The Sun Inn, Keswick, offers a rare opportunity to run a characterful food-led village pub in the heart of the Lake District National Park. Set close to Bassenthwaite Lake, Skiddaw and popular walking and cycling routes, this well-positioned pub attracts a strong mix of local residents, holidaymakers, outdoor enthusiasts and tourists staying in the surrounding lodges, caravan parks, campsites and self-catering accommodation.
Currently taking around £14,000 per week with an even 50/50 wet and food sales split, the Sun Inn has shown continued growth and is currently performing 11% year on year. The pub is supported by consistent year-round tourism, with key trading opportunities across school holidays, weekends, peak walking season and the festive period, while its loyal local customer base gives the business strong foundations beyond seasonal trade.
The pub provides a welcoming trading space with scope to develop a standout own-food offer that makes the most of its destination location. There is clear potential to build on the existing food reputation, increase daytime trade, attract walkers and visitors, and create a relaxed, quality pub dining experience that works for both the village community and the millions of visitors drawn to the Lake District each year.
We’re looking for an experienced pub operator with strong food-led pub experience, commercial awareness and the ambition to grow a successful destination pub business. If you can deliver great hospitality, develop a fresh and appealing food offer, engage with the local community and create a pub that visitors actively seek out, the Sun Inn offers an exciting platform to build a thriving Lake District pub.
What’s in it for you?
- 35% share of weekly wet sales, excluding VAT
- Keep 80% of the food sales, with the opportunity to implement your own menu!
- Low ingoing costs, starting with just a £5,000 deposit and £360 legal cost. (*deposits can vary dependant on business – ask us for more details*)
- As part of this opportunity, the successful applicant will be responsible for paying business rates and covering all entertainment-related costs.
- Accommodation included with most bills covered, except the council tax & TV License
As part of our application process, we 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.
