Stepping Stones Restaurant Balivanich Isle Of Benbecula Benbecula, HS7 5LA

Well-established and profitable restaurant with 78 covers and well-equipped commercial kitchen, situated on the Isle of Benbecula.

• Rarely available and outstanding business opportunity situated on the Isle of Benbecula, within the Outer Hebrides.

• Popular and well-established restaurant, located in the village of Balivanich, in the centre of the Island, maximising clientele from both local and tourist trade.

• Charming decor and high quality customer / service areas, presented in walk-in condition.

• Easy-to-operate, yet highly profitable opportunity, with 78 covers and attractive bar area.

• Exceptionally spacious property, with well-equipped commercial kitchen/amenity areas and generous car parking.

DESCRIPTION

The Stepping Stones Restaurant commenced trading in in 1997, in response to a need for good dining facilities in the area. This family run restaurant which shares its name with the implied, 'stepping stone' between North and South Uist, is a bespoke building designed for the purpose intended. The unique design of the building was created by a local architect and is attractive in appearance, with large windows, and vaulted ceilings. This highly successful and increasingly popular business has a consistently high turnover, generated through the bar and restaurant.

Designed over a split level, the restaurant comprises an upper and lower dining area. There is an office located to the left of the entrance and small vestibule where doors lead off to the cloakroom and toilet facilities and into the lower level. The restaurant is open plan, with the bar and servery on the lower level and more formal restaurant on the upper level. Set to modern tables and chairs the upper level features hand painted, stained glass shutters, which are decorative and eye catching. Tartan carpets and pastel paints create a warm ambience, with the lower level offering a more bistro style presentation with round free standing tables and chairs located in front of the bar.

This is an ideal trading location to attract tourists as they arrive on the island, there is an airport and the village is the hub of the Island, boasting the only ATM machine. The business also enjoys a high level of local trade and significant repeat trade. The property sits in its own grounds, with some grassed areas and tarmac car parking.

The business has been fitted out to an exceptionally high standard throughout with a purpose built service counter. The commercial kitchen is generous in size and includes a good range of appliances, and work surfaces.

REASON FOR SALE

The current proprietors operate the business year-round opening from 11am --8pm, seven days a week. The owners have operated this profitable business for 20 years and it is a desire to retire form the hospitality trade which brings this remarkable business opportunity to market.

LOCATION

Benbecula in Gaelic is Beinn na Faoghla which means Mountain of the Ford. This is a very apt name for the Island and its solitary hill, Rueval, acts as a stepping stone between North and South Uist. Balivanich is also known by its Gaelic name, Baile a' Mhanaich which means 'town of the monks' which references back to the 6th century when a monastery was found just south of the village where the ruins of Columba's Church can be seen today. Balivanich is the main administrative centre on the Island with a post office, hospital, primary school plus several shops and cafes. Uists' main secondary school, which also doubles as a community centre containing a swimming pool, cafeteria, sports facilities, a small museum and a library. Benbecula is located between North and South Uist in the Western Isles. Causeways join the three islands and there are ferry connections to Barra in the South and Lewis and Harris in the North. Benbecula Airport has services to Glasgow and Inverness via Stornoway. Ferry services run from Lochmaddy on North Uist to Uig on Skye and from Lochboisdale on South Uist to Mallaig and Oban. There are reduced fares under the road equivalent tariff system. There is a 40% discount on flights to the mainland for Benbecula residents. The Outer Isles are known for their fine scenery and superb beaches that are virtually unrivalled anywhere in the UK. Activities available locally include golf, sports centre and riding school. Benbecula Golf Course is set on the grasslands between North and South Uist. The golf course has 9 holes / 18 tees and is located in a beautiful setting with views out to the Monarch Isles. The Island is attractive to walkers and cyclists and for those with an artistic bent there is the Uist Sculpture Trail.

THE PROPERTY

Built in 1997, this single storey building, is of timber construction, with concrete block. The roof is comprised of sheet metal cladding, and glazed units to the front and side.

PUBLIC & SERVICE AREAS

The entrance to the Stepping Stones, is at ground level for ease of less abled clients, and the glazed front door opens into a vestibule which in turn leads into the lower level. There is a tourist leaflet display, magazines and coat rack made from boat oars which catches the eye straight away. There are toilet facilities to the right of the lower level, consisting of disabled/baby changing unit and further ladies and gents. Located behind the cafe counter is a fully functional commercial kitchen where meals are prepared for the lunch service, during the day and the restaurant at night. This section is open and provides plenty of storage and preparation areas along with wine store and dry goods storeroom with separate ground level delivery entrance. This section also houses a staff WC.

The seating arrangements are currently configured to allow up to 78 covers. The restaurant area can cater for 50 covers, the bar section is located at the far end of the lower level, with approx. 28 covers here also.

GROUNDS

There is a large grassed area to the front and side of the property and tarmac car parking for around 12 cars. Some bench seating can be placed here in the summer months. To the side of the property is a street level staff entrance with space for delivery vehicles.

SERVICES

The business is double glazed throughout and benefits from mains electricity, water and drainage. The property is fully fire and environmental health compliant.