Volunteer Lowestoft

Dating back to the 1890s, The Volunteer is a characterful and historic pub located right in the centre of Lowestoft, Suffolk’s most easterly coastal town.

Dating back to the 1890s, The Volunteer is a characterful and historic pub located right in the centre of Lowestoft, Suffolk’s most easterly coastal town. Formerly known as The Volunteer Stores, the building’s origins suggest it may once have combined shop and pub use — a unique feature that adds to its local heritage and charm. Over the years, The Volunteer has been home to many publicans and has earned a reputation as a true community local, welcoming regulars and visitors alike. The pub is set across two levels, with the front area overlooking the high street and a raised rear section featuring a central bar with beautiful stained-glass detailing and a dedicated darts throw. The layout includes a mix of fixed and loose seating for around 40 guests, creating a cosy, sociable space that suits both daytime and evening trade. Outside, a fully enclosed rear courtyard provides an impressive extension of the trading area, with seating for up to 40 people and a purpose-built TV screen — making it ideal for outdoor socialising, summer events, and major sporting occasions. For anyone looking for pubs to run in Lowestoft, The Volunteer represents a fantastic opportunity to take on a well-known and well-loved town-centre site. Combining historic character, strong local trade, and a superb outdoor courtyard, this is a pub ready for an ambitious publican to make their mark. Perfectly positioned to attract locals, visitors, and coastal tourists, The Volunteer offers huge potential to become a thriving social hub at the heart of Lowestoft’s vibrant community. Key Features • ✅ Prime Central Location – Perfectly positioned in the heart of Lowestoft town centre, surrounded by shops, cafés, and local amenities. The pub benefits from high visibility and regular passing trade from both residents and visitors exploring this busy coastal town. • ✅ Historic Character and Charm – Dating back to the 1890s, The Volunteer retains many original features, including stained-glass detailing and a distinctive two-level layout, giving it real warmth and individuality. • ✅ Fully Enclosed Outdoor Courtyard – A standout feature of the site, the rear courtyard provides seating for around 40 guests, with a purpose-built TV area ideal for summer events, live sport, and social gatherings. • ✅ Strong Community Following – A well-loved local hub with loyal regulars, known for its friendly welcome, live sports screenings, and weekly pub quizzes that create a vibrant social atmosphere. • ✅ Flexible Trading Space – Split-level interior with a central bar, darts area, and mix of fixed and loose seating for approximately 40 covers, perfect for casual drinking, small group dining, or community events. • ✅ High Footfall Location – Close to the main high street, seafront attractions, and public transport links, ensuring steady daytime trade and busy weekend evenings. Business & Financial Information • Estimated ingoings (upfront): £6,295 • Full deposit: £5,500 • Agreement fee: £795 • Guide rent (weekly): £423 • Guide rent (annual): £22,000 • Forecast turnover (weekly): £293,643 • Forecast turnover (annual): £293,643 Ideal Operator This is the first time The Volunteer has been available on the tenancy market in several years, presenting a rare and exciting opportunity for the right operator to take on a well-established community pub in the heart of Lowestoft. We’re looking for an independent, hands-on publican with a genuine passion for people, community, and great hospitality. The ideal operator will enjoy creating a warm, welcoming environment that appeals to both local regulars and visiting tourists, making everyone feel like part of the family. This could be an excellent first pub opportunity for someone ready to step into the trade, or a great next step for an experienced publican looking to build on a strong existing foundation. With its loyal customer base, vibrant town-centre location, and clear growth potential, The Volunteer offers the perfect platform for a passionate operator to make their mark and become a key part of Lowestoft’s coastal community. Private Accommodation Accessed via the rear of the pub and set out above the pub, there are 3 / 4 bedrooms, a large lounge, a separate kitchen, and a bathroom. Regional Manager's Thoughts This is the first time that The Volunteer has been available to the Tenancy Market in a number of years and is a great opportunity for an independent Community Pub operator to make their mark and engage with the local community and tourists alike. Surrounding Area Lowestoft is a historic seaside town in Suffolk, located at the mouth of the River Waveney and bordering the Broads National Park. It’s a town that beautifully blends coastal charm, riverside scenery, and countryside appeal, offering a rich mix of history, heritage, and modern-day energy. Traditionally known for its fishing and shipbuilding industries, Lowestoft has evolved into a vibrant centre for renewable energy, tourism, and leisure. The town enjoys excellent rail connections to Norwich, Ipswich, and London, making it easily accessible for both locals and visitors. Lowestoft’s wide sandy beaches are among the best in the region, framed by the town’s two famous piers — Claremont Pier and South Pier — which remain popular attractions for families and holidaymakers year-round. Other highlights include the Lowestoft Maritime Museum, the Broads National Park, and a growing range of coastal activities and cultural events that draw thousands of visitors each year. For anyone looking to run a pub in Suffolk, Lowestoft offers a thriving, opportunity-rich location. Its bustling town centre, strong tourism trade, and welcoming community make it the perfect place for a publican to succeed. Combining loyal local customers with a steady flow of visitors and holidaymakers, it’s a location where hospitality thrives — and where a well-run pub can truly become the heart of a busy coastal community.