The end for Legends?

With the recent announcement that "Morro", who currently runs Legends Bar, is to leave, the possibility of having not a single licensed drinks outlet at Edgar Street is another loss to the fans' football day out.

For many years, the opportunity to "have a beer" before the game has been, to a large number, an important part of their matchday experience. For another person to take on the premises, the business would need to display the ability to operate at a sensible profit level. If the rumoured annual rental of over £20,000 is true then making a worthwhile profit would appear difficult to say the least. A season of, say, 25 games equates to £800 per match just to cover the rent and staffing costs are likely to increase that figure to probably £1000. A gross profit margin of, for example, 50% would therefore demand a "take" of around £2000 just to break even. If the capacity of the room is less than 200 then it can be seen that each person would need to spend an average of over £10 per head.

"Morro" is believed to be finishing his residency after the Leeds game and any new occupier will certainly need their business wits about them to make it work financially. The premises is believed to be currently on the old Supporters Club licence - hence the membership cards. They have no requirements therefore for any personal licence holders or SIA badged staff as they would on a normal pub licence. It might also, technically, limit their ability to offer the room for functions to members only.

Below is the 'advert' for Legends as published in the Hereford Times:

The Franchise of Legends Bar, Hereford United Football Club

is available from the 5th January 2009

All tenders must apply in writing to Hereford United FC, Edgar Street, Hereford HR4 9UJ.

All Tenders must be in by 1st December 2008

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