The Illicit Still pub in Aberdeen is on the market after closing during the Covid pandemic – and the lease could be yours for only £15,000.
Illicit Still, on Broad Street, closed in March 2021. But it is now being offered up as a “great opportunity for motivated tenants”.
Estate agents are marketing the “iconic” venue on a five-year lease for annual rent of £80,000.
Based on previous trading, Cornerstone predict a resurrected Illicit Still could bring in as much as £1 million a year.
With its caverned walls, the venue was a favourite for real ale lovers in Aberdeen and hosted regular live music nights.
Aberdeen pub Illicit Still could turnover £1m a year
And the owners are asking for a £15,000 deposit to take over the city centre premises, which also includes a second bar – which is claimed to be Aberdeen’s smallest.
While Illicit Still is described as having a “mix of a classical interior with a modern twist”, the adjoining Wee Pub is said to be “characterful and cavernous”.
As well as linking to the main Illicit Still internally, it has a separate door on Netherkirkgate – making it “ideal” for private functions.
The premises come with fully equipped service areas, including a kitchen.
And the Illicit Still is not tied to a brewery, allowing would-be tenants to serve anything they like.
Cornerstone said: “The availability of the Illicit Still is a superb opportunity for a motivated individual(s) to acquire a well-regarded pub with huge future potential for new enthusiastic operators.”
Illicit Still closure a ‘hammer blow’
Despite officially closing down in March 2021, the Illicit Still – which was owned by G1 – last served punters over the Christmas 2021 period, before the country was plunged back into Covid lockdown.
Announcing the closure at the time, staff said: “Thank you and goodbye. Illicit Still is now closed, thank you for your support and custom over the years.”
North-east MSP Liam Kerr described the pub’s closure as a “hammer blow” for the city.
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