Ernest Wilson - Nobody Sells Businesses Better!

Friday, 5 June 2026

SOLD - Trophies & Engraving, Harrogate

TROPHIES AND ENGRAVING BUSINESS in Harrogate

Established back in 1983, this well-known Harrogate business enjoys a monopoly within a wide catchment area. Customers have been known to travel 30 miles or more to use the services the shop provides. Much of the shops custom is derived by way of repeat business from schools and sports clubs, but a range of gifts and engraving services is also a big part of the business. Run and operated by a husband and wife, the very personalised service has become a much valued one by residents and visitors to this famous spa town. The shop only trades four days a week from 11am to 4pm, keeping it just below the VAT threshold. This is truly an outstanding business for the first time business owner or someone looking to set their own hours as they move toward retirement. New owners have the opportunity to claw back all of their original investment within a year of taking over the business. The owners had no previous experience in a similar field prior to investing in this business, but it is not a difficult or complex skill to learn. and anyone with an eye for detail will quickly be up to speed, especially given the owners are happy to transfer their knowledge and expertise to the buyer over a transitionary handover period. The business has been located at this premises since its inception and is therefore well-recognised by returning customers. Overheads are low here at just £230 a week including rent and insurance. Single storey lock-up premises with showroom and sales counter, plus workshop to the rear and staff WC. The workshop is fully equipped with a range of traditional engraving equipment. EPC Band C. Business on lease. Ref: 591370

Thinking of selling a business? Call now for a free valuation on 0113 238 2900 or email sales@ernest-wilson.co.uk for more information on Ernest Wilson Business Agents, visit www.ernest-wilson.co.uk - we do not charge any money up front

Monday, 1 June 2026

SOLD - Leaventhorpe Fisheries, Bradford

FISH AND CHIPS BUSINESS in Bradford

A fantastic opportunity to acquire this well-known long established fish and chips shop which has been operated by our client since 1998 and has only had one change of ownership in the past 40 years. Our client is approaching retirement and therefore only operates the business in very short hours over five days, total frying time currently only 17.5 hours weekly, yet achieves an impressive turnover. The menu price list has not been increased for some time - wonderful potential for enthusiastic new owners to build on the solid foundations here. 5-star food hygiene rating. The freehold premises occupy a prime trading position fronting one of Bradford's busiest arterial routes, within a busy shopping parade with easy forecourt parking - densely populated area with additional substantial building development locally. Substantial and imposing end of terrace property is immaculately presented throughout and really must be seen to be appreciated. Comprising ground floor part tiled and part panelled sales shop sporting high efficiency three pan Mallinson range fully refurbished in 2015 with a service every 12 months and digital menu display board. Level preparation kitchen with space to introduce additional catering equipment such as pizza oven to expand the menu offering. Chipping and rumbling room. WC. Storage shed and detached single garage. The upper floors provides self-contained residential accommodation comprising kitchen, dining room, living room, bathroom and two bedrooms - currently let out to a long-standing tenant and returning £480 per calendar month. Business & Property. Ref: 591139

Friday, 22 May 2026

SOLD - Denby Dale Tea Rooms, Huddersfield

COZY TRADITIONAL VILLAGE TEA ROOMS in Denby Dale

Highly prominent, well known and long-established business in the heart of the historic village of Denby Dale, West Yorkshire, made famous for its mammoth pies starting in 1788. Established in 2013, the business has run successfully with the owner focusing on a ‘work to live’ philosophy rather than ‘live to work’.

Fed up with work and looking for an exciting new challenge? This is an excellent opportunity to secure a wonderful lifestyle business, on low ingoing investment costs in an idyllic setting. Popular with tourists and local's alike, yet currently only trading on short daytime hours.

There is huge scope and untapped potential for enterprising new owners to turn this into a gastro kitchen, cafe and evening bistro, wine bar or micro pub or continue as a Tea Room. Alternatively make use of the outside seating area overlooking the viaduct with perhaps an outdoor BBQ or brick pizza oven during the warmer months.

