Restaurants, Tunstall, Lancashire

FREEHOLD RESTAURANT AND BAR in Carnforth for Sale.

Ernest Wilson are delighted to present to the market this exceptional freehold restaurant, bar and hospitality business, occupying a prominent trading position in the highly desirable village in North Lancashire. This long-established and highly regarded business has earned an enviable reputation for its quality food, welcoming atmosphere and excellent customer service, making it a true destination venue for both local residents and visiting tourists alike.

Our client acquired the business in 2024 and has since undertaken a substantial programme of refurbishment and improvement throughout the premises. The result is a stylish, contemporary and immaculately presented operation that has been significantly enhanced whilst retaining its traditional character and charm. The quality of the refurbishment must be seen to be fully appreciated. The business is only being offered for sale due to bereavement prompting our clients' retirement, presenting an outstanding opportunity for new owners to acquire a thriving operation with considerable future potential.

Currently trading over just five days per week, the business achieves an impressive annual gross turnover in excess of £500,000 whilst maintaining excellent profit margins. There remains significant scope to further increase revenue through the introduction of additional trading days, extended opening hours, themed events, private functions, corporate bookings and expanded food and beverage offerings, providing an excellent platform for enthusiastic operators to build upon the success already achieved.

The business is run by our client with the assistance of a strong and experienced team comprising a manager, two full-time chefs, kitchen porter and an established front-of-house team, ensuring the business operates efficiently and providing a smooth handover for incoming proprietors.

The freehold premises occupy a prime position set in approximately 0.4 acres, fronting the main street within this affluent and sought-after village setting. The location benefits from regular local patronage together with a substantial influx of visitors exploring the nearby Yorkshire Dales, Forest of Bowland and Lake District National Parks.

Internally, the premises offer spacious and well-appointed trading accommodation comprising an attractive entrance leading into the welcoming bar lounge area, complete with a separate pool room. This flows through to the principal restaurant and impressive gallery dining area, currently providing seating for approximately 80 covers in comfort, whilst still offering scope to increase capacity if required.

The catering facilities are of an excellent standard and include a comprehensively equipped commercial kitchen, extensive preparation and storage areas, walk-in cold room and a secondary kitchen area featuring a double pizza oven, providing flexibility for a wide range of catering concepts. Additional accommodation includes a drinks cellar, store room and various service areas.

Customer facilities comprise newly refurbished ladies' and gentlemen's WC facilities together with a disabled WC incorporating baby-changing facilities.

Externally, the property continues to impress with a substantial customer car park to the rear providing parking for approximately 31 vehicles, together with a delightful beer garden offering a pleasant outdoor trading environment. To the front of the property there is further off-street parking for approximately 12 vehicles, an increasingly valuable feature for a hospitality venue of this nature. A secure enclosed compound to the rear houses the gas and oil tanks and also provides access to a useful single-storey external storage building.

The first floor provides spacious and well-presented private owner's accommodation, making the opportunity particularly attractive for owner-operators. The accommodation comprises an office, house bathroom, three generously proportioned double