Hampshire country pub hits the market for £900,000

The Abbots Mitre, Chilbolton’s only pub, has gone on the market with an asking price of £900,000, with agents billing it as an established, food‑led destination venue in one of Test Valley’s most sought‑after rural villages.

In its sales brochure, specialist business property adviser Christie & Co describes the Abbots Mitre as “a detached, two-storey village pub dating back to the 19th Century, with modern additions, occupying a prominent position in the heart of Chilbolton within the Test Valley.”

The business is "well regarded as a traditional English pub offering freshly prepared food using locally sourced ingredients, together with a strong drinks offer including local ales and a comprehensive wine list, all served in a relaxed and welcoming setting."

Richard Wood, Regional Director – Pubs & Restaurants at Christie & Co, who is managing the sale process, commented, “The Abbots Mitre represents an excellent opportunity to acquire a substantial freehold pub in a desirable Hampshire village.

“Combining period character with modern additions, the property offers well-configured trading spaces, outdoor customer areas and a sizeable car park. Quality freehold assets of this nature, particularly with roadside prominence, are rare and we expect interest from wide range of potential purchasers.”

The pub sits on a site of about 0.65 acres, with a gross internal area of 369 square metres and weekly sales of around £20,000, according to the Rightmove listing, which also notes an energy rating of D.

The freehold is being sold as a trading going concern, with the property owned by Abbots Mitre Ltd and operated by Destination Pubs Limited.

Owner of the business, Steve Bridge, has decided to sell The Abbots Mitre after 12 years of successful trading in order to focus on retirement.

He said, “After being in the industry for over thirty years and a successful 12 years here at The Abbots Mitre, it’s time to hand over the reins to a new operator as I want to retire, enjoy travelling and spend more time with friends and family.

“The pub has been a huge part of my life, and I hope the next owner will enjoy being at the heart of this wonderful village community as much as I have.”

Internally, the particulars highlight a "main bar, dining room and snug (c.85 covers) with central bar servery," supported by customer toilets, a commercial kitchen, prep kitchen and pot‑wash area, walk‑in fridge/freezers, upland beer cellar and service rooms.

Residential accommodation is arranged on the first floor and currently used by staff, with "3 x ensuite bedrooms" and "2 x bedrooms," offering scope to reconfigure into owner’s accommodation or letting rooms, subject to consents.

Outside, Christie & Co points to a "front patio for 50 covers," "covered seating for 20 covers" and a "raised large grassed beer garden with space for 20 benches," together with "parking for 38 cars" in a surfaced, marked car park.

The site also includes an external cold store and a large storage shed on a concrete plinth.

The Abbots Mitre benefits from a premises licence permitting the sale of alcohol seven days a week, with hours from 10am to 11pm Monday to Thursday, and later trading on Fridays and Saturdays.

Crucially for local residents, the property is listed as an Asset of Community Value (ACV), and the agents say the scale of the site "may also offer scope for extension, enlargement or residential development subject to planning (STPP)."