Pub Heritage Old Swan
Warwickshire - Atherstone
Two star - A pub interior of very special national historic interest
Listