Ernest Wilson - Nobody Sells Businesses Better!

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

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

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

Wednesday, 18 March 2026

SOLD - Mama Roma Pizza, Cleckheaton

HOT FOOD TAKEAWAY in Cleckheaton

An exciting opportunity to acquire this long-established trading pizza takeaway which has been owned and operated by our client since 1996 – Only retirement prompts sale. The business enjoys a fantastic reputation in the area with a loyal customer following. Trading in relatively easy evening hours over seven days. Providing wonderful potential for enthusiastic new owners to offer lunchtime menu to boost turnover. The premises are offered on a secure lease with sensible rent and occupies a prime main road trading position on the fringe of this bustling West Yorkshire township, adjacent to a public house and with benefit of its own private car park to the rear. The premises comprise of a double fronted corner property with electric roller shutters. The unit provides a spacious customer waiting area overlooking counter and open plan well equipped commercial kitchen, additional food preparation room, walk in cold store, dry store, pot wash area, staff room and W.C. EPC Band B. Business on lease. Ref: 591179

Monday, 16 March 2026

SOLD - The Crown, Horton in Ribblesdale

Pub With Rooms in Horton in Ribblesdale

The Crown Hotel is situated in the beautiful Ribble Valley, on a riverbank, at the foot of Pen-y-ghent, one of the Three Peaks. One of the only hotels in the Yorkshire Dales National Park which actually sits on The Pennine Way. The famous tourist market town of Settle is a 12-minute drive away and Horton-in-Ribblesdale has its own railway station on the famous, scenic Settle to Carlisle line. Popular with hikers, bikers and cyclists and surrounded by the finest walking and mountain biking trails anywhere in England, The Crown Hotel offers affordable hotel accommodation and has everything a tired traveller needs; comfy beds, friendly hosts, traditional food and award winning cask ales. The Business: Operated by our clients for the last 14 years and only being sold now due to ill health, this country pub and hotel is offered leasehold and has a tie on beer sales alone, leaving good margins of profitability on food, wine and liquor. The business has good local support and hosts dominoes and darts during the winter months. Wonderful lawned gardens and a large, flat riverside car park would make for wonderful marquee events or functions, or even offer additional accommodation by way of camping pods or caravan pitches. The space and potential here are unlimited for ambitious new owners wishing to add profitable facets to the existing business. The Property: A traditional, mid-village country inn property. Parking for 10 cars to the front, with additional riverside overflow car park to the side for a further 20+ cars. Entrance to lounge bar and separate snug surrounding a central two-sided bar. Dining / breakfast room for hotel / B&B residents, with picturesque outlook over the lawned gardens. Substantial, commercially equipped catering kitchen. 10 guest bedrooms, 7 of which have en-suite bathrooms. These are made up as follows:

Room 1 - Double or can be split to make twins, en-suite.

Room 2 - Up to 4 guests (two singles and 2 bunks), en-suite.

Room 3 - Double, disabled persons compliant, en-suite.

Room 4 - Single with separate private bathroom.

Room 5 - Double, en-suite

Room 6 - Up to 4 guests (two singles and 2 bunks), en-suite.

Room 7 - Double or twin with shower cubicle and washbasin. Toilet on landing shared with room 8.

Room 8 - Three single beds or one double plus a single.

Room 9 - Double or twin, en-suite.

Room 10 – Double, en-suite.

Outbuilding attached to the hotel providing a three-bedroomed managers residence with private parking. One of the bedrooms was previously a kitchen and therefore could be re-converted to provide a fully self-contained arrangement. Living room. Bathroom. A further attached outbuilding provides a walk-in freezer and managers office. Garage and private parking space. There is outside seating around the front entrance of the pub, as well as substantial, enclosed lawned gardens to the rear of the property, with access from the pub patio doors or a gate from the riverside car park. Business on lease. Ref: 587286

Thursday, 12 March 2026

SOLD - Imagination Village, Childrens Activity/Play Centre, Hartlepool

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY / PLAY CENTRE in Hartlepool

Well established, children’s, role play / imaginative play centre with little competition and which achieves an impressive turnover whilst maintaining equally impressive gross margins in excess of 67%. The business could easily be enhanced by extending the trading hours later into the afternoons and by extending the food offering. Fitted and equipped to a high standard providing immersive, child-sized environments designed to spark imaginative play by allowing children to step into real-world roles in a safe, fun setting. This alternative play centre has become increasingly popular with parents, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional soft play areas and is ripe to take advantage of this growing market, particularly with increased marketing. Run in thirty seven and a quarter hours per week by our client with the assistance of a small team of staff is only reluctantly offered for sale due to our clients plans to emigrate. VIEWING HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Premises held on lease and briefly comprise: Entrance leading to snack bar offering a good range of light catering equipment with prep area and pot wash off. Cafe dining area seating 36 comfortably. Eight, individual themed areas, including a school, cafe, theatre, salon, vets, etc and a baby / toddler play area. EPC Band E. Business on lease. Ref: 591181

