AN ANDOVER pub has been put on the market for sale, creating an exciting opportunity for prospective buyers to own a watering hole for just £145,000.

The Swallow on Pilgrims Way in Andover comprises an open plan bar area, function room, and three-bedroom owners accommodation.

Externally there is an extensive carpark and two large outside terrace areas.

According to its listing on rightmove.co.uk, the pub is a “large, detached, two-story purpose-built public house with single story extensions to the side and rear, that has undergone a recent improvement program which has given it a modern feel, having last been refurbished in 2014.”

The Swallow is currently run as a community wet lead establishment, with a local football team, four pool teams and two darts teams.

The listing further reads: “The function room is currently underutilised and offers the potential to expand business catering for wakes, weddings and birthday parties.

“It is located in a largely residential area within close distance of a number of retail businesses and other trade estates. The pub occupies a prominent position alongside Pilgrims way leading off the Churchill Way Roundabout and A3093 (Andover Ring Road).

“The property is adjacent to Ickfield Primary School, one and a half miles from Andover railway station which has mainline railway links into London Waterloo.

The property is marketed by Christie & Co in Winchester.

Last year, the current owners had brought in a pub recovery expert to turn around The Swallow as they saw massive potential in it.

Lyndon Stevens who has helped turn around 35 venues across the country had told the Advertiser that there was a very good chance The Swallow would be successful, adding: “Going on the takings, this pub is at least in the top five I’ve managed, easily. It’s got so much potential. There’s all sorts of things you can do here.”

Over lockdown, Lyndon and his team have been cleaning up the pub, preparing it for an eventual indoor reopening.

Since reopening outdoors on April 12, he said old customers have been returning, and has been very popular.

Lyndon says the pub’s large car park offers the opportunity for regulars to attract coaches, while he’s hoping to maintain The Swallow’s connection with sports teams in town.

“I’m here for a while and I want to make it work,” he said. “Then I hope somebody will take it on. It has massive potential.”

The property is held on a 99-year lease from the January 1, 1971 (50 years remaining) with an annual rent of £11,000.

You can view the property here.