The Little Ship, a Grade II listed building on the Isle of Portland, holds a prominent position at the entrance to the island. Known for its rich history and distinctive architecture, it is described as a “complete example of a modest classical-style Victorian pub.” The pub benefits from being the first public house that visitors encounter as they arrive on the Isle of Portland, making it an attractive stop for both locals and tourists. Its prime location on Chesil Beach, part of the renowned 26-mile-long Jurassic Coast, enhances its appeal, as this area attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Chesil Beach is famed for its natural beauty and significance as a World Heritage Site, further solidifying the pub's unique location. With excellent transport links via the A354 and regular bus services connecting the mainland to the isle the combination of this and nearby rail connections make it accessible to visitors looking to explore the Jurassic Coast and its natural beauty.
In 2018, Admiral Taverns made a substantial investment of £250,000 to renovate and improve The Little Ship. This was followed by further upgrades in 2022, leaving the pub in excellent condition throughout. As a result, The Little Ship offers both modern amenities and historic charm, making it a key destination for those exploring the Isle of Portland and the Jurassic Coast.
Pub Layout
The Little Ship operates as a single-bar establishment, offering a welcoming and versatile space for both locals and tourists. Upon entering the pub, the centrally located bar serves all areas, making it the heart of the venue. The left of the the pub is designed for more casual visitors. It features a pool table, a darts oche, and wall-mounted televisions, creating an ideal space for sports enthusiasts or local teams. It's a relaxed environment for anyone looking to enjoy a drink while watching a game or engaging in a friendly match. The right side of the pub is arranged for dining, with seating for approximately 45 guests. This comfortable lounge area is perfect for diners looking to enjoy a meal in a cosy setting, ideal for both locals and tourists who want to relax and take in the atmosphere. A unique feature of the pub is its very own skittle alley, which is popular with local teams and adds a traditional element to the pub's recreational offerings. To the rear of the pub, there is a large car park that can accommodate over twenty cars, providing easy access for visitors. The beer garden, a standout feature of the pub, is particularly popular among walkers, tourists, and sports enthusiasts such as divers and yachtsmen. It overlooks the beach, offering stunning views that make it a desirable spot to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the coast year-round. Overall the pub is in outstanding condition, having benefited from recent investments. Its bright and vibrant interior reflects its coastal surroundings, creating a fresh, inviting ambiance that appeals to all visitors
The private accommodation comprises of three large double bedrooms, a lounge, a large kitchen diner, and bathroom with separate toilet, all of which are in good order.
Annual Rent: £29,250
Security Deposit: £5,000
Working Capital: £5,000
Stock: £3,500
Fixtures and Fittings: To be confirmed upon valuation – funding options may be available for the right licensee.
Tie: All drinks categories are tied. For fully funded licensees on long term agreements, we offer free-of-tie options for certain drinks categories in exchange for an annual fee.
Training: £325 plus VAT
For a breakdown on financial information, please refer to the ‘Additional Info’ tab.
This is an exciting opportunity for a specialist, high-end licensee who can seamlessly integrate into the local community while continuing to build on the pub’s existing success. The new licensee will be expected to maintain and enhance the pub’s strong reputation, preserving the excellent work of the current licensees, particularly regarding the home-cooked food offerings, live events, and well-supported sports facilities. Great marketing skills will be crucial in attracting a larger audience from the surrounding area, as well as drawing in tourists during the busy summer season. Targeted campaigns and creative promotions should highlight the pub’s prime location on Chesil Beach. The pub’s scenic beer garden overlooking the beach is a major asset, and the new licensee should make the most of this space by hosting outdoor events, encouraging foot traffic from walkers, tourists, and sports enthusiasts. There is substantial scope to expand the pub’s food trade, particularly given its existing reputation for home-cooked meals, reflecting the location and local tastes could help to grow the aspect of this business further.
Love Your Pub Group will send the above details on your behalf to your selected product provider(s)
Insurance disclaimer
Towergate Insurance Brokers is a trading name of Towergate Underwriting Group Limited. Registered in England No 4043759.
Registered address: 2 Minster Court, Mincing Lane, London EC3R 7PD. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Finance disclaimer
Portman Finance Group includes Portman Asset Finance Limited (Reg No: 06226530) which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for its credit broking activities and deals with a panel of lenders (FRN: 719988), Portman Leasing Limited (Reg No: 06797365) authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct for Consumer Hire lending (FRN: 723730) and Portman Commercial Finance Limited (Reg
No: 10011121). The companies within Portman Finance Group are all registered in England and Wales with registered offices: 1 Pavilion Court, 600 Pavilion Drive, Northampton, NN4 7SL
Mortgage disclaimer
The Mortgage Hut Limited is an appointed representative of Mortgage Advice Bureau Limited and Mortgage Advice Bureau (Derby) Limited which are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The Mortgage Hut Limited. Registered Office: Ground Floor, Threefield House, Threefield Lane, Southampton, Hampshire, SO14 3LP Registered in England Number: 07629941
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The actual amount you pay will depend upon your circumstances. The fee is up to 1.5%, but a typical fee is 0.3% of the amount borrowed.
MISREPRESENTATION ACT 1967
The Love Your Pub Group gives notice that the contents of these particulars are believed to be correct but are given without responsibility and intending purchasers or lessees should satisfy themselves by inspection or otherwise to their correctness. These particulars do not form any part of any offer or contract and no person in the employment of the company has any authority to make or give representation of warranty to this property.
Love Your Pub is a multi service hospitality platform which includes a social media agency, pub recruitment channel, guide and much more. Listing your pub with Love your pub on the guide and taking advantage of our social media management service will boost your visibility as Love Your Pub is the biggest online hospitality guide there is. Alongside our guide and social media package we offer a range of pub support, pubs on the market and much more.
The Love Your Pub Group ®, “Pierre The Pug” ® & Follow Pierre ® are licensed trademarks of Hardys Consultancy Ltd. All written content and imagery appearing on this website & third party social media pages which we provide services for remain the intellectual property of Hardys Consultancy Ltd both during & after any services we have provided to our clients. If you wish to use any of our material from this site and our archives, please contact us to obtain both permissions & rate cards for external use.