Tuesday, 10 March 2026

SOLD - Burghley Hair and Beauty Academy, Peterborough

HAIR AND BEAUTY SALON in Peterborough

A rare opportunity to acquire this upmarket hair and beauty salon with training academy. Located at the edge of the centre of this east of England city, the premises are situated in a highly prominent position set back from the roadside with a high number of passing vehicles daily, whilst being walking distance from the main city centre footfall. The business was established and has been successfully operated by our clients for over 40 years who now plan to retire. They have an excellent reputation both as a salon and academy with a number of glowing reviews online and social media and a loyal existing customer base. They provide a range of hair and beauty treatments as well as operating a leading training academy offering hair and beauty courses up to NVQ qualification level. This is an ideal opportunity for a growing salon business to acquire a very well-established operation that has scope to expand further. There is scope to introduce other elements of the health industry to the business.

The premises are a prestigious two storey detached property with approximately 194 sq m (2,089 sq ft) of internal area. On the ground floor there is the main reception area, office, large training / treatment room for disabled access, hair salon with five stylist stations leading to a backwash area (with space for additional stations), staff kitchen, WC. On the first floor there is a large training room / treatment room, three further treatment rooms, consultation room and customer WC. Outside the property stands in its own grounds with customer parking onsite and an abundance of public car parks in the immediate area. EPC Band E. Business on lease. Ref: 590157

Friday, 6 March 2026

SOLD - The Chocolate Works Cafe, Clitheroe

CHOCOLATE AND COFFEE CAFE in Clitheroe

Ernest Wilson are delighted to bring to market this immaculately presented coffee shop set in a fantastically prominent trading position in the heart of this Lancashire town. The business was established by our client in 2017 and is fit out to the highest of standards including modern air conditioning. Our client is now seeking a well earned retirement - fantastic potential for enthusiastic new owners to build on the solid foundations here. Imposing corner premises held on lease and arranged over two floors comprising ground floor glass fronted sales shop providing spacious coffee shop seating 34 in comfort with an additional four outside. Refrigerated serve over chocolate display overlooking open plan well equipped food preparation area. Secondary food preparation area off, WC. First Floor comprises three rooms, at present used as storage and office space, but ideal for conversion into additional customer seating area. Business on lease. Ref: 591096

Monday, 2 March 2026

SOLD - The Veg Shop, Brighouse.

HIGH TURNOVER TOWN CENTRE FRUIT AND VEG SHOP in Brighouse.

A phenomenally well trading, high street fruit and veg shop in the heart of a vibrant and bustling Calderdale town. Under the same family ownership for the last 10 years, however the business has traded very successfully from this location for many decades. It is only now, after 30 plus years in the fruit and veg industry, that the current owners have decided to take a well-earned rest, leaving a tremendous opportunity for energetic and ambitious new owners to step up and take charge of this thriving and tremendously profitable business. The shop sits amongst well-known high-street retailers such as Greggs, Costa Coffee, Hallmark Cards, as well as lots of independently owned complimenting businesses which attract lots visitors from out of town. The town also hosts many street events throughout the year, which happen directly in front of the shop. A small but easily run sales shop generates a staggering annual turnover. All sales are generated by the shop alone. New owners, adding a supply and delivery service to local pubs, restaurants and hotels, would no doubt reap further rewards. Fruit or veg gift basket delivery is also an untapped market in need of exploiting. Customer count for the last 12 months was over 66,000. Single fronted ground floor sales shop with lots of attractive outside pavement display space. Internal walkaround sales area, always fully stocked with a wide range of foods. To the rear is a prep room for packing and labelling. Rear door leads to a delivery yard and steps lead down to a huge, chilled basement storage room. First floor staff kitchen diner. Washroom with WC. Large management office. Business on lease. Ref: 591020

Thursday, 26 February 2026

SOLD - Carry Boarding Kennels and Cattery, Astin, Colne

KENNELS AND CATTERY in Colne, Lancashire

A fantastic opportunity to acquire this kennels and cattery which has been in the same ownership since 1979 and has been brought to market due to pending retirement. The business is licensed for 50 dogs and 20 cats although in recent years due to our client’s age has operated on a reduced basis serving only friends and family. Tremendous potential for younger enthusiastic new owners to re-establish a profitable operation here. Current opening times for drop off and collection are 9am to 11am and 4pm to 6pm daily. The business has previously traded with the local council and police force - something that could be re-kindled under new ownership. Freehold premises are set in approximately half an acre in rolling countryside yet only five minutes’ drive away from Colne town centre - IDEALLY LOCATED. Briefly comprise driveway leading to gated customer car park. Entrance to reception and yard leading to two kennel blocks and one cattery block. The private family accommodation comprises ground floor cloakroom, lounge, dining kitchen with Aga, two double bedrooms (one en-suite with sauna). First floor living room with exposed beam ceiling, one double bedrooms and house bathroom including bath and separate shower cubicle. Externally are a number of small outbuildings including a previous summer house which is in need of refurbishment. The premises benefit from solar panels. Business & Property. Ref: 588917