WHAT'S ON OFFER:
Located in the centre of Hilltown, Lowry’s Bar at 29 Main Street occupies a prominent position within the village’s established social and commercial scene. Ideally situated along Main Street, the property benefits from excellent visibility and strong passing trade, making it an attractive opportunity for both investors and owner-operators. Steeped in local history and longstanding community appeal, Lowry’s is a well-known and established public house, offering a rare opportunity to acquire a traditional licensed premises in the heart of the village.
The property is currently configured as a fully licensed bar and offers a fantastic opportunity for a new owner to build upon its existing reputation and customer base. With its central location and strong local presence, Lowry’s provides an excellent platform for continued trading, or the introduction of a fresh hospitality concept.
Hilltown itself is a vibrant and well-established village located close to the Mourne Mountains and within easy reach of Newry, offering both a strong local population and regular passing trade from surrounding areas and visitors to the region.
Lowry’s represents a unique opportunity to acquire a recognised piece of Hilltown’s social and commercial heritage - with the potential to shape its next chapter while retaining the character and appeal that has made it a familiar name in the area.
DESCRIPTION:
Lowry’s Bar at 29 Main Street is a characterful and inviting traditional public house, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere with strong local appeal. The premises retains the charm and character associated with a longstanding village bar, providing an authentic setting that is well suited to both regular customers and visitors to the area.
The interior incorporates traditional finishes and features, creating a comfortable and relaxed environment. The layout is practical and well positioned, comprising a main bar area with customer seating, together with the necessary ancillary accommodation including storage, staff facilities and customer restrooms.
HISTORY:
Lowry’s Bar (The Clonduff Bar) occupies a prominent landmark position on Main Street in the centre of Hilltown. Its exterior has attracted numerous artists who have painted it, and the gable wall with the iconic hand-painted sign has featured in published texts featuring images of The Mournes.
The Bar has been owned and operated by the Lowry family since 1953 and is estimated to have been trading as a Public house for approximately two hundred years. The premises have a particularly strong identity and heritage within the local and surrounding community’s. During market days, it was the focal point and generations of the same family’s have, and continue to frequent the Bar.
It retains its traditional character and comprises a two-room bar, with the original counter and shelving still in-situ. The former living area adjoining the bar have recently been converted into additional seating and tastefully finished in the traditional theme of original Bar.
This area also has planning approval for a Coffee Dock and is ideally positioned and independent from the main Bar area to maximise this potential.
To the rear of the Bar is a south facing yard, and the smoking area. This area was completely up-graded two years ago, improvements included the conversion of existing storerooms to a ladies and disabled toilet block, the entire surface re-tiled with new drainage installed and an awning erected. As part of these up-grades, full planning permission has been approved for the erection of a glass roof covering. The entire premises has recently been wired with emergency fire lighting and specifications to comply for Entertainment Licenses, provision has also been installed for further lighting and the erection of screens in outside area to coincide future development. There is CCTV covering the entire premises.
The established reputation and long trading history are important considerations when assessing the commercial appeal of the business. From a trading perspective, we consider the business to have good potential for an incoming operator. Its established position within the village provides a natural customer base from the local residential and farming community, while its location within the wider Mourne area offers the opportunity to attract passing trade, visitors and customers from surrounding towns and villages. There is also scope for an incoming purchaser to develop the existing business further through a refreshed trading model, coffee dock. extended food offering, live entertainment, sports coverage, events and improved use of any external areas, subject of course to the relevant licensing and planning requirements.
The presence of an established bar operation and existing customer base provides a solid platform from which to develop turnover and profitability.
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
- Freehold property
- Established licensed public house
- First-floor residential accommodation
- Enclosed external customer area
- Dedicated drinks store
- Benefit of the existing liquor licence, subject to statutory transfer and approval
LOCATION:
Hilltown is a well-established and historic County Down village, attractively positioned at the heart of the Mourne Mountains. The village retains a strong sense of community and much of its traditional character, with Main Street forming its busy commercial and social centre. The strength of the village is reflected in its active commercial frontage and notably low level of vacancy.
The village serves an established local population and substantial surrounding rural community. Traditional hospitality has long played an important role in village life, while Hilltown’s central Mourne location also makes it a popular stopping point for walkers, cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts exploring the surrounding mountains and scenic routes.
Hilltown is situated approximately eight miles from Newry and is conveniently accessible to Warrenpoint and Rostrevor, together with Newcastle, Castlewellan, Rathfriland and Kilkeel. This places the village within reach of a broad residential, rural and visitor catchment.
Newcastle is one of Northern Ireland’s foremost tourism destinations, renowned for its seafront setting, access to the Mourne Mountains and internationally recognised Royal County Down Golf Club. Hilltown is increasingly a natural port of call for visitors travelling from Newry, Dublin and the south of Ireland towards Newcastle and the wider Mourne region.
Nearby attractions including the High Mournes, Spelga Dam and Trassey Valley draw visitors throughout the year, while the coastline, forest parks and established destinations at Rostrevor, Warrenpoint and Newcastle further reinforce the region’s tourism appeal.
Hilltown therefore occupies a strategically advantageous position between Newry, the Mourne Mountains and the coastal settlements of south and east County Down, providing hospitality businesses with opportunities to serve a strong local customer base alongside passing trade generated by the area’s growing visitor economy.
TITLE:
Freehold
RATES:
We are advised that the NAV is £6,400.
Estimated Rates Payable 24/25: £3,957 per annum.
Prospective purchasers are advised to make their own enquiries with the Land & Property Services (LPS) for detailed assessments.
TERMS OF SALE:
The property is being offered For Sale by Private Treaty. However, the vendor reserves the right to conclude the sale via auction or “Best and Final” bids at a date and time to be confirmed.
The criteria required from interested parties in placing an offer must include:
Confirmation of name and address of proposed purchaser
Confirmation of offer level
Proof of funds from Bank to confirm that adequate funds are available to complete the purchase at offer level
Timescale to complete the purchase post acceptance of offer
Confirmation of solicitor who will represent purchaser
10% deposit of agreed purchase price shall be payable upon agreement of sale
Further information pack to be provided at this point
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Inspection of the site is strictly by private appointment. For further information please contact:
Stephen Gray
Commercial Manager
T: 028 300 50633
E: stephen@simonbrienbradley.com
Garrett O'Hare
Managing Director, Simon Brien Bradley
T: 028 300 50633
E: garrett@simonbrienbradley.com
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