The Forester, Lower Street, Donhead St Andrew, Near Shaftesbury, SP7 9EE

Description

The Forester, originally known as the ‘New Inn’, dates back to the 17th Century.

This charming thatched property, constructed from green sandstone, retains many of its historical features. The thatched roof was recently replaced in August 2021. Recognised for its homemade locally sourced food, this food-focused pub has earned an excellent reputation both locally and regionally for offering quality food with great customer service.

Recently, two new letting rooms have been completely renovated and are now available for guests, which are in high demand in the area.

Having been purchased by the current owners in early 2022, owners have chosen to close the pub at the end of January 2025 to focus on their other other businesses.

GIA: 5,174 Sq ft (480.2 sq m)
Site Size: 0.353 acres (0.143 hectares)

The Forester is situated in the affluent village of Donhead St Andrew, Wiltshire, alongside the River Nadder and about four miles from the Dorset market town of Shaftesbury. Conveniently situated 2.1 miles from Donhead St. Mary, 3 miles from Semley, 1.5 miles from Ludwell, and 5 miles from Shaftesbury.

Donhead St Andrew is one of “The Donheads,” a collection of small, dispersed parishes that were once part of a single Donhead estate. The area boasts an affluent population, excellent schools, and direct access to London Waterloo via mainline railway stations at both Tisbury and Shaftesbury.

• Restaurant area, dining room & snug seating 56 with central bar servery
• Conservatory/restaurant seating 54
• Ladies and gentlemen's WC's
• Large fully equipped commercial kitchen and preparation area with walk in chiller
• Ground floor beer cellar and range of ancillary storage cupboards

All in situ trade fixtures and fittings are included in the freehold purchase price with the exception of some personal items. An inventory can be provided.

Stock will be purchased at valuation on completion in addition to the agreed purchase price.

Accessed via an independent staircase on the side of the property, the accommodation features two well-appointed letting rooms. Wardour is a spacious first-floor en suite room that can be configured as either a king or twin. Sherbourne is a large en suite family room with a mezzanine bed, three steps leading down to the lounge area, and a bathroom.

• Ample rear parking
• Side trade garden seating 40
• Front patio seating 25

Situated on the first floor and accessible via a main staircase behind the bar, this space includes two en suite bedrooms, a sitting room, and a third bedroom currently utilised as an office.

The business is currently managed with a manager, assistant manager and part time bar staff with head chef, sous chef and kitchen porter and housekeeper, all being with the business and transfer under TUPE.

The trading accounts for the year ending 2024 show a turnover of £432,287 net of VAT, with a gross profit margin of 77%. Currently, the business is generating approximately £10,000 in weekly sales on six days trading.

Detailed current and historical information is available upon request for seriously interested parties.

Currently Closed

Listed as a Asset of Community Value (ACV) in November 2025.

Freehold with vacant possession.

The Rateable Value, as per the April 2026 Ratings List, is £10,750. Confirmation of the actual rates payable should be sought from the Local Authority.

Premises Licence. Any prospective purchaser must have a Personal Licence and apply for transfer of Premises Licence at their own expense.