Run a traditional Lakeside Inn in the heart of Cark in Cartmel

A historic seventeenth‑century pub beside the stream, loved by locals and perfectly placed for walkers and visitors heading to Holker Hall, Cartmel and the wider South Lakeland area. The Engine Inn offers a rare opportunity to take forward a much‑loved community pub in a strong year‑round tourist location, supported by a full investment that will refresh the site while preserving its original charm.

Planned Investment

A full refurbishment is planned, subject to full approval, covering both internal and external decoration, an upgrade of fixtures and fittings and a refreshed bar. The intention is to elevate the environment to modern standards while retaining the beams, fireplaces and traditional features that define the building’s character. The investment will strengthen the pub’s visual appeal and help unlock its food, drink and accommodation potential.

Pub

The Engine Inn is a characterful open‑plan pub served from two bars. It includes several snug areas, a dining room and a breakfast room that doubles as a restaurant and function room. Across these spaces, the pub provides around sixty internal covers, with an additional twenty‑cover room used for breakfast and events.

The pub also includes letting bedrooms, with a total of 4 available for guests. These rooms offer valuable income potential, supported by the area’s strong year‑round tourism.

Externally, the pub has a small front terrace, seating around twenty guests, overlooking the stream that runs alongside the building. A separate outbuilding next to the stream is currently used for storage. Although not included in the planned investment, there is potential in the future for an additional external drinking or dining space. The pub has clear opportunity to grow drink sales, food trade and letting room income, supported by its layout, location and upcoming planned refurbishment.

Location

The pub sits in the picturesque hamlet of Cark in Cartmel near Grange‑over‑Sands, just two miles from the renowned village of Cartmel. The area enjoys year‑round visitors drawn to Holker Hall, Cartmel Racecourse and the scenic South Lakeland landscapes. With strong local support and steady tourist footfall, the Engine Inn is well positioned to attract both community trade and destination visitors. Its streamside setting and traditional village location enhance its appeal.

Accommodation

The publican accommodation consists of large lounge with kitchenette, 3 bedrooms and family bathroom

Ideal Operator

This opportunity suits an enthusiastic publican with a passion for community‑focused hospitality and an appreciation of traditional Lakeland pubs.The ideal operator will be confident in delivering a welcoming experience across food, drink and letting rooms, with the vision to build both local trade and visitors from afar. Experience running a business with letting bedrooms would be an advantage here given the consistent tourism in the area, but it isn’t essential.Someone who embraces the heritage of the building while recognising the commercial opportunities created by the refurbishment would thrive here.

About the Agreement

We love working with experienced entrepreneurs and we’re happy to be flexible with our agreements and products to match your business and vision.

Our Flexible Tenancy agreement offers a piece of mind approach to running your own pub business for a total term of up to 5-years with a flexible notice period. We also offer flexible price bands and release fees which are available.

Whatever the agreement, with Punch you always get:

A progressive pub company – winners of the Publican Awards 2022 & 2024!

• Industry leading investment with a whole world of possibilities
• Industry leading training, with our Academy and Kitchen
• Industry leading e-commerce platform – Punch Buying Club
• Expert coaching and advice every step of the way

Want to find out more about this agreement? Click Here 

Chat to a recruitment advisor now about this pub business opportunity.