Bell Rettendon Common

The Bell is a characterful 18th century village pub on Main Road in Rettendon Common, a few miles south of Chelmsford. It trades as a traditional food led local, with a single large bar that runs the length of the building, exposed beams, brick pillars and a welcoming open fire.

The Bell is a characterful 18th century village pub on Main Road in Rettendon Common, a few miles south of Chelmsford. It trades as a traditional food led local, with a single large bar that runs the length of the building, exposed beams, brick pillars and a welcoming open fire. The site has a strong reputation as a destination for classic pub food and Sunday lunches, backed up by good reviews and repeat custom from both locals and people travelling in from surrounding towns. This is very much a pub that can do a bit of everything. There is space for casual drinking at the bar, comfortable alcove seating for diners and a separate restaurant area that can also be used for functions and events. Outside, the pub benefits from good kerb appeal, a prominent corner position and plenty of seating at the front which is well used in the warmer months. Key Features • Charming 18th century village pub on a prominent corner plot with strong roadside visibility • One bar operation with a large open plan trading area, beamed ceilings and brick fireplaces that create a warm, traditional feel • Established food trade with a separate restaurant area (50 covers) that can be used for private functions and events • Extensive external seating to the front, ideal for summer trade and drive by appeal • Strong wet offer including recognised cask brands and space to showcase real ale and premium drinks ranges • Good sized car park and easy access from Chelmsford, South Woodham Ferrers and the A130 corridor • Two-bedroom private accommodation, ideal for a couple • Well-equipped large trade kitchen Business & Financial Information • Estimated ingoings (upfront): £8,295 • Full deposit: £7,500 • Agreement fee: £795 • Guide rent (weekly): £577 • Guide rent (annual): £30,000 • Forecast turnover (weekly): £10,339 • Forecast turnover (annual): £537,627 Ideal Operator This opportunity will suit an experienced all rounder who understands how to run a busy food led village local without losing its bar trade. You will be confident delivering a consistent, good value menu built around pub classics, Sunday carveries and occasion dining, while still making room for drinkers and regulars at the bar. You will enjoy being front of house, getting to know the locals and hosting community events, theme nights and club meets. A background in managing mixed income streams will help you balance food, wet and events, and there is scope for a couple or small family team to split roles between kitchen and front of house. This is not a late night town centre venue, so you will be best suited if you want to build a reputation for quality, hospitality and community rather than late night entertainment. Private Accommodation On site private accommodation (two bedrooms) is provided above the pub, making this a great opportunity for an operator who wants to live on site. Full details of the current layout and specification will be shared at viewing stage. Regional Manager's Thoughts The Bell at Rettendon Common is a classic Stonegate village local with real scale and headroom in both food and wet sales. It already trades as a well regarded destination for meals and family occasions, but there is further opportunity to push food covers, build a stronger calendar of events and capture even more of the passing trade that uses the old A130. I am looking for an operator who will embrace the pub’s role at the heart of the village, look after the regulars and clubs that already use the site and bring fresh ideas on food, marketing and social media. If you can combine home cooked, good value food with a well kept pint and a warm welcome at the bar, The Bell offers a very solid platform to grow a profitable, sustainable business here. Surrounding Area Rettendon Common sits in open Essex countryside roughly 7 to 8 miles south of Chelmsford and within easy reach of South Woodham Ferrers, Wickford and Southend on Sea. Main Road is the old A130, so The Bell enjoys a mix of local trade and passing traffic from people cutting through between Chelmsford, the A127 and the A13. Nearby train stations at Battlesbridge and Woodham Ferrers put London within commuting distance, and there is a good mix of village residents and families in the wider Rettendon and Runwell ward.