admin posted on February 27, 2008 14:43
After a long wait, the village of Ascott under Wychwood is set to reclaim its pub later this month. The Swan, which has been closed for almost a year, has been around for over 400 years. When it reopens on March 19th for drinks and the following day for food, it will be seeking, once again, to regain its place at the heart of the community providing a meeting place for locals and a hostelry for travellers.
In June 2007 Richard Lait purchased the Swan Inn in Ascott under Wychwood and closed it for a long overdue and very extensive refurbishment. A month later, along with many other village properties, it was five feet under water. One building worker, and his rather perplexed dog, was rescued by boat at 1am from the roof of his caravan in the beer garden!!
When the pub reopens, two bars will serve cask ales, lager, stout and cider together with a tasty selection of wines by the glass and bottle and all of the usual spirits and soft drinks. Villagers with time for a story will want to ask landlord Richard about a rather special Remy Martin 250th Anniversary Brandy from 1976, which also features on the drinks menu.
Decent food will be served in the bar and 30-seater restaurant, as well as in the pretty walled beer garden. Food will be served every lunchtime and evening except Sunday evening. The emphasis is on freshly prepared traditional pub fare with a gourmet twist, from hearty casseroles to home-made pies with fresh seasonal vegetables, as well as tempting puds. Children and dogs are welcome, on a lead of course!
For those stopping in for more than a pint or a meal, The Swan also has six character rooms with a fresh and contemporary feel. All ensuite, they blend a sense of luxury with the treat of staying in a thriving village. Rooms start at £75 for a double, including full English breakfast.
Richard sums up: "Above all else I hope all my customers will leave the Swan thinking ‘that was fun’. Friendly service is a top priority for us, so come along and see for yourself and enjoy our freshly made food and a glass or two of ale, in a proper village pub."