The premises comprises: ground floor cafe with seating for 10 customers. Counter servery with rear, galley style domestic catering kitchen featuring three fridges, one freezer, electric oven and hob. Customer WC and understairs storage. First Floor tearoom accommodating up to 18 customers, beautifully appointed and atmospheric with traditional Yorkshire stone flagging. Exit rear door to two outdoor terraces. The terraces will seat over 40 customers over two levels.

Offered on a new, secure lease for a term agreeable to both parties and on a stepped rent basis, fixed for the first two years. Asking price includes stock and equipment. Our client currently qualifies for small business rates relief with £0 rates as this is our client’s only business premises. Business on lease. Ref: 590829

Wednesday, 20 May 2026

SOLD - Goody Blakes Restaurant, Grasmere, Lake District

LICENSED RESTAURANT in Cumbria

A wonderful opportunity to acquire an outstanding lifestyle business in the centre of this honey-pot Lake District village. Annual Turnover £84,617. The restaurant has been purposely run on a low-key basis to suit the personal lifestyle of its owner and therefore represents a huge opportunity for energetic and enterprising new owners to take the reins and develop an even more successful establishment here. Open Tuesday to Saturday 6pm - 9pm. The venue would suit any style of theme or cuisine, from a simple pancake house to a full service fine-dining bistro. The sky really is the limit here given the picture postcard location and vast amounts of all-year-around tourism. The business openings and turnover are purposely managed to stay under the VAT threshold so new owners can take this to a whole new level, by extending the opening hours perhaps, or offering a delivery service to the many guest rooms that surround the village. Attractive and prominent building in the heart of the village, surrounded by other complimenting quality businesses, hotels and guest houses. The restaurant occupies the ground floor with an open plan restaurant comfortably accommodating 32 to 34 diners, a bar counter and espresso servery with a well-stocked back bar. Catering kitchen, comprehensively equipped with an extensive range of commercial and domestic equipment. Substantial pot-wash area and ample storage. Customer and Staff WC. The restaurant also benefits from an outside seating within a stone paved, short-walled patio area. EPC Band D. Business on lease. Ref: 585126

Monday, 18 May 2026

SOLD - Impact Refinishers - Vehicle refinishing and body shop, Hull.

VEHICLE RE-FINISHING AND BODY SHOP in Hull

Rare opportunity to acquire this insurance approved body shop and automotive re-finishing centre based in this major East Yorkshire city. The business is well established and been in the same hands for over 35 years having provided our client with a very good living indeed. The business is only reluctantly offered for sale due to our clients overdue retirement. The business has done even better in the recent past however our client has artificially restricted the business to reduce workload but could very easily increase with a younger enthusiastic and ambitious new owner. Run in easy hours over a five and a half day week by our client with a small team of highly competent staff. Run from substantial premises available freehold or on a new secure lease. Premises provide spacious workshop facilities with ramp, two paint booths (ovens) staff room, offices and ancillary areas. Externally, secure compound. Business on lease. Ref: 590917

Friday, 15 May 2026

SOLD - Rose Cottage Cafe/Bistro, Castleton, Peak District

CAFE AND BISTRO in the Hope Valley

A rare opportunity to acquire a fully refurbished and profitable cafe and bistro in the heart of a thriving Peak District tourist destination. The current owners purchased the freehold in 2024 when the property was in a poor state and non-trading. Since then, over £60,000 has been invested into renovations, new equipment, staff training, and operational upgrades, transforming it into a modern, successful hospitality business. The cafe operates year-round with strong winter trade. It is walker and tourist-friendly by design and offers daytime and evening dining, event space and high-quality local food. Staff are highly trained, mainly local, and remain under flexible contracts. Digital systems are in place for rotas, bookings and marketing, all of which are transferable. The cafe has a strong presence on social media and OpenTable (unique in the area) boosting visibility and advance bookings.

