Article by Chris Roberts MBE PR
One of the Cotswold’s most photographed and fashionable pubs – the Swan at Southrop – is back after being closed for nearly three years.
After a soft opening from November 25 to December 2 when meals were slashed by a mighty 50%, the Swan at Southrop opened its doors to the public for the first time in a long time on December 3.
Brother and sister team, Charlie and Milly Hibbert, who also run the neighbouring Thyme along with their mother, Caryn, are thrilled to be giving the village gastro pub a new lease of life to welcome locals and visitors.
As well as the prerequisite burgers – beef or vegan – Charlie has devised a pub grub menu that includes mouth-watering and innovative extras and garnishes such as the salmon gravlax starter with celeriac remoulade and porridge bread and the pork belly mains with smoked mash, cabbage, chestnuts and mustard. Charlie and his team have also put together scrumptious sandwiches, a traditional Sunday lunch and, of course, time-honoured desserts such as apple crumble and custard.
Where possible, Charlie and Head Chef, Tobias Case, use seasonal produce picked from the ever-expanding vegetable gardens, orchards and farm at Thyme. Fresh, local and sustainable is the ethos for the Swan at Southrop and Thyme.
The historic pub dates back to 1606 when it was known as the Bakehouse serving bread and ale to the farm workers. It now offers not only a traditional, rustic style of cooking, but also a rustic yet chic style of décor chosen by Milly with low ceilings, roaring fires and comfy wing-back chairs.
“There are a few changes,” explained General Manager, Dan Pinzariu. “There is an abundance of dining spaces to choose from and the bar is now surrounded by bar tables – ideal for a pint and snacks; the dining room is more informal, but perfect for feasting; the Snug is ideal for that romantic dining experience or for private dining; and the Garden Room is now known as The Carousal and is set up as an extension of the garden with its own bar and TVs for watching sport. The Walled Garden for alfresco dining will be great in the summer or when the weather permits.”
The Swan at Southrop is open for Lunch on Wednesday-Saturday from 12 noon-2.30pm; Sunday Lunch from 12 noon-3.30pm; Dinner on Wednesday-Saturday from 6pm-9pm and the bar is open from 12 noon to close on Wednesday-Sunday.
Prices on the à la Carte menu start at £3 for nibbles, £6 for starters, £12 for sandwiches, £16 for mains and £8 for desserts. The Sunday roast with all the trimmings is £24 and the Veggie roast is £20.
To book a table, contact 01367 850205, reservations@thyme.co.uk or find out more at: www.thyme.co.uk/eat/the-swan.
