Large, wood-panelled, town centre pub. Was once a Kay's Atlas Brewery Ltd of Ardwick, Manchester pub, taken over by Robinson's in 1929. Today the Swan and Chequers is a spacious busy town centre Robinson's public house. Although partially open plan it reflects its original multi room origins and has a busy daytime trade of locals and shoppers visiting the town, especially on Thursdays when the nearby Town Market attracts a lot of visitors. The pub has recently had a major refurbishment (2023), internally as well as in the rear courtyard and is now bright and modern inside. The courtyard features a large mural of Winston Churchill - legend has it that he once stayed at the Swan. There is a happy hour on Fridays from 5 to 7 (cask reduced to £3.50 as of Sept 2025) and cask is £3.75 all day on a Saturday. Lots of musical activities are put on regularly, and modern jazz sessions are a popular feature. Snacks are available at breakfast times and throughout the day/evening.
Historic Interest
Large, wood-panelled, town centre pub-partly open-plan. Was once a Kay's Atlas Brewery Ltd of Ardwick, Manchester pub, taken over by Robinson's in 1929. Some of the artifacts may be seen in the brickwork. Formerly a corn exchange it was rebuilt as the Swan Hotel by Kay's Brewery in 1893. The frontage has a terracotta plaque showing a beast holding a key in its mouth. In the terracotta tympanums above first floor windows are 'K' and 'beast and key' images; there are also several examples of the 'beast and key' in painted glass in both ground floor and first floor windows. It is believed that the 'beast and key' was an emblem of the Kay family.
This Pub serves 1 changing beer (Guest Robinson beer) and 3 regular beers.
Source: Local
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