Swiss Cottage High Street Ilfracombe Devon EX34 9DE

Property information

The Swiss Cottage Café at Ilfracombe is one of the best known catering businesses in the locality with just 2 owners since the early 1980’s and a fine reputation which focuses currently on a daytime coffee shop specialising in cakes, pastries, light lunches etc and adjoining and completely separate sandwich bar. With deceptively spacious 4 bedroomed family accommodation located above we feel that the availability of this business presents an excellent family opportunity.

Ilfracombe is a developing holiday resort situated on Devon’s magnificent north coast and supporting a resident population of around 10,000, boosted considerably during the holiday season. Over recent years much residential development has taken place with the creation of a number of quality flats, many being used for holiday purposes, and thus presenting business opportunities to those offering catering facilities in the town. This business occupies a 100% prime trading position in the centre of the High Street and on the “sunny” side of the street. The businesses website is www.swisscottagecafe.com

Our client Bradley Martin acquired the business from his parents around 10 years ago and after this period of successful trading, has decided on a change in direction. Latterly he has run the business largely on his own with part time staff. A couple with a family would find this an ideal business opportunity. Turnover has remained constant at around circa £180,000 - £200,000 -gross profit £117,000 (60%).

The Property

The building is arranged principally on two floors and is of traditional construction. The owners have maintained the property well and recently carried out capital improvements which have included a new roof and double glazing. The ground floor provides a traditionally themed coffee shop/café with covers for around 60 as well as an equipped and separate sandwich bar, WC facilities, kitchen and ancillary rooms, bakery, etc. On the first floor is 3 bedroomed owners accommodation, an office and roof terrace. There are distant sea views.

Potential exists, (subject to planning consent) to re-arrange the accommodation and perhaps create two separate flats.

Public Area

Customer entrance from the pavement in the centre of the High Street. Main Café area 24’8 x 16’8 with covers for 22, cake display area traditional cottage feeling, timbered walls and ceiling, spot lighting leading directly into Café Area 2 37’6 x 11’2 further seating for 38 covers or so and themed as above.

Sandwich Bar which also fronts the High Street 13’6 x 11’0 with glass display cabinet for display of sandwich fillings, sink unit. WC facilities for customers.

Kitchen 1: 18’2 x 14’0 fully equipped and with separate wash up and preparation areas. Rear Still Area 9’ x 8’. Kitchen 2/Bakery: 19’ x 13’6 fully equipped. Freezer Room 11’8 x 8’0. Rear Stock Room 16’6 x 11’3. Rear servicing.

Trade and Potential

The business has been run by our client’s family for many years and has traded consistently and profitably for the majority of this period. Our clients choose to open on easy day time hours only, Monday to Saturday, 9.00am – 4.00pm operating the business with a single proprietor and around 5 part time staff at any time. Naturally if a couple ran the business then staffing levels could be reduced. There would appear to be a first class opportunity to introduce evening trade by opening a wine bar/bistro/restaurant particularly during the holiday season. Turnover has remained constant at around circa £180,000 - £200,000 - gross profit £117,000 (60%). Trading accounts will be supplied to bona fide purchasers following a viewing.

Trading hours

Currently Monday – Saturday 9.00am – 4.00pm. Much scope to increase.

Licences

The property has a Premises Licence granted by the local relevant authority. It is a requirement of the Licensing Act 2003 that a property selling alcohol should have a designated supervisor who must be the holder of a personal licence.

Business rates

Rateable value:	£ 16,500
Rates payable for 2011/2012:	/circa £7,150

Tenure

The ground floor premises (excluding the current sandwich bar area, which wil be modified to allow access to the first floor flat but the sandwhich bar trade will be passed over with the business sale) are offered for sale on a new 99 year lease with only a nominal peppercorn rent.

Viewing

For an appointment to view please contact:

Dean Warmington
Tel:	01271 378731
Email:	dean@underwoodwarmington.com
Mobile:	07971830881

Property reference number

Reference:

UW682

Important notice

These particulars are for guidance only. They are prepared and issued in good faith and are intended to give a fair description of the property but do not constitute part of an offer or contract.

Any description of information given should not be relied upon as a statement of representation of fact or that the property or its services are in good condition. Neither Underwood Warmington (nor its Joint Agents) not any of their employees has any authority to make or give any representation or warranty whatsoever in relation to the property.

The photographs show only certain parts and aspect of the property at the time they were taken. Any areas, measurements or distances given are approximate only.

Any reference to alterations to, or use of, any part of the property is not a statement that any necessary planning, Building Regulations or other consent has been obtained. These matters must be verified by an intending tenant.