Could you run this pub?
An exciting opportunity has become available to take on the Duke of York launching under our Unity Social brand.
The pub will undergo a full refurbishment to include external upgrade and new signage, full internal redecoration and fantastic AV to help with providing the very best sports coverage and music-led events.
The Duke of York will have a great drinks range that will be priced below our local competitors and run a daily program of pub-activity including live music, karaoke, quiz and bingo.
About the pub
Located at 96 High Street, directly opposite the town’s War Memorial, The Duke of York is a welcoming, community-focused pub with a strong reputation for great service, quality drinks, live sport, and a vibrant social calendar. The pub features:
- Traditional bar atmosphere with loyal local clientele
- Selection of real ales, beers, wines and spirits
- Patio beer garden and outdoor seating
- Live music, quiz nights and open mic events
- Sky and TNT Sports coverage
- Dog-friendly and family-friendly environment
- Convenient rear car park
- Strong community presence and repeat trade
This is a genuine “locals’ pub” with a warm reputation, making it an ideal opportunity for an operator who values community engagement and creating memorable customer experiences.
About the area
Frequently recognised as one of Essex’s most desirable market towns, Saffron Walden combines historic charm with a vibrant local economy. The town benefits from:
- Affluent residential catchment
- Busy town centre footfall
- Popular independent retail and hospitality scene
- Close proximity to Cambridge, Stansted Airport and major transport links
- Regular community events, markets and festivals
Its mix of residents, visitors and commuters creates year-round trading opportunities for a well-run community pub.
Ideal Operator
This opportunity is perfect for an experienced operator who thrives in a community-focused environment. You’ll be passionate about creating a welcoming space for locals, delivering a high-quality sports experience, and maintaining the pub’s much-loved offer of live entertainment and traditional games. Building strong relationships with regulars, charities, local businesses and sports teams is essential. You’ll also be confident using social media and digital platforms to promote pub activities, events, and offer helping to drive footfall and build engagement with the wider community online.
Our Unity Social Area Managers will support you in building on the current daytime trade and boosting evening volumes through a strong line-up of pub activities and investment into live music and sports events. The Duke of York will benefit from a competitive drinks pricing strategy and a focus on being the beating heart of the community.
Private accommodation
This business opportunity provides two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a lounge.
About the Agreement – The Punch Unity Social Managed Partnership
Ready to run your own business, manage your own team, and define your own wage structure? Love working closely with the Unity Social Operations Manager to build an incredible pub legacy with uncompromising standards and standout guest experiences? Then the Unity Social Managed Partnership is the perfect option for you. The MP model covers all costs (pub and accommodation), and you directly employ and pay your team.
Alongside day-to-day support and a brilliant framework to grow your business, you get an uncapped cut of top-line turnover to pay yourself and your team it’s your structure to own. Unity Social Partnerships are for pub-obsessed entrepreneurs who want to create lasting legacies and become the hub of their community. Your Area Manager will work closely with you to amplify the unique identity of the Duke of York as it’s a true partnership.
Why choose a Unity Social Partnerships Agreement?
It’s a fantastic way to kick-start your business, providing you with all the tools to succeed and an Operations Manager always available in the passenger seat as you drive your business to success. All you need to bring is your flair, personality, care, passion, and local knowledge.
We look after our Partners with:
- A five-year agreement, rent-free.
- Newly invested pub
- Partner earnings of 20% of net sales to pay yourself and your team.
- Performance bonus.
- Paid for living accommodation, including bills and maintenance.
- Drinks range and marketing materials included.
- Best-in-class Business Support Advisors and Operations Managers to support you.
- An award-winning and free induction course with ongoing training and marketing support.
- A £1,000 deposit and £1,500 accommodation deposit.
- Cost of business rates covered.
- Cost of Sky and TNT sport included.
- New infinite system in every pub.
- Entertainment allowance.
Want to find out more about this agreement? Click Here
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