​This agreement gives you the opportunity to benefit from a capital refurbishment, at the onset of your agreement, made by us, in consultation with yourself and being able to assign the lease after two years.Key features include:<ul><li>A fixed 10 year lease agreement</li><li>Substantial investment funded by Stonegate at the outset of the lease to support you in growing the pub’s trading potential</li><li>Fully assignable after two years</li><li>Flexibility of drinks tie to suit your business, with the ability to utilise tie release fee’s from a fully tied basis</li><li>Flexible credit terms, weekly billing and the ability to spread costs such as Buildings Insurance</li><li>Open Market rent review at year 5 with the ability for rent to be rebased either upwards or downwards in line with the market.</li></ul>

Partnership Investment Lease

Key features include:​<ul><li>A flexible term of up to 5-years with the inclusion of notice provisions throughout</li><li>Flexibility of drinks tie to suit your business, with the ability to utilise tie release fee’s from a fully tied basis</li><li>Peace of mind with Property Repairs with Stonegate looking after all structural repairs (and you keep the rest up to scratch)</li><li>Low cost ingoing’s with deposit requirements from as little as £2,000</li><li>Flexible credit terms, weekly billing and the ability to spread costs such as Buildings Insurance</li><li>Access to a suite of dedicated training solutions developed with the insight of operating our successful managed house estate in order to support you in running your own business.</li></ul>

Retail Partnership Tenancy

This agreement gives you the opportunity to secure a ten year lease with potential to earn an incentive payment at the end of 10 years and&nbsp;assign the lease after two years.Key features include:<ul><li>A fixed 10 year lease agreement</li><li>The opportunity for substantial end of term incentive bonus which can be transferred&nbsp;upon assignment</li><li>Fully assignable after two years</li><li>Flexibility of drinks tie to suit your business, with the ability to utilise tie release fee’s from a fully tied basis</li><li>Flexible credit terms, weekly billing and the ability to spread costs such as Buildings Insurance</li><li>Freedom of choice between an Open Market or Annual Indexation Review for your year 5 rent</li></ul>

Partnership Incentive Lease​

<h3>Key Features Include:</h3><ul><li>A fixed term of 5 years without any landlord break option</li><li>A capped Turnover Rent: Turnover Rent only applies to turnover achieved up to our assessed FMT level - anything over does not attract a turnover rent amount.</li><li>Greater flexibility with the tie - we have tie release options across wines, FABs, spirits and minerals in return for a tie fee release. This also provides business certainty regarding the costs involved in the event of full tie release</li><li>Freedom to choose to take advantage of the machines opportunity (if you want to) and retain a share of potential income. </li><li>Peace of mind with property repairs - Stonegate looks after all structural repairs, you just keep the rest up to scratch</li><li>Low-cost-in-goings, with 3 month's deposit required, subject to the minimum £2000 requirement</li><li>Flexible credit terms, weekly billing and the ability to spread costs such as buildings insurance</li><li>Access to a suite of dedicated training solutions (developed with insight from our successful managed house estate) to support you in running your own business</li></ul>

Turnover Tenancy Agreement (TTA)

Our self-employed agreement helping pub lovers to access low-risk, high-reward potential opportunities to run pubs they love. Pubs on this agreement are community-locals often with an emphasis on sport, entertainment, and community work. These agreements are perfect for aspiring publicans who want to run their own business, within a supportive partnership with the UKs largest pub company by their side. This model is best suited to someone who wants to bring their personal flair to a predetermined business model while being incentivised and challenged to continuously grow their business.-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Uncapped operator earning potential. Our agreements offer 4 distinct streams of available income outlined below-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Industry leading profit share scheme, offering 10% of all year-on-year profit growth (uncapped)-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Quarterly machine profit share &amp; sales incentive payments-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A percentage of weekly net turnover to pay yourself and your staff-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Low risk agreement with ingoing costs of only a £2000 deposit-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Open ended agreements with no fixed end date-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Notice period of 12 weeks granting you greater peace of mind and the ability to plan for the future-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; On-site accommodation provided

Craft Union (Operator Led)

<ul><li>Option at selected sites to negotiate a lease that's free of tie for 10 or 20 years</li><li>Fully protected under Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, with the right to renew</li><li>You have full responsibility for repairs</li><li>Rent is subject to annual indexation to RPI</li></ul>

Commercial Lease (Free of Tie)

