Cheque Inns opens pub HQ

Cheque-cashing operator Cheque Inns has opened its first pub, which will also act as its head office.

Cheque Inns founder and former licensee Nigel France has taken on a 20-year Punch lease at the former Spirit Group-owned Three Tuns in Slough, Berkshire.

The company, launched in February, offers licensees the chance to offer cheque- cashing facilities at their pubs. The £7,500 start-up fee - £5,000 for the first 100 customers - includes equipment and training. France believes pubs could make between £13,000 and £50,000 a year.

The Three Tuns is in the middle of a multi-million pound cheque-cashing area​Nigel France.

The Three Tuns is currently undergoing refurbishment and will be the first of the Cheque Bar brand.

"The Three Tuns is in the middle of a multi-million pound cheque-cashing area," said France. "It will be the first Cheque Bar. I have managers who will run the pub, and it will do a great food trade as we are surrounded by businesses.

"I took it on for a nil premium and am looking to take on more sites that are perhaps run-down and in areas where I could take advantage of cheque-cashing."

Cheque Inns has linked up with Greene King, which hopes to roll out the scheme to 50 pubs by the end of the year following a successful trial at the Three Elms in Windsor, where lessee Aidan Straw is currently making about £2,000 a month profit.

"It is so easy and takes just minutes to cash a cheque,"

he said. "I am hoping to make enough money to pay for my Sky subscription."

The second Greene King pub to take up the offer is the Salisbury in Southampton, Hampshire.

Visit www.chequeinns.com​ for more information.