Comprising ground floor open plan dining areas spaciously accommodating 36 to 40 diners and a fully stocked bar for alcohol and hot and cold beverage service. Superbly equipped catering kitchen with commercial quality equipment arranged to provide high volume food service. A first floor exists and has planning approved for residential use but is currently not being used. The current owners have secured planning permission to add two guest rooms and staff accommodation above the cafe. A project scheme has commenced and full planning, design and costing packs are available. This provides a major growth opportunity through overnight stays in a village where accommodation is in extremely high demand. Externally, highly attractive, picture postcard frontage. Patio doors from the rear of the main restaurant lead to a paved and covered rear courtyard, followed by steps leading down to a walled garden with lawn, shrubs, mature trees and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The courtyard and gardens easily accommodate 65 or more customers and is large enough to host special events. An outbuilding has been converted into elegant ladies and gents toilets. An additional outbuilding provides ample storage. EPC Band C. Business on lease. Ref: 591007

Wednesday, 13 May 2026

SOLD - The Old Library Cafe Bar, Wrose, Shipley

CAFE BAR in Wrose, Shipley.

An exciting opportunity to acquire this immaculately presented licensed cafe bar which occupies a prime trading position fronting a commanding main road through this bustling and densely populated Bradford township. The business was established by our clients in 2021 and the premises have been fit out to an exceptionally high standard which really must be seen to be appreciated. Only young family commitments force this reluctant sale. The business trades in easy hours over six days and offer tremendous potential for enthusiastic new owners to build on the solid foundations here. Licensed for up to 60 people. The premises are held on secure lease with sensible rent and comprise modern glass fronted unit, spacious cafe seating up to 40 in comfort, bar and servery area, kitchen and WC to the rear. Additional 20 alfresco covers on highly visible forecourt. Business on lease. Ref: 590859

Monday, 11 May 2026

SOLD - Topcliffe Post Office & Store, Thirsk

POST OFFICE in Topcliffe, Thirsk

An exciting opportunity to acquire this busy Post Office and convenience store which operates as a bustling hub in the heart of this affluent North Yorkshire village. The business has been successfully operated by our client since 2021, during which time the property has undergone significant investment and turnover increased dramatically. Only ill health forces this reluctant sale here. The business is run predominantly by staff and generates a fabulous turnover alongside a Post Office remuneration. Premises occupy a prime trading position fronting a busy main road with easy roadside parking. Offered on a new lease with sensible rent to include a vacant retail unit next door ideal for expansion or to be sub-let together with one bedroom accommodation which is let out at present returning £650 per calendar month but may be available with vacant possession if so required. Comprising glass fronted sales shop providing walk round store Post Office fortress counter, large store room, kitchenette, WC, to rear. Adjacent vacant retail unit at present used as additional storage. First floor one bedroom accommodation. EPC Band D. Business on lease. Ref: 590963

Thursday, 7 May 2026

SOLD - SPAR Convenience Store with takeaway, Ely, Cambs

LICENSED CONVENIENCE STORE, BURGERS AND PIZZA BAR in East Cambridgeshire

Occupying a highly prominent trading position in this Cambridgeshire city, this established and profitable mixed-use business combines a nationally branded convenience store with a popular diner and takeaway. Together, they generate an impressive weekly turnover derived from the convenience store and from the food operation. The property enjoys excellent visibility in the heart of the city, benefitting from steady footfall throughout the day and evening. This prime location ensures consistent trade and repeat custom from a broad demographic, ranging from commuters and families to students and tourists. The store is well-fitted with modern shelving, chillers, freezers and EPOS tills. The adjoining food operation occupies the rear section and trades as a casual diner and takeaway serving burgers, wraps, peri-style chicken, pizzas and sides. It operates for both dine-in and delivery customers, with listings on the major delivery platforms and a strong local following.

The business is currently operated entirely by a team of experienced staff, with the owner providing oversight and management rather than taking an active day-to-day role. This setup presents a significant opportunity for an incoming owner-operator to step in and increase profitability by reducing wage costs and exerting greater control over operations. Vendor feedback indicates that a full-time working owner could substantially improve the bottom line through closer management of labour, purchasing and stock. There remains clear potential for further growth. The fascia and location could easily support additional in-store services such as coffee, parcel collection or food-to-go counters. Similarly, the food side could expand its marketing and signage to enhance visibility, as the takeaway currently trades largely on word-of-mouth and delivery app presence rather than heavy frontage promotion. Joint marketing between the two sides of the business could further strengthen both revenue streams, particularly in the evenings.