<h3>Key Features include:</h3><ul><li>A fixed term of 5 years without any landlord break option</li><li>Greater flexibility with the tie – we have tie release options across wines, FABs, spirits and minerals in return for a tie fee release. This also provides business certainty regarding the costs involved in the event of full tie release</li><li>The freedom to operate machines (if you want to) and retain all of the income</li><li>Peace of mind with property repairs – Stonegate looks after all structural repairs, you just keep the rest up to scratch</li><li>Low-cost in-goings, with deposit requirements from as little as £2,000</li><li>Flexible credit terms, weekly billing and the ability to spread costs such as buildings insurance</li><li>Access to a suite of dedicated training solutions (developed with insight from our successful managed house estate) to support you in running your own business</li></ul>

Fixed Term Tenancy (FTT)

With a Beacon Retail&nbsp;Partnership Agreement, you will have the freedom to run your own pub business. We will provide extensive support to help you maximise the success of your new pub business. Your pub, with our support, a winning combination. Key features include:​<ul><li>An agreement which gives you the freedom to run your own pub business</li><li>Providing extensive support&nbsp;to help you maximise your business​</li><li>Being able to sell category leading brands at prices to suit your local community</li><li>Promotions and marketing support for key occasions</li><li>A try before you buy agreement of initially just one year in term&nbsp;</li><li>EPOS tills to help you control your business</li></ul>

Beacon Retail Partnership Tenancy

Instead of a fixed monthly rent, you'll pay a base rent (guide rent demonstrated above) plus a percentage of your net turnover (the percentage is demonstrated below).

Turnover Rent (%)

The Full Tie Release Fee is assessed on the basis of a Market Fair Maintainable Trade profits calculation. This firstly takes account of the estimated uplift in gross profit derived from you moving from purchasing tied drinks from our price list to purchasing these and/or similar products in the open market. This increases the ‘divisible balance’ (i.e. the net profit before rent) against which a rental bid is then applied which we believe reflects the resultant agreement terms. The Full Tie Release Fee will, if applicable, be payable weekly on the rent days in addition to the rent(and any other sums payable under this tenancy)but will replace any Tie Release Fee payments agreed between parties for individual drinks categories. The Fee is subject to annual, capped indexation.

Potential Full Tie Release Fee

1. Will I be an employee of Craft Union Pub Company or Stonegate Group? No, you will set up your own Limited Company and will therefore be self-employed. Craft Union is owned and operated by Stonegate Group, who you will be partnering with when you become a self-employed operator with Craft Union, however you will not be employed by Stonegate Group.2. What is my earning potential?As a self-employed operator with Craft Union, you will receive an Operator fee at 20% of the net revenue of all wet products (including bar snacks) sold at the pub. You will have the opportunity to receive 19.5% fixed weekly and an additional machine incentive earning at 0.5% of the wet revenue fee, based on Machine Refills being in line with 20% non-compliance target. The 0.5% additional incentive fee will be paid 4-weekly (periodically) on top of the 19.5% standard fee to make a total of 20%.Profit Overachievement Incentive:Our agreement also includes a 10% profit overachievement vs budget incentive for sites with average net weekly revenue over £14k net sales per week, which will also be paid subject to the agreement remaining in force.This incentive is focused on those high turnover sites that require more resource to deliver and will be paid quarterly instead of every 6 months.3. What are the ingoing costs and are there any other costs that the Ltd company are responsible for?Our ingoing costs are a set £2000 bond. We do not ask our Operators to invest their own money into our pubs. Craft Union provide a business insurance policy for operators to enable them to trade the business and take care of legal obligations. This policy includes business interruption (operator losses), employer liability, public liability, contents cover for domestic accommodation, and alternative accommodation should the property be inhabitable due to an insured peril.Other costs that are the responsibility of the Ltd Company are the payment of council tax and TV license on the private accommodation, and the payroll costs of your ltd company employees.4. Is accommodation provided for myself and my family?Yes, you will be provided with the accommodation above the pub. If the pub doesn’t have on-site accommodation, alternatives will be discussed.5. Am I responsible for stock ordering, paying for stock, and stock audits?As an Operator you are responsible for ordering stock and ensuring product availability for customers. You will manage stock in the business and complete regular in-house stock checks to assist with the management of stock. Craft Union will complete stock audits on a regular basis using our own audit team.6. Do I pay for my own security and entertainment?No, Craft Union will cover agreed upon costs for security and entertainment.7. Who is responsible for employing staff in the pub?The Operator's limited company employs all the staff. The operator is responsible for employing, training, and paying all their own staff. The operator decides labour hours and pay.8. How long is the contract?There are no fixed terms to our agreements. 9. What is the notice period?The operator may end this tenancy at any time by giving Craft Union at least 12 weeks’ written notice. If the operator has fulfilled all their obligations under this tenancy, the tenancy will end on the date specified in the notice.10. Who looks after repairs in the pub?Craft Union are responsible for repairs.11. Do the pubs have set opening and closing times? Who decides these times?All pubs have mutually agreed opening and closing times.12. Can I run multiple venues with Craft Union?Due to the nature of our proposition, Craft Union do not work with multiple operators. This allows our operators to focus on running one pub and immersing themselves into that pub and the surrounding community.13. How do I apply to work with Craft Union?If you’re ready to apply to work with us, you can submit your pub specific enquiry online. Our recruitment process begins with a short phone interview with our specialist recruitment team, followed by a first stage interview with a Regional Manager, the production of a business proposal, and finished with a final stage interview with an operations manager.14. What Training &amp; Support will I receive?All new operators undergo a comprehensive training and induction programme to ensure you are set up for success. This includes a two-week in-house training programme at a centre of excellence, followed by a 3-month support plan, to continue your learning in your pub. During your two weeks in a centre of excellence you can expect to buddy up with a brilliant fellow operator who will provide you with all the knowledge you need from how our systems work to processes you’ll follow. Following this, your Regional Manager will work with you to create a 3-month post onboarding plan tailored to you. This will include a range of things such as coaching audits, stock taking, social media training and much more.

