Queen Elizabeth Is Looking for Someone to Run a Pub on One of Her Royal Estates

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When launching a new business, one old adage is "location, location, location." Well, interested British pub owners will be hard-pressed to find a location with more esteem than this: a property is available to rent on the grounds of one of the residences of Queen Elizabeth II.

Billed as "the much-loved country retreat of Her Majesty The Queen," Sandringham Estate has served as a private residence in Norfolk for four generations of British monarchs dating back to 1862. Recently, that royal pedigree has been used to market a number of new products including Sandringham Gin, using botanicals from the actual property; Sandringham beers sold in the gift shop; and even Sandringham condiments.

Now, the estate is looking to expand its horizons further, seeking to find someone to open a pub and restaurant. A listing from Landles Estate Agents boasts a "rare opportunity for the right operator" to take over what was originally a social club opened around the turn of the 20th century under the reign of King Edward VII. The club shuttered during the pandemic in 2020, and with membership declining, the choice was made not to reopen.

The hope is that a new tenant will invest the time and money to turn the old club into a "destination public house with restaurant." And the listing stresses that the new occupier must have "a plan to include engagement with the local community" and a willingness to "help sustain these important premises." (It's not clear to what extent "the local community" includes the Queen and other royalty bossing you around.)

A new operator will certainly have plenty to work with: Beyond the main bar area, the site also has a reception area, private function room, garden room, rear hall and entrance, and a snooker room, as well as plenty of outdoor space including multiple potential beer gardens. The top floor has three bedrooms which could either be used as a residence or rented out to visitors "inn"-style. Plus, the Sandringham Estate as a whole apparently attracts over half a million visitors each year, a good starting point for foot traffic.

The listing also points out that the building features "tremendous panoramic views over the adjacent farmland and the wide blue skies of North West Norfolk." Whether guests would be able to capture a glimpse of Queen Elizabeth II is not specifically mentioned.