LOCATION
The subjects benefit from a highly prominent trading position on the Main Road, forming part of the A77 coastal route, within the picturesque village of Kirkoswald in South Ayrshire, Scotland
Kirkoswald and the surrounding area is steeped in Robert Burns history and attracts high levels of tourists and daytrippers as a result. The subjects themselves were previously home to the school house which Robert Burns attended in 1772. They are also adjacent to Souter Johnnie’s house from the famous Tam O’Shanter poem, and are directly across from the Old Parish Church and graveyard where ‘Tam O’Shanter’ and ‘Souter Johnnie’ are buried. The village of Alloway where Robert Burns was born is also nearby where you can find Burns Cottage, the Brig o’ Doon and the Burns museum.
The Ayrshire area is also famous for its golf courses, and attracts golfers from all over the world. The subjects benefit from their close proximity to Turnberry Hotel & Golf Course which is only 3 miles away, as well as being in easy reach of other championship golf courses, Royal Troon and Prestwick, as well as a number of other courses.
The area is easily accessible with excellent transport links and benefits from the close proximity of Prestwick Airport which is only 20 miles away providing regular domestic and international flights. The subjects also benefit from the Irish Ferry which regularly sails to and from Cairnryan, which ensures high levels of passing traffic on the A77.
THE PROPERTY
The subjects comprise this magnificent, traditional, 2-storey stone built property, all under a pitched thatched roof. The property was built in the early 1700’s however was completely refurbished and renovated in 2012 including a new thatched roof.
The sale also includes an adjacent single storey property under a pitched slate roof, which was previously two semi-detached cottages which were completely renovated by our clients to create an ice cream production factory and bakery. There is also a separate single storey outbuilding under a thatched roof that houses the beer cellar.
The subjects are situated within an extensive site including an external seating terrace and a large car park for circa 60 cars.
DESCRIPTION
The subjects can be accessed via the main entrance to the rear leading into the main restaurant/bar area, or via an entrance to the side of the property which takes you via the ice cream parlour/café/shop area.
The entire property was completely refurbished in 2012 and has been designed and fitted to an exacting standard with no expense spared to ensure a fit out that is both stunning and stylish, yet sympathetic to the building’s unique history, with exposed stone walls, traditional artwork and roaring fireplaces, all topped off with the thatched roof.
The subjects can accommodate approximately 140 covers in total, split equally over ground and first floor by way of loose tables and chairs. There is also some bar seating round the stylish ground floor bar counter. The first-floor area can be used for private functions up to about 80 people, and benefits from a separate bar/servery, as well as a state-of-the-art sound & lighting system.
The ice cream parlour/café/shop area has a large counter/servery incorporating an ice cream freezer and display chill cabinets displaying a selection of cakes and home baking products. To the rear of the counter there are stainless steel workbenches with undercounter refrigeration, and equipment including coffee machine, milkshake blenders etc. There is a display drinks fridge at the front for self service as well retail shelving displaying a selection of confectionary and gift products.
The subjects benefit from an attractive, landscaped external seating terrace with a number of picnic style benches.
ANCILLARY AREAS
• 2 x separate commercial kitchens on both floors
• 2 x Male & Female toilets on both floors
• Ancillary storage areas
• Beer cellar
PRODUCTION KITCHEN/BAKERY UNIT
This area is currently used as an ice cream production factory and bakery but could also be used as an additional kitchen or production unit. This area is home to a walk-in fridge and freezer as well as equipment for the current use including ice cream makers, commercial dough mixer, twin deck oven, hot plates and stainless-steel work benches.
THE BUSINESS
Souter’s Inn was established by our clients in 2007 after purchasing The Shanter Hotel and undertaking an extensive refurbishment. The premises were completely refurbished again in 2012 and our clients are continually investing in the business. The business is therefore extremely well established in the area and is something of an Ayrshire institution and benefits from its strong historic links to Robert Burns.
The business prides itself on providing culinary excellence mixed with country hospitality, and all the food is freshly made on the premises, showcasing the best local produce, as well as producing their own ice cream, chocolate and bakery products.
The business trades 7 days a week, 9am-8:30pm, offering an excellent breakfast menu, an extensive a la carte menu with a Scottish/Gastropub style, a kids menu, as well as a broad wine list and drinks selection.
The business enjoys an excellent reputation and has a loyal and regular clientele from the village and surrounding towns and villages, but benefits hugely from the high volumes of tourists and day trippers including golfers, Turnberry Hotel residents as well as the high levels of travellers from the Irish Ferry.
TRADING INFORMATION
Accounting information for the year ending 30th September 2023 shows a turnover of £1,416,097 net of vat. Further financial information can be provided to interested parties after formally viewing the business.
FIXTURES AND FITTINGS
We have been advised that all trade fixtures and fittings are owned outright and are free from any hire purchase or lease agreements.
BUSINESS RATES
The subjects are entered into the current valuation roll as having a rateable value of £76,250.
LICENSES
The business trades with the benefit of a premises licence
