Swan, Alvington

The Swan is located at right angles to the A48 midway between the villages of Woolaston to the west and Alvington to the east. The Swan has a pleasant aspect beside the Cone Brook. In the past the fast running stream has been used to power forges, paper mills and forges. No doubt the Swan was once frequented by mill workers. The history of the pub can be traced back to the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

In 1999 the Swan Inn looked as if the fortunes of the pub were on the rise. There was a quiz night on Thursday, a bar disco on the second Friday of each month and karaoke on the first Sunday of every month. The little stream was cleaned out to provide a perfect setting for the extensive gardens and patio. The landlady added: “I like to think we are offering something for everyone – we even have a model railway club who are making their own layout here. It’s certainly getting busier and we are always pleased to welcome customers old and new.”

In April 2003 the Swan Inn was on the market. It was described as a main road destination inn enjoying exceptional setting, two good bars, restaurant (30), three bedrooms. Beer garden and car park. ‘Ideal ‘beginners’ house with favourable 10 year premium lease’. It was being sold by Admiral Taverns along with 19 other pubs in their portfolio.

The Swan Inn closed in the first week of September 2009. A farewell party was held late in August.

The pub is now the Swan House Tea Rooms. Their website describes it as ‘the perfect venue to enjoy a morning coffee, glass of wine with a light lunch, cream tea or delicious home-made cake. Afternoon tea is our speciality.'