McMullen offers gastropub free of rent, utilities and rates

Hertfordshire-based pub firm McMullen is hunting for chefs or entrepreneurs to run one of its pubs without investing any capital or paying any rent, utilities or rates.

In an unusual move for the company, it is looking for an operator for its newly refurbished pub, the Stag, a gastropub in Heronsgate, near Chorleywood, after the previous operator left for personal reasons.

The pub is available on its Pub Operators (Franchise) Agreement, with no capital required. It has undergone a £120,000 refurbishment, trades at around £9,000 a week, and McMullen claimed sales were up by over 100% in the first year, and 12% so far this year.

The company said the pub was a chance for a chef or a couple who would like to run their own business, but do not have the financial backing to prove their talents.

Gavin Mansfield, tenant operations manager at McMullen, said: "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for a chef who would like to run their own pub, but simply has not been given the chance for whatever reasons. The Stag has proved incredibly profitable since its refurbishment, and is sure to continue this success with the right operator. At McMullen, we are looking to work with people who have the right aptitude and ability, not simply the right bank balance."