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The Newbury pub on the market as budget negotiations with landlord Greene King continue




An award-winning town centre gastropub has been put on the market.

The Newbury, located in Bartholomew Street, is still trading – but the management may change if an agreement with landlord Greene King cannot be reached within the next four to six months.

The Newbury pub, in Bartholomew Street
The Newbury pub, in Bartholomew Street

The pub consists of a large downstairs area, a private dining area and an area upstairs with a covered external terrace, used for live music and open mic sessions.

But Aaron D'souza, who took on the pub with Jamie Allen in 2022, explained additional costs in the new budget would make it “unsustainable” for them to continue trading.

He said: “We want to trade, but we can't trade at the current cost.

“We're estimating anything between £25,000 to £35,000 additional to the ongoing costs, which are already quite high at this very minute.

“If the costs have to remain where they are, it's an unsustainable business.

“We’re already putting money in from our own pockets.

Managers Aaron D'souza and Jamie Allen
Managers Aaron D'souza and Jamie Allen

“Greene King have put it on the market just to see if there's any more interest before they make us another offer.

“The pub will still be trading, it's just the management may change if they have to find someone else.”

The pair took over from Pete Lumber, who ran the pub for 10 years.

The pub operates on a five-year turnover tenancy agreement, where tenants pay a fixed rent plus a percentage of their weekly net sales.

Its annual rent costs £40,000, or £769 a week, with a estimated annual turnover of £818,247.

The estimated entry cost is £37,750 – the upfront costs paid before new tenants can start trading.

Greene King’s listing for the pub online reads: “We are looking for an enthusiastic operator with drive and a passion for hospitality to push this business forward.

“The ability to market the site and maximise sales from all areas of the business, including live entertainment, will be crucial.”

The pub has previously been one of the most top-rated places to eat in Berkshire and the country, accruing more than 700 four or five-star ratings on TripAdvisor.



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