Sun in the Sands – an oasis of an investment

The Sun in the Sands was once a mark on a map of what we now know as Shooters Hill, SE3 – way back in in 1745. Then that mark became an ale-house, taking its name from the effect created by farm animals being driven up the road.

A huge cloud of dust would kick up in dry summers and the pub would appear like an oasis – the sun shining through the sand.

Throughout the 19th and much of the 20th centuries, it provided refreshments to travellers between London and Dover. Today, it fronts the busy A2 and is ready to begin a journey of its own with a new owner.

“The Sun in the Sands is something of a local landmark and a nearby roundabout is named after it,” says Panayiotis Themistocli of licensed leisure specialists AG&G, who are marketing the freehold.

“It’s in an attractive property and has the benefit of self-contained accommodation upstairs, a garage and a useful location giving easy access to central London. It has been used as a pub and restaurant for centuries but we think the prospects look bright for many different uses.”

The pub is located in a mainly residential location, roughly 15 minutes’ walk from Blackheath, Kidbrooke and Westcombe Park rail stations, which all provide services to London Bridge (15 minutes away). Greenwich Park and Blackheath Common are 10 minutes’ walk to the west, while the Blackwall Tunnel and O2 arena are just a short drive to the north.

It is a semi-detached, two-storey building with part basement. The ground floor is arranged as part contemporary-style bar and part 58-cover restaurant, with trade kitchen and customer WCs to the rear. It has a gross internal area of around 334 square metres (3,595 square feet) and there is a self-contained five bedroom flat with lounge, kitchen and bathroom on the first floor. A beer store and storage area are in the basement. Behind the property there is a single garage.

The pub is licensed from 10am to midnight Monday to Thursday, until 2am on Friday and Saturday and to 10.30pm on Sunday. It is not listed but does lie in the Sun in the Sands conservation area – also named after the mark on the map.

The freehold is for sale with vacant possession off a guide price of £499,000.
For further information, contact Panayiotis Themistocli on 020 7836 7826 or e-mail pthemistocli@agg.uk.com