An attractive and lively pub in the village centre. A large modern extension to the rear of the historic lounge area is used for both drinking & dining. A new kitchen opened in summer of 2024. The former kitchen is now converted into a games room with bar billiards and darts. Some produce including many hops & botanicals are being grown on site. Plans to open brewery and distillery in late 2024/early 2025 in a new area behind a glass wall at far end of new main bar. Four cask beers are offered, as well as a good range of bottled Belgian beers and craft ales.
On the other side of the road is a Victorian pumping station close to the remains of a lock on the River Stour, which is the county boundary and was once navigable from Manningtree (in Essex) to Sudbury.
The pub has been owned since late 2012 by Sophie and Mark Dorber. The Dorbers also own and run the Walberswick Anchor.
Historic Interest
The building is part of a historic former coaching inn dating from about 1520. The original medieval structure was at least 3 times larger than the remaining and included a second wing located on the far side of car-park which was eventually destroyed by fire. The inn also once had stabling to rear of premises for about 200 horses. George II once stayed overnight here on route to London.
This black–and-white half–timbering pub is all that remains of a former coaching inn on the old A12 that covered the whole of the car park. It was reduced in size as a result of a fire in the late 1800s and there is an early 20th century flat roof extension at the rear. It appears to have been refurbished in the inter-war period and retains a number of fittings from that time in three rooms.
From a brick floored front lobby there are bars to the left and right. The Drovers Bar on the right has a 1930s bar counter (newer top), a large 1930s brick fireplace, some wall benches but the bar back is modern.
The Swan Bar on the left has a screeded floor, another 1930s bar counter, a large brick fireplace with a fireback that has a date of 1635 on it, but the bar back is modern. A low beamed herringbone passageway from the left bar leads to the toilets at rear. On the rear left is a doorway to a small low beamed dining room which has a floor of red brick-shaped tiles laid parquet-style.
This black–and-white half–timbering pub is all that remains of a former coaching inn on the old A12 that covered the whole of the car park. It was reduced in size as a result of a fire in the late 1800s and there is an early 20th century flat roof extension at the rear. It appears to have been refurbished in the inter-war period and retains a number of fittings from that time in three rooms.
From a brick floored front lobby there are bars to the left and right. The Drovers Bar on the right has a 1930s bar counter (newer top), a large 1930s brick fireplace, some wall benches but the bar back is modern.
The Swan Bar on the left has a screeded floor, another 1930s bar counter, a large brick fireplace with a fireback that has a date of 1635 on it, but the bar back is modern. A low beamed herringbone passageway from the left bar leads to the toilets at rear. On the rear left is a doorway to a small low beamed dining room which has a floor of red brick-shaped tiles laid parquet-style.
This Pub serves 4 changing beers and 0 regular beers.
Swan, Stratford St. Mary