Market House Inn Dartmouth

The Market House presents a rare chance to run a pub in Dartmouth, one of South Devon’s most popular and picturesque coastal towns.

The Market House presents a rare chance to run a pub in Dartmouth, one of South Devon’s most popular and picturesque coastal towns. Beautifully maintained and recently refurbished throughout, this well-presented pub benefits from a strong, established core trade with significant potential for growth—particularly through the introduction or expansion of a high-quality food offer. Dartmouth enjoys a substantial rise in visitors during the summer months and is well known for major annual events such as its celebrated music festival and the Dartmouth Royal Regatta. These seasonal peaks, alongside the town’s year-round tourism appeal, create an excellent platform for a motivated publican to build a thriving business. Inside, the Market House offers a traditional bar area seating around 20 covers. The space blends character and comfort with wooden flooring, a large gas fireplace, fixed and loose seating, and a dedicated sports area complete with a pool table and darts board. The wooden-panelled bar servery features five cask ale pumps alongside popular international beer brands, catering to a broad customer base. On the first floor, you’ll find a cosy, well-appointed dining area with a further 20 covers—perfect for intimate meals, Sunday lunches, or small private bookings. The fully equipped trade kitchen is also located on this level and includes a dumb waiter for efficient service to the bar below. While there are no external trading areas, the Market House’s warm interior, central Dartmouth location, and flexible layout make it a standout pub business opportunity in South Devon. This site is ideally suited to a hands-on publican with strong culinary ambition and a desire to build a welcoming, community-focused venue. Key Features • Well-presented pub in the popular South Devon town of Dartmouth • Well-equipped trade kitchen with a dumb waiter • Sports area with a pool table and a darts board • Cosy and well-presented first-floor dining area for 20 covers • Discounts of up to £110 per barrel, but it has an average of £90 per barrel Business & Financial Information • Estimated ingoings (upfront): £7,795 • Full deposit: £7,000 • Agreement fee: £795 • Guide rent (weekly): £538 • Guide rent (annual): £28,000 • Forecast turnover (weekly): £495,119 • Forecast turnover (annual): £495,119 Ideal Operator We are looking for an experienced operator or a new publican to position both the pub and themselves at the heart of the local community.  A new Publican who has the personality to drive strong links with the local community and generate excellent operational standards at the Pub and has the ideas and initiatives to make the best use of the seasonal business. Private Accommodation The private quarters are superbly presented and have been fully refurbished throughout in the last two years. It comprises two bedrooms, a lounge, a kitchen and a bathroom. Regional Manager's Thoughts The Market House Inn offers a great opportunity for an experienced publican to build upon an existing core trade. The development of food turnover, along with maximising early morning business, offers the greatest opportunity to achieve this. The pub is in immaculate condition, having recently been refurbished in the last two years. Surrounding Area The Market House Inn enjoys a prime location in the heart of Dartmouth, one of South Devon’s most sought-after coastal destinations. Set on the western bank of the scenic River Dart estuary, Dartmouth attracts visitors all year round—drawn by its maritime heritage, waterfront views, boutique shopping, and vibrant food scene. Positioned directly opposite the town’s popular Dartmouth Market, the pub benefits from excellent daily footfall. The market is well known for its locally sourced fresh produce, including meat, fish, fruit, vegetables, artisan goods, and handmade crafts. Market days consistently draw both locals and tourists, creating a steady flow of potential customers throughout the week. The surrounding streets are home to an array of independent retailers, cafés, galleries, and specialist stores, making this part of Dartmouth particularly lively, especially in peak season. The pub sits within easy reach of the estuary and waterfront, attracting walkers, boaters, holidaymakers, and day-trippers exploring the harbour and historic town centre. Dartmouth’s busiest trading period arrives during the summer months, bolstered by its thriving tourism industry and major events such as the Dartmouth Royal Regatta, music festivals, sailing competitions, and waterfront celebrations. These high-profile attractions significantly increase visitor numbers, boosting trade for central venues like the Market House Inn. Transport links also support consistent footfall. The A379 runs through Dartmouth, connecting the town to Slapton and Kingsbridge to the southwest, and to Torbay via the Higher Ferry to the east—making it easily accessible for both locals and holidaymakers exploring South Devon. With its central position, proximity to key attractions, and strong seasonal tourism uplift, the Market House Inn benefits from a vibrant and diverse customer base, offering a promising foundation for a publican looking to grow a thriving business in Dartmouth.