The premises have been well maintained and fitted to a corporate standard throughout, with all necessary fixtures, fittings and catering equipment included in the sale. The store is compliant with local food hygiene requirements, having been inspected under the Food Standards Agency’s scheme, and continues to enjoy strong local recognition under both trading names. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a thriving dual-operation business in one of area’s most prominent commercial positions. The combination of a busy convenience store and a well-loved local diner offers both stability and growth potential. With high weekly takings a loyal customer base, and strong brand recognition, the business provides a solid foundation for continued success - and considerable upside for an involved owner looking to take a more active role.

Business & Property. Ref: 591300

Tuesday, 5 May 2026

SOLD - Moorside Pets, Pet Foods & Supplies, Kirkbymoorside

PET FOODS AND SUPPLIES in Kirkbymoorside

An exciting opportunity to acquire this pet foods and supplies shop serving this bustling North Yorkshire market town and surrounding area. The business has been operated by our clients since 2019, during which time has developed a strong reputation and loyal customer base. Our clients trade in sensible hours over a 5.5 day week. SENSIBLY PRICED FOR QUICK SALE. The premises are held on lease and occupy a prime trading position with easy off road parking, providing spacious retail space with a variety of departmental displays, office and kitchenette. WC shared with the other units within the parade. EPC Band C. Business on lease. Ref: 590981

Friday, 1 May 2026

SOLD - Coach & Horses, Rillington, Malton

Fully Fitted Free of Tie Food Led Country Pub in Rillington, Malton.

We are delighted to present an exciting opportunity to lease this immaculately presented public house, occupying a commanding corner position on the busy A64 between York and Scarborough - one of North Yorkshire’s key arterial routes, with thousands of vehicles passing daily. This highly visible and accessible location ensures exceptional footfall and passing trade potential, making it an ideal site for an experienced operator to re-establish a thriving public house and dining destination. The premises will be offered on a new Free of Tie lease with attractive terms and sensible rent, making this an unmissable proposition for the right individual or hospitality group. Surrounded by rural villages, local attractions, and holiday parks, drawing a steady stream of visitors year-round together with being well-positioned to attract locals, day-trippers, and tourists alike.

BUSINESS PREMISES

Ground floor entrance hall to spacious, welcoming and well-appointed public house centred around an impressive feature bar with four aspects, creating distinct lounge, restaurant, and casual seating areas. There is also a games corner complete with a pool table and dartboard, providing additional entertainment for patrons. A generously sized and superbly equipped kitchen, ideal for catering to a busy food-led trade - ample preparation space, professional-grade equipment capable of supporting a high-volume food operation. A chef’s dream that must be viewed to be fully appreciated. Recently refurbished ladies, gents, and disabled WCs, including baby changing facilities, all presented to an excellent standard. First floor provides two large rooms unused at present but perfect for conversion into letting accommodation, Air BNB units or staff lodging. The private owner’s accommodation spans the first and second floors, providing spacious living quarters including newly fitted dining kitchen, comfortable lounge, superbly fitted bathroom and two good sized double bedrooms - ideal for live-in operators or could easily be let out to create additional income. Externally there is a large private car park with ample space for customer and staff, together with beautifully maintained beer garden, ideal for outdoor dining, summer events and family friendly promotions. Business on lease. EPC Band C. Ref: 591378

Wednesday, 29 April 2026

SOLD - The Coffee House, Pateley Bridge

IDYLLIC YORKSHIRE DALES CAFE, TEA ROOM, COFFEE SHOP in Pateley Bridge

A picture postcard setting in an attractive courtyard, in one of the most visited Dales market towns, this well-loved coffee shop has been under the same ownership for almost twenty years. A truly idyllic lifestyle business now awaits new owners. The cafe benefits from a vast amount of footfall from visitors and tourists all year around and has excellent internal and external seating to accommodate customers in all weathers. Trading just 25 hours over a five-day week, there is huge scope for new owners to extend the opening hours and even open up on Sundays, which tends to be the busiest day of the week for this walkers and cyclists paradise. The current owner chooses to run the coffee shop on a low-key basis, hence their wish to now pass the reins of this successful cafe business to new owners who can dedicate more time and energy to the operation. Shortened opening hours keep annual turnover just below the VAT threshold. Ambitious new owners may wish to take the business to a whole new level, with extended openings, retailing deli goods or adding an evening bistro element to the operation.

