The Bird in Hand, Henstridge, Templecombe

The Bird in Hand is believed to date from the 1700’s and was originally two cottages and became a cider house until graduating to a fully licensed public house in the 1960’s.

The front entrance has a vestibule porch leading into the main bar which has a wealth of character. There are fireplaces at either end, one being of rustic brick construction with an inset feature bread oven. The second fireplace is of stone construction with a log burner. The floor finish is part fitted carpet and part quarry tile with furnishings comprising settles, tables and chairs in keeping with the traditional pub ambiance. There is a panelled wood carved bar servery counter with back bar dresser. This area also serves the side games room which is of similar character, with a dart board and TV. The servery interconnects to a higher level which also serves the skittle alley and function room. The upper bar, skittle alley and function room is integral, but as it is a more modern addition, it has a polished strip wood playing surface with side carpeted seating area. The seating area comfortably fits 50 covers.

The kitchen is conveniently located to serve all trading areas, with modern kitchen units and small range of catering equipment. There is also a large storage room, ground floor level refrigerated beer cellar and bottle stores with a rear delivery door on the same level, as well as ladies and gentlemen’s toilets.

The owner’s accommodation is at first floor level with three double bedrooms, bathroom with over bath shower and a walk through sitting room.

There is a tarmac car park with space for circa five vehicles. There is also unrestricted roadside parking throughout the village. There is also a lower level paved forecourt with covered smoking shelter and tables and chairs.

Local Authority: South Somerset District Council
Council Tax Band: Owners Accommodation Band B
Business Rates: Rateable Value £13,200

Outside - Car park, covered smoking shelter and tables and chairs.

The Business - The business has been in the present ownership since 1981 and has been the hub of the local community, with many groups and organisations meeting here and a strong sports following with skittles and darts. The turnover is mostly wet sales driven and shows in the region of £290,000 (exc VAT) Detailed figures will be made available to interested parties.

The pub is the centre of village life, with many local functions, WI events, weddings, christenings, darts, skittles taking place.

As a primarily wet sales-driven business, there are further opportunities to add value with more food sales and the hosting of formal functions and events.

Situation - The Bird in Hand is situated beside the A358 in the village of Henstridge, with a population of over 1,800 people. The village stands on the junction of the A258 and A30 with the A358 connecting Bournemouth (35 miles) to Wincanton (6 miles). The A30 connects Shaftesbury (10 miles) to Sherborne (5 miles) beyond which is Yeovil (12 miles). A bus service links Yeovil to Wincanton via Henstridge.

Licence - A premises licence is held for the supply of alcohol from 11:00 to 23:00, seven days a week.

Services - All mains services are connected, except for gas. There is an oil fired central heating system.