Take the reins of a characterful pub with an excellent reputation for modern country bistro cuisine, local sports tournaments, and irresistible events.

Pub and location

Set in the picturesque Southern Cotswolds village of Sherston, The Rattlebone took its name from a local war hero, Rattlebone, as local tales will tell.

The Inn is a classic English country pub, oozing character in the centre of the village community, involved in many local events. You’ll also take advantage of the pub’s status as a destination food venue, with customers travelling far afield to enjoy the fantastic modern country cooking.

Guests love the locally sourced produce, and the menus include the juiciest steaks and meats, game in season, fresh fish, homemade desserts, and artisan cheeses. All tastes are catered to with the food-focused offers throughout the week. Guests also enjoy the quality real ales, an extensive wine & malt whisky list, and a variety of cocktails.

You can accommodate events and functions in the back restaurant (seats 40), the skittle alley (seats 40) or the back garden. The Rattlebone is a rare gem. The food is modern country bistro cuisine, with a strong kitchen team producing delicious dishes with an excellent reputation. The pub is also known as a vibrant quality village drinking establishment with many diverse groups using it. The pub is a classic Cotswold stone pub, with a public bar, saloon bar/restaurant and back restaurant. Total covers in the pub are about one hundred.

Outside, you will discover two gardens. Punch has invested in the front recently, with a new decked area, heating, and lighting. The Skittles Alley is currently used to watch sports on a big screen. There are also three newly invested in Boules Pistes. The pub runs a phenomenally successful Boules League, bringing in circa fifty people per night in the Summer from April until September. Log fires in the colder months are a big hit.

The Rattlebone Inn sits in Sherston village and civil parish about five miles (8 km) west of Malmesbury in Wiltshire. Local tourist attractions driving trade to the pub include the Westonbirt Arboretum in Tetbury, Badminton Woods, Chippenham Hunt Trail, and Olympiad Leisure Centre, all within ten miles. You could also take advantage of local annual events to drive trade, including the carnival in early July, the Boules tournament and live music events. Commutable cities include Bath and Bristol, both within 30 minutes. Approximately 1400 people live in the immediate area, with the average age being 43 years old: 52% female and 48% male. The average income is much higher than the National average at 43K, and the location is extremely popular with families.

Ideal operator

We’re seeking an experienced operator/duo looking for their next challenge with high energy and passion. You will have a proven track record in premium food operations, producing a quality food offer that’s the best in the area.

You will thrive off building relationships within the local community and continue to work closely with the village. You will be dynamic, astute, and hard-working. You’ll lead from the front, be the face of the business and will be able to draw upon and develop your excellent hospitality sector skills. You’ll be a perfectionist, delivering consistently ambitious standards with the creativity necessary to flex business needs depending on weather, season, and events.

We’re seeking a talented operator with experience delivering delicious pub food and memorable events. You’ll put your guests and team at the front and centre of everything they do and advertise your business on all online social marketing platforms.

Private accommodation

This exciting business opportunity provides four private bedrooms, including a private kitchen and a lounge.

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.

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