Eye catching, local stone built, cottage mews style property of which the cafe occupies a ground floor area incorporating a service counter with display chillers and well-equipped food prep kitchen, plus a quaint dining room accommodating 20 customers. Customer WC. The external stone-flagged courtyard is a lovely environment for customers wishing to take their tea and cake al fresco, and seating here is permitted for 16. EPC Band B. Business on lease. Ref: 590713

Thursday, 23 April 2026

SOLD - We Buy Gold, Cleckheaton

GOLD DEALER, FOREX AND PAWN BROKER in West Yorkshire

This is an easily run business for which no previous experience is necessary. The business operates relatively simple systems and procedures buying in precious metals in the form of scrap jewellery and making a margin on the difference between the spot rate and the price paid to customers of the business. The gold is then sold onto gold refiners and the business uses a number of different refiners to ensure the best possible return. Similarly the same systems are applied to the purchase and sale of foreign currencies with a margin applied to each transaction and a higher margin is applied to the more exotic currencies. Whilst the business is simplicity itself to run, it has proved itself to be VERY PROFITABLE for our client. Situated in this busy shopping centre which has recently undergone a multi-million pound refurbishment within this bustling West Yorkshire town centre. Business on lease. Ref: 588827

Wednesday, 15 April 2026

SOLD - Brough Post Office, Gilberdyke

VILLAGE POST OFFICE WITH SORTING OFFICE in East Yorkshire

Very profitable and well patronised village Post Office situated in this delightful and much sought after village in the East Riding of Yorkshire. The business has been owned by our clients for circa 15 years and has provided them with both a fantastic living and super five bedroom family accommodation. The business is run in easy hours by our client with the assistance of a small team of part time staff. In addition to the Post Office sales shop, there are two self-contained sorting offices.

Substantial freehold property which briefly comprises well presented Post Office sales shop with two position fortress counter which is air conditioned. The private accommodation briefly comprises fitted kitchen with store / utility area off and dining room / second lounge. First floor offers two bedrooms and combined bathroom with shower over bath. Second floor three attic bedrooms. Externally, drive leads to two self-contained sorting offices, garden with patio and two large garden sheds. Business & Property. Ref: 591052

Monday, 13 April 2026

SOLD - Hawtonville Fish Bar, Newark

FREEHOLD HOT FOOD TAKEAWAY WITH ACCOMMODATION in Newark

An extremely busy roadside location, surrounded by schools, a sports centre, parks, major hospital, and other commerce and industry. Benefitting from easy roadside parking and a colossal amount of vehicle traffic. The business premises are superbly fitted and equipped to produce a high volume of traditional fish and chips, plus burgers and kebabs. Attractive counter area with vibrant backlit menu boards above the frying range, plus commercially equipped food prep back counter. Exceptional back of house food prep and cooking areas, plus potato and wet prep room. Rear yard leading to two outbuildings being used for dry and chilled goods storage. Staff WC. The accommodation comprises of First floor, two or three bedroomed, self-contained flat with rental potential or for new owners personal use. Business & Property. EPC Band D. Ref: 591090

