MANY of us have dreamed of taking over the reins at our local pub.

Being a landlord is a difficult, but no doubt rewarding job, and there are plenty of opportunities if you fancy giving it a go.

One of the most historic pubs in Colchester has come up for lease, providing a perfect opportunity for brave entrepreneurs.

The Leather Bottle, in Shrub End Road, is being marketed for lease on Rightmove, at a price of £49,500 a year.

The 400-year-old pub features a large welcome lounge bar, public bar area and a multi-function restaurant.

The bar features a pool table and jukebox for customers.

There are also four external motel style bedrooms, with en-suite facilities, which can be let to customers.

Planning permission is in place to create four more bedrooms to increase this area of the business.

There is a good sized lawned beer garden at the side with a paved patio area which is furnished with timber picnic benches.

Three bed family accommodation is also provided.

Gazette: The Leather BottleThe Leather Bottle

The advert states: "This outstanding business is located on the outskirts of the highly desirable and densely populated historic market town of Colchester, in the delightful county of Essex and can be easily reached from the A12/A1124 intersection.

"Situated in the heart of the commuter belt and also having excellent road communications providing easy access to the major motorways making this superb location an extremely popular commuter area for the major international airports.

"This substantial and impressive 17th century inn occupies an excellent prominent and easily accessible trading position.

"Our vendor client operates this excellent business as a 'sole trader' on a full time basis with the assistance of four part time members of staff.

"Trade split is circa 90 per cent wet sales and ten per cent letting income.

"Whilst emulating the current business model; there is still immense potential for a new full time hands-on owner operator partnership with previous experience of running a catering/lettings orientated operation to take the business to the next level by exploiting the obvious food/functions and letting potential that is to be found here."

The pub is on for £49,500 on Rightmove - with a private 'free of tie' lease available.

The advised current turnover is around £225,000, including VAT.

To view the advert, click here.