A RARE opportunity has come up to own a pub with bags of potential in Middlewich, lock, stock and barrel.

The Narrowboat, in Lewin Street, has come on to the market with an asking price of £250,000.

As the freehold is up for grabs, it means the new owners will not be tied to any particular brewery or pub company, so this is a rare chance to run it as a 'freehouse', injecting their own personality into the place. 

Northwich Guardian: The large central bar services the main bar area and the snugThe large central bar services the main bar area and the snug (Image: Rightmove/Everard Cole)

Described as an ‘edge of town’ pub by the vendors on property website Rightmove, The Narrowboat is in a great location near both Middlewich Victoria Hall and the canal network, meaning it has great potential to take advantage of the boat trade and the town’s various thriving waterways festivals.

It also offers much more space than its relatively small but well-maintained frontage would lead passersby to believe.

Northwich Guardian: The restaurant area is split nicely over two levelsThe restaurant area is split nicely over two levels (Image: Rightmove/Everard Cole)

Not only does it have large and comfortable main bar area and snug, but there’s also a 60-seater restaurant area, split over the ground floor and large mezzanine balcony.

There is a fully kitted-out professional kitchen, plenty big enough to service the restaurant, including ambient temperature storage rooms for dry goods, and a fully functional walk-in freezer.

Northwich Guardian: The commercial kitchen is well appointed and fully functionalThe commercial kitchen is well appointed and fully functional (Image: Rightmove/Everard Cole)

The pub also has guest accommodation for up to eight people, including one ensuite double, a further double, and two twin bedrooms.

There is also an ample one-bedroom self-contained private flat for owners or managers, should they want to live on the premises.

Northwich Guardian: Outside there is a patio, beer garden and smoking shelterOutside there is a patio, beer garden and smoking shelter (Image: Rightmove/Everard Cole)

There is also a beer garden with separate lawned and paved areas, as well as a smoking shelter, all of which is well-maintained and large enough to use for outdoor entertainment.

In terms of atmosphere, the authentic half-timbered interiors, exposed beams, and stone floors give the place a rural, village pub-like atmosphere, despite being on the edge of a bustling town.

Northwich Guardian: The snug is intimate and an idea place for customers to kick back and relaxThe snug is intimate and an idea place for customers to kick back and relax (Image: Rightmove)

The snug, which has a serving hatch so it can be serviced from the main bar, is down a few steps, giving it a separate feel to the rest of the bar, and is big enough to accommodate comfy armchairs and sofas.