Could you run this pub in Weymouth?

Located in the charming village of Upwey, just a few miles from the vibrant seaside town of Weymouth, The Old Ship Inn is a traditional Dorset pub full of character and warmth. With its exposed beams, cosy corners, and welcoming atmosphere, this historic inn is a favourite with both locals and visitors exploring the nearby Jurassic Coast.  Set near the River Wey and the famous Upwey Wishing Well, The Old Ship Inn offers a unique opportunity to run a thriving pub in a popular tourist area.

Pub and location

The pub features a well-appointed bar and multiple dining areas, with traditional interiors full of charm, including wood-burning stoves and rustic décor. Outside, the pub offers a generous garden space perfect for alfresco dining and summer events, along with parking for visitors.  There are three ensuite letting rooms, perfect for guests seeking a relaxing countryside getaway close to the coast. A planned investment (subject to approval) will see the creation of a fourth ensuite letting room and an additional dining space, increasing the pub’s capacity from 100 to an impressive 180 covers – making it ideal for larger events, group bookings, and seasonal trade.  You can view our plans in the gallery below.

Upwey is a peaceful village on the outskirts of Weymouth, surrounded by beautiful countryside and close to key attractions like the South West Coast Path, Chesil Beach, and the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The pub draws regular trade from the local community and benefits from strong seasonal footfall thanks to its proximity to Weymouth and the wider Jurassic Coast.

Accommodation

This opportunity includes comfortable private accommodation with two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a lounge – ideal for enjoying life in this scenic and friendly village. If you’re ready to take on a rewarding venture in one of Dorset’s most picturesque locations, The Old Ship Inn could be your next great opportunity!

Ideal operator

We’re looking for an enthusiastic individual, couple, or partnership with a passion for hospitality and a talent for delivering excellent food and drink. You’ll be community-minded, with a flair for hosting events and engaging with locals, while also making the most of the area’s tourist appeal. Strong marketing skills and a creative approach to building loyalty will be key to success.

About the Agreement

At Punch, we support talented, ambitious entrepreneurs who want to run brilliant pubs at the heart of their communities. That’s why our agreements are designed to be flexible, supportive and built around your vision.

Our Flexible Lease gives you the freedom to run your own pub with confidence. It’s a tied lease for 10 years, where you’ll benefit from the drink products available to Punch. We offer flexible deposits, tie‑release options, and pricing structures to help you shape your business in a way that works for you. You’ll also have the right to request a new lease at the end of the term.

** Fixtures and fittings must be purchased in full.  In some circumstances, we may be able to offer a purchase agreement.  Please ask a recruitment advisor for more details.

Why Choose Punch?

When you partner with us, you’ll have an entire support system behind you, including:

• A forward thinking pub company, recognised nationally with multiple industry awards including winners of the Publican Awards 2022 & 2024!
• Potential investment to unlock your pub’s full potential
• Industry leading training through our award winning Academy, complete with state of the art kitchens, bars and our immersive Progress with Punch training programme.
• Access to our powerful online platform, the Punch Buying Club, where you can order stock and find resources to help you run your pub successfully.
• Ongoing coaching from expert Operations Managers and specialist support teams.
• Innovative digital learning through THIRST, our gamified online training app, offering compliance training through to driving sales training.
• A commitment to “Doing Well, By Doing Good” by championing communities, wellbeing and sustainability at every step.

Curious about how this agreement could work for you?

You will find our Partnering with Punch guide in the ‘Relevant Downloads’ section below.

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