Being behind the bar of your very own pub is a dream that many people share - and with its friendly folk, the North East is surely one of the best places to be behind the bar.
While it has been a tough time for the industry over the last couple of years, as the country comes out of Covid-19 restrictions it could be the perfect time to become the landlord of your very own bar.
There are a large number of well-known pubs and bars in Newcastle and beyond on the look-out for new publicans according to findmypub.com - so those with the cash and the dedication could find themselves pulling their very own pints.
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A total of 21 pubs are available around the city and in the surrounding area, from Westgate Road to North Shields and beyond.
The vast majority of the pubs are looking for someone to take on a tenancy agreement, meaning you'd pay the rent, bills and staff costs yourself.
However, a couple allow for a self-employed management, which gives the landlord the ability to add your personality to a pre-determined business model.
Now, anyone fancy a pint?
Images: Findmypub.com
The Star Inn
Westgate Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Ingoing cost: £16,750
Annual rent: £35,000
A city centre pub, the Star is surrounded by local shops and restaurants and is close to the railway station.
The pub has a long-standing reputation for hosting live sports, music and events, with a clientele made up of local workers, students, and day-time and evening drinkers.
The current landlords say they are seeking an "experienced and hands-on publican who can introduce a small food offer and widen the current entertainment offer to attract a larger customer base from further afield."
The Peacock
Arlington Avenue, Kenton, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Ingoing cost: £7,884
Annual rent: £19,983
Described as a "large community pub," The Peacock is located in the densely populated suburb of Kenton, to the north of Newcastle city centre.
It is close to the Metro station and has benefited from a large following for sports and entertainment that "could be capitalised on further."
Inside, there is a large open-plan space served by one main horseshoe-shaped bar, while outside there is a paved terrace used during good weather.
Benton Ale House
Longbenton, Newcastle
Ingoing cost: £5,360
Self-employed management
This pub benefits being situated near the busy Four Lanes End Metro Station and the Government Ministry building with a large number of employees.
There is a central bar with a lounge, games, and a small function room, while multiple screens show Sky Sports. A catering kitchen is in place should a new retailer want to introduce a food offer - something they would be able to keep 100 per cent of the profits from.
Coachman
Burnthouse Lane, Whickham, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Ingoing cost: £38,949
Annual rent: £66,000
Located in the heart of Whickham Village in the middle of a "popular, affluent" housing estate.
Inside there is a large trading space with a dining area and bar area as well as a games area with a pool table, darts board and gaming machines.
The local council have also given the pub permission to use the nearby village green to be used for additional seating during the summer months.
Huntsman
Blaydon Bank, Blaydon On Tyne
Ingoing cost: £9,000
Annual rent: £19,500
Findmypub.com say a community pub the size and standard of the Huntsman rarely become available.
The pub is at the heart of a densely populated residential area and has a strong following of regulars and a high footfall of passing trade.
Fully refurbished to a high standard in 2018, the interior features an impressive bar with a sports featuring prominently - it is said to have "the best darts set up in Blaydon" thanks to two oches.
The rear courtyard is completely enclosed and is an absolute suntrap made up of a paved patio with several picnic benches.
Killingworth Arms
Killingworth Village, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Ingoing cost: £18,500
Annual rent: £38,000
Located in Killingworth village, a "desirable" suburb in the north-east of Newcastle, the pub is close to both road and rail links.
It is said to be "very well established" for its food and drink, particularly Sunday lunches, and is well-used by both locals and customers driving in from further afield.
The landlords are seeking an experienced individual or couple to build upon the existing trade, and are capable of monitoring quality, traditional food offer.
The Kelly
Hedgeley Road, Hebburn
Ingoing cost: £3,000
Annual rent: £12,000
Described as "very much the pub for the locals," The Kelly is on the main feeder road into the residential area where the customer base lives.
The pub features a large front bar and a good-sized function room. There is also a separate retail unit to the side that is currently used as a takeaway/sandwich shop by the current tenant partners.
Ship Inn
The Mount, Gateshead
Ingoing cost: £3,000
Self employed management
The Ship Inn can be found in the village of Eighton Banks in Gateshead, bordered by Birtley, Harlow Green and Wrekenton, close to the Angel of the North.
A historic pub, there is a sundail on the front of the bar-lounge with "delicate" glasswork along with woodwork, a traditional stove and nautical memorabilia.
Findmypub say it is a "multi-faceted business that would suit a live-in duo, operators comfortable with running a busy food business while keeping the locals happy in the bar."
It adds: "You’ll be the hub of the community, ensuring that your local trade thrives all year round."
