Black Horse Brighton

The Black Horse, Brighton — a ready-made local gem for a bold operator…

The Black Horse, Brighton — a ready-made local gem for a bold operator Tucked on Church Street in the beating heart of Brighton’s theatre-and-music quarter, The Black Horse is the kind of compact, characterful pub that entrepreneurs dream about: visible, sociable, and already loved by locals and visitors. If you’re looking for a venue with built-in footfall, a warming interior and room to make your mark, this could be the one. Proven community appeal & rising reviews Recent guest feedback notes a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and improvements since its reopening — exactly the kind of social buzz that an energetic operator can amplify into loyal repeat custom. Existing identity you can lean on (and evolve) The Black Horse already trades as a cosy sports and community pub with multiple TVs, an intimate main bar, a quieter back bar and a pocket courtyard — versatile spaces you can programme for quiz nights, match days, private hires, pop-ups and seasonal events. Those physical assets make it easier to add revenue streams quickly.  Backing and day-to-day support The site is part of the Craft Union group, which means there’s an established supplier/marketing network and operational framework to plug into — helpful when you want to scale promotions or trial new offers fast. Key Features • Boosted Operator Earnings of 20% of net revenue: £104,000 – and that's just the baseline! • Supercharge Your Income: Take home an additional 10% of profit above budget when you manage a high-volume pub! This bonus recognises the extra effort required to run a thriving pub. • Important Note: We do not ask you to invest your own money into the pub. You simply pay a £2,000 bond. • Become a Craft Union Star: Increase your income by becoming a centre of excellence. • Free BII Membership • Be the Best: Win an all-expenses-paid trip to our yearly operator awards! • Join a Growing Family: Be part of Craft Union's rapidly expanding estate, partnering with the UK's biggest pub company. • Rent-free Accommodation (where applicable) • Full Utilities Paid: Gas, Electric & Water (for the entire building, including the accommodation) • Cost of Sky & TNT Sports Included (pay-per-view events agreed upon with your Regional Manager) • Security & Entertainment Packages Available (as agreed with your Regional Manager) • Business Rates Covered • Dedicated Support of a Regional Manager: Get ongoing guidance and support to develop your pub's proposition and build strong community engagement, leading to boosted sales opportunities. Business & Financial Information • Estimated ingoings (upfront): £2,000 • Full deposit: £2,000 • Forecast turnover (weekly): £520,000 • Forecast turnover (annual): £520,000 Ideal Operator We’re looking for an enthusiastic, hands-on operator to take the reins at The Black Horse, Brighton — someone who loves the buzz of a busy city pub and knows how to turn great service and personality into loyal customers. The ideal partner will be community-minded, confident behind the bar, and full of ideas to keep the atmosphere vibrant from day to night — whether that’s pre-theatre drinks, quiz nights, or big-match weekends. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced publican or ambitious newcomer who thrives in a fast-paced, social environment. You’ll bring energy, local connections, and a genuine passion for people, ensuring every guest feels welcome and every visit memorable. If you’ve got the drive to make The Black Horse the go-to spot in Brighton’s cultural quarter, we’d love to hear from you. Private Accommodation Two bedroom accomodation with private living room, kitchen and bathroom Regional Manager's Thoughts “The Black Horse is a real Brighton gem — it’s got that classic, old-town charm with a modern energy that fits perfectly into the city’s cultural heart. You step inside and immediately feel the warmth — it’s cosy, characterful, and always buzzing with conversation. Its location, just moments from the Pavilion and Theatre Royal, gives it a steady flow of theatre-goers, locals, and tourists alike. What it needs now is the right person to take that foundation and build something truly special.” “We’re looking for an operator with personality — someone who naturally connects with people and can make every guest feel part of the pub’s story. The ideal person will embrace the community, engage with local events, and bring creative ideas to drive footfall — whether that’s through themed nights, live music, or clever partnerships with nearby venues. They’ll understand the balance between keeping things simple and delivering consistently great service. The Black Horse has all the ingredients to be one of Brighton’s standout pubs; it just needs a confident, passionate operator to make it shine.” Surrounding Area Prime, walkable location with steady footfall The pub sits opposite the Corn Exchange and just minutes from the Brighton Pavilion, Dome and Theatre Royal — perfect for pre/post-show trade, tourist groups and evening crowds. That means reliable weekday and weekend traffic without relying solely on late-night clubbers.