Poverina Inn
We're investing £250k in the Poverina in Middlesborough in October 2026 and are looking for a pub operator to run the pub on a self-employed partnership. Our Grandstand pubs are built for people who live and breathe live sport. Featuring huge screens, top-tier entertainment, great food and drink, and an unbeatable atmosphere, we don't just show sport, we live it. From matchdays to live music and major sporting occasions, Grandstand pubs bring local communities and fans together, creating the perfect environment for your next partnership opportunity.
Estimated On Target Earnings: £32,000 - £38,000 per annum**
Located in Normanby on the outskirts of Middlesbrough, The Poverina already sits at the heart of the local community and benefits from a prominent roadside position surrounded by a mix of private and council housing. The pub currently offers a variety of trading spaces, including sport, food, entertainment and function areas, alongside spacious external trading areas, a children's play area and a large car park. Please note that the final layout and trading style may evolve as part of the planned Grandstand investment.
Currently trading at approximately £8,000 per week, with a 70% wet and 30% food sales mix, there is substantial growth potential following the investment, with forecast sales expected to exceed £15,000 per week. Opportunities exist to drive trade through live sport, entertainment, functions, community events and a strengthened branded food offer.
With the relaunch planned for October 2026, this is the perfect opportunity for an ambitious operator to get in early, establish themselves within the local community, recruit and develop a strong team, and immerse themselves in the Marston's way of working ahead of what promises to be an exciting new chapter for The Poverina.
We’re looking for an experienced, sports-driven Pub Partner who thrives in high-energy, wet-led environments and knows how to create standout guest experiences week in, week out. Previous food experience is essential, with experience operating branded food offers a strong advantage. You’ll be commercially focused, confident leading large teams, and passionate about using sport, atmosphere and great hospitality to drive results and make your pub the place everyone wants to be.
What’s in it for you?
- 22% share of weekly sales (excluding VAT) plus a guaranteed annual retained sum of £25K (released weekly)
- Incentive bonuses based on business performance and standard audits.
- Low ingoing costs, starting with just a £5,000 deposit and £360 legal cost.
- Accommodation included with most bills covered, except the council tax & TV Licence (*a fee may be payable for some services such as garden maintenance)
**This estimate is provided as a guide to the potential operator profit expected for this pub and is based on projected trading assumptions. It is not guaranteed, and actual profit may vary depending on business performance, additional operating costs and the final business plan. Full financial information will be shared as part of the business plan application process, in line with the Pubs Code, so applicants can make an informed decision before entering into any agreement.
As part of our application process, we may use Lily, an AI-powered interviewing assistant to support the early stages of screening. Lily helps us move quickly, keep things flexible for you, and create a more consistent candidate experience, but one thing you should know – all hiring decisions are still made by our people.
Please note: Photos featured in our Grandstand advertisements may include images of previous Grandstand investments across the estate to illustrate the look and feel of a typical Grandstand conversion. Images used may not reflect the current setup of the specific site being advertised.
All proposed investment is subject to final approval and formal sign‑off in accordance with company governance and capital expenditure approval processes.