Red Lion
Durham Road, Birtley
Ingoing cost: £3,000
Annual rent: £16,000
The Red Lion is situated on a busy main road that leads through to Birtley. It is close to all local amenities and leisure facilities and has links to all main bus routes.
The property consists of a bar/lounge area supported by a central bar servery. There is also a separate entertainment room with its own bar area, ideal for private functions and groups.
Honest Boy
Blackfell Village Centre, Blackfell, Washington
Ingoing cost: £9,750
Annual rent: £12,000
The Honest Boy is made up of two main trading areas - the main bar, which can facilitate up to 50 covers, and a large function room.
The bar is home to games such as pool and darts while the function room "does well" from local family events, live music and parties.
Robin Hood
Murton Lane, Murton Village, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Ingoing cost: £8,360
Self-employed management
A large traditional pub with open-plan bar and lounge, the Robin Hood also features a separate games room and a conservatory for smaller functions.
The Robin Hood is situated in the centre of Murton Village in North Tyneside, a small hamlet just off the old coast road.
Black Bush
Village Lane, Washington
Ingoing cost: £7,250
Annual rent: £16,000
An "attractive, detached pub" situated in the centre of Washington, the pub is in walking distance of the local school, church, and shops.
The bar is central, while there is a relaxed drinking and dining area featuring a log fire.
Outside, there is a raised decking area for the summer months.
Fox and Hounds
Ingoing cost: £7,000
Annual rent: £23,000
Located in a prominent position on the main Crawcrook High Street, this pub benefits from a planned refurbishment and a lively weekend atmosphere.
There are also two drinking areas outside - a large beer garden and a decked area which are both well used in the summer.
Spring Gardens
Spence Terrace, North Shields
Ingoing cost: £10,000
Annual rent: £23,000
Located on one of the major routes through North Shields, the pub benefits from a massive footfall.
Despite a number of competing pubs nearby, the Spring Gardens retains a "strong and loyal" customer base.
It is well-known for its Sunday lunches and is packed when there is live football on the screens.
New Mill
Chesterton Road, South Shields
Ingoing cost: £5,000
Annual rent: £14,000
The New Mill features a man bar with plentiful seating and standing room as well as a pool table.
There is also a dining area which can house 80-100 covers and can also be sectioned off for business meetings and small functions.
The pub also has the benefit of a large beer garden.
Mariners Arms
Saville Street, North Shields
Ingoing cost: £4,500
Annual rent: £15,500
Described as a "cosy, traditional boozer" with a "vibrant and lively" atmosphere, the pub is said to be busy from morning until last orders.
Every customer knows each other and the Mariners is a real hub of the community.
The pub's cosy, quirky shabby-chic decor give it real character.
Blue Bell
Kip Hill, Stanley, County Durham
Ingoing cost: £13,903
Annual rent: £36,250
A welcoming pub in the village of Kip Hill north of Stanley, the pub was re-decorated internally in 2019.
The Blue Bell is a "tremendous" opportunity for an "experienced food operator," and benefits from destination appeal and well-established trade thanks to a good range of drinks and a very popular Sunday carvery.
To make most of the summer months, there is a raised decked outside trading area to the side and further seating to the front of the pub.
Bell and Bucket
Norfolk Street, North Shields
Ingoing cost: £7,000
Annual rent: £8,000
Described as a "delightful and charming little nook of a pub," the Bell and Bucket focuses on real ale and craft beers while also providing a strong Sunday lunch offering.
Findmypub say it is "a warm and cosy pub that is rare to find and a fantastic business opportunity."
Bute Arms
High Spen, Rowlands Gill
Ingoing cost: £10,207
Annual rent: £31,060
Situated in the area of High Spen to the west of Newcastle, the Bute Arms is named after the local mine owner.
It is the only pub in the village making it a good business opportunity, and features a contemporary decor.
Black Horse
Front Street, Monkseaton, Whitley Bay
Ingoing cost: £7,500
Annual rent: £14,000
A popular community pub, it is 'wet-led' and has a good mix of clientele.
It is felt there is potential to develop a food offering, but there is currently a dedicated pool and darts area as well as TVs for sports viewing and a function room.
Biddick Inn
Bonemill Lane, Washington
Ingoing cost: £19,950
Annual rent: £39,900
A traditional two-storey pub in the Fatfield area of Washington, the pub is in a great location and is popular for its quality dining options.
The landlords are seeking an experienced operator with the catering knowledge to produce quality home-cooked meals.
The new publican will also need the enthusiasm and drive to grow the business to attract further trade from the local community and beyond.
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