A pub company has beaten off the challenge of a national food chain to ensure the future of a historic Bridgnorth town centre landmark. The Charnwood Pub Co has revealed that it is set to conclude the purchase of the grade two listed Swan from Mitchells & Butlers on Monday, following rival interest from Pizza Express.
The changeover means that the half-timbered pub will be closed for five weeks from the same day for a revamp costing in the region of £175,000.
Daryl Cockerill, managing director of Charnwood, which is based at Leighton Buzzard, this week declined to reveal the purchase price, although Birmingham estate agents Christie & Co advertised offers in excess of £750,000 freehold in ‘The Publican’ magazine.
“It is our intention to close the site immediately and commence a five-week refurbishment project,” said Mr Cockerill.
“We hope to bring the Swan back to its former glory,” he added. “We will be painting the front, with the addition of some nice plate-glass doors providing we get planning permission for that and we also hope to make improvements inside.
“M & B put the Swan up for sale a year ago and we vyed with Pizza Express for its purchase,” he revealed.
Charnwood run six pubs, including two in Herefordshire and Mr Cockerill announced that a new landlord – Gary Davis who has worked for the Greene King group in Salisbury – would be brought in to run the Swan when it reopens, with the introduction of new menus.
The 17th century half-timbered Swan is one of the oldest pubs in Bridgnorth and was described by Christie’s as a ‘character landmark building.’ It became available after M & B had reviewed its assets.
It includes a lounge and bar with dining area, rear gardens, first floor function room and owner’s accommodation.