large cellar where beers
are cooled by use of a python. In addition, a spirit / bottle store is located
behind the public bar.
**Owners accommodation**
An attractive feature of this sale is the owner’s accommodation. This
surprising spacious suite of rooms are located to the first floor and include
a modern fitted galley kitchen, 3 bedrooms and a generously sized living room.
There is also a family bathroom with 3 - piece suite including a shower over
bath.
**Grounds**
The Stuart Arms Bar & Restaurant is a substantial property with a tarmac drive
to the rear providing access to the kitchen and owners accommodation. There is
a popular beer garden with a ramped access which is ideally located to take
advantage of the summer sun. There is also a large building to the rear which
has not been utilised as yet and is only used as a storage space. The vendors
believe that this unit could be an attractive development opportunity for new
owners subject to consents.
**Services**
The subjects benefit from mains electricity, water and drainage. Propane gas
is used for cooking and the central heating system. The ground floor benefits
from gas central heating and the owners accommodation has electric heaters.
The premises are double glazed throughout. The business is fully compliant
with Environmental Health and Fire Regulations with modern detection systems.
The property also has a CCTV system.

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