Operator Led

The ideal operator for the North Star Pub in St Leonards-on-Sea would be someone who understands and embraces its community-focused and traditional pub atmosphere while bringing a passion for real ales, live sports, and local engagement. Here are the key qualities an operator should have:

1. Community-Focused Approach

<ul>
	<li>Someone who actively engages with the local community, fostering strong relationships with residents and visitors.</li>
	<li>Willing to host community events, quiz nights, or live music to enhance the pub&rsquo;s welcoming reputation.</li>
</ul>

2. Experience with Live Sports &amp; Entertainment

<ul>
	<li>Understanding of how to create a great sports-viewing experience, ensuring the right atmosphere for major games.</li>
	<li>Ability to balance sports with other pub activities so it remains inclusive for all patrons.</li>
</ul>

3. Strong Hospitality &amp; Customer Service Skills

<ul>
	<li>A personable and hands-on landlord/landlady who enjoys chatting with customers and making them feel at home.</li>
	<li>Ability to train and lead a friendly, professional team to maintain high service standards.</li>
</ul>

4. Business &amp; Marketing Acumen

<ul>
	<li>Experience in running a successful pub business, including stock management, pricing, and promotions.</li>
	<li>Social media and local marketing skills to attract new customers while keeping regulars engaged.</li>
</ul>

5. Dog-Friendly &amp; Inclusive Mindset

<ul>
	<li>Someone who understands the pub&rsquo;s dog-friendly, welcoming vibe, ensuring that it remains a go-to spot for all &ndash; from ale lovers to beach walkers.</li>
</ul>

Who Would Be a Great Fit?

<ul>
	<li>An experienced publican looking for a thriving local pub with an established customer base.</li>
	<li>A real ale enthusiast who wants to create a strong identity around quality beer and community spirit.</li>
	<li>A sports-loving landlord who can balance a great match-day atmosphere with everyday pub life.</li>
	<li>A community-driven operator keen on keeping the North Star a hub for locals, while also attracting visitors exploring St Leonards and Hastings.</li>
</ul>

With the right operator, the North Star has the potential to thrive as a bustling, friendly, and characterful pub in this vibrant seaside town.

North Star St Leonards On Sea

The North Star is a welcoming pub situated on Clarence Road in St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex. Known for its friendly atmosphere and community focus, it serves as a vibrant meeting place for locals and visitors alike. The pub features a central bar area and a mixture of seating around the bar and comfortable seating around the side.

Patrons can enjoy a wide selection of drinks including real ales, lagers, stout and an extensive range of spirits and soft drinks

The North Star also broadcasts live sports daily, making it an ideal spot to watch major games while enjoying a cold pint.

Its location in the heart of Hastings&#39; creative Bohemia quarter adds to its charm, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a genuine local pub experience.

About the Pub

Key Features

Business & Financial Information

Ideal Operator

Private Accommodation

Regional Manager's Thoughts

Surrounding Area

FAQs

Other Pub Opportunities Nearby