Friday, 10 April 2026

SOLD - Mermaid Fish & Chips Restaurant & Takeaway, Morley, Leeds

LICENSED FISH AND CHIPS RESTAURANT AND TAKEAWAY in Leeds

Ernest Wilson are delighted to bring to market this truly outstanding detached restaurant and takeaway standing in its own grounds and large 50 space car park - so very rarely do businesses of this calibre reach the open market. The long established business has traded from this site since 1976 during which time it has developed a fantastic reputation and is incredibly well known in the region. The premises occupy one of the most prominent sites in West Yorkshire, adjacent to a large supermarket and petrol station – high footfall area. The licensed restaurant and takeaway is operated entirely by staff due to our clients’ other business interests and works in seven days closing at 9pm daily, boasting a fabulous weekly turnover. Our client has operated the business since 2022 and has since refurbished the premises throughout at great expense - early inspection is highly recommended here. The business offers superb potential for an owner operator to build on the solid foundations here and the site is large enough to introduce an additional restaurant / takeaway cuisine offering or dark kitchen to further increase revenue. One of the best sites seen in a number of years. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

The premises are held on secure lease and comprise spacious panelled and tiled outsales area with total glass frontage and sporting a five-pan computerised island range. Open preparation areas incorporating two walk-in cold rooms, fish preparation, potato preparation and delivery bay. Full commercial kitchen that would suit the keenest of chefs, offering an abundance of hi-tech commercial equipment and automated dishwashing system. Four store rooms, staff area and staff toilets. Superbly appointed and spacious bar and restaurant seating 110 in comfort with scope to add more if so required. Servery station and ice cream counter. Ladies, gents and disabled toilets.

Business on lease. Ref: 591050

Wednesday, 8 April 2026

SOLD - Hoddens MOT, Vehicle Repairs, Service & Tyres business, Stoke on Trent

MOT, VEHICLE REPAIRS AND SERVICE AND TYRES BUSINESS in Stoke-on-Trent

This is a professionally run garage business, servicing and repairing all makes and models. The business trades on an excellent reputation with a 5-star Google rating based on 161 reviews at the time of writing. The business was established in 2005 by our clients and has provide itself to be a very profitable enterprise. This is a garage and MOT station that is hard to beat and we HIGHLY RECOMMEND AN EARLY VIEWING. The premises are available freehold or on a new lease with sensible rent. The premises briefly comprise secure car park with access to two of the workshops and reception area with WC off. MOT workshop with vehicle lift, rolling road and tyre bay, vehicle repair workshop with three 2-post vehicle lifts. Second workshop with three further 2-post vehicle lifts, oil store and stock room. First floor office, two stock rooms and staff room. Business on lease. Ref: 591033

Friday, 27 March 2026

SOLD - Bakery @ No.7, Goole

CAFE AND SANDWICH BAR in Goole.

A wonderful opportunity to acquire this charming cafe and sandwich bar occupying a prime trading position in the centre of the affluent and much sought after market and minster town in the East Yorkshire only five minutes away from the M62 motorway. The Business trades in easy hours over five days and offers wonderful potential for enthusiastic new owners to extend opening hours and boost turnover. The premises are held on lease with sensible rent and comprises of attractive double fronted cafe providing well equipped sales shop with outsales area, 16 cover cafe, commercial kitchen, storeroom, staff W.C. and customer W.C. Externally south facing courtyard to the rear providing an additional 12 covers, together with two allocated car parking spaces. Business on lease. Ref: 591092

Monday, 23 March 2026

SOLD - The Bearded Sailor Fish & Chips, Pudsey, Leeds

HIGH TURNOVER FISH AND CHIPS TAKEAWAY in West Yorkshire

Situated in a prime position in the middle of this bustling West Yorkshire town in a well-respected high footfall area. Ideally located next to a free short stay car park making this a very popular takeaway. High turnover takeaway showing excellent profits on accounts – run mainly by staff. This is one of the best fish and chip shops to come to the market for some time and only needs viewing to be appreciated. Genuine reason for sale. Comprising good size modern sales area with digital displays and EPOS system, modern four-pan island Florigo range. Former cafe area off the sales area (unused since COVID) which is currently used as a store room but could be reopened as a cafe or converted into an eating in area which would no doubt increase turnover even further. Staff / customer toilet with wash hand basin. Rear preparation area with an array of equipment, fish fridges etc with delivery door. Business on lease. Ref: 591035