The Bat & Ball_Business Plan

The Bat & Ball
Strengths & Weaknesses
The Bat & Ball is a striking building visually, so in essence we are being
handed a relatively blank (health and safety compliant) canvas ready for
putting our brand in, capable of seating up to 60 internally. It is of 16th
Century construction with high ceilings and an amazing barn, which has
been converted into a restaurant.
Hall & Woodhouse have carried out a complete internal and external
refurbishment over the past 18 months - though there would need to be a
rebranding of the site as it has a ‘poor’ reputation within the community.
The bar servery is relatively small for what should be a busy pub although
that will be overcome with a little thought.
The pub has 60 dining covers inside and the kitchen is perfectly adequate
with a little tweaking and careful design.
We would aim to accommodate ‘private/business’ or ‘family/small party’
functions in areas that naturally define themselves - such as the ‘1666’
room and the section behind the bar.
It would be our intention to market these actively as comparatively private
throughout the day for meetings, tastings and other small functions. The
‘unique nature’ of the guest space at The Bat & Ball would mean level of
contract cleaning, to ensure it was at all times kept in the best possible
condition.
Outside, The Bat & Ball benefits from gardens front & back with space for
100+. The back garden could be reserved for casual dining seating 60,
while the front (nearer the main road) can be used to continue the
tradition of camping as the site has its own external showers and toilets.
The large car park accommodates 50 cars.
The Bat & Ball has an enviable position next to Fishers Farm, which
reportedly has 50,000 visitors a year a real opportunity therefore to
capitalise on the family eating market.
Maintaining such a large external area will be expensive but should be
more than adequately recompensed from May through to September on
those lovely weekends in Sussex when the sun shines and the birds sing.
It also has potential for event catering - a marquee on the grass for
instance would create a perfect space for weddings and other large parties
while allowing The Bat & Ball to continue trading normally. There is also a
substantial case for the more permanent construction of a professional
BBQ area to take pressure off the kitchen at peak times.
A place to eat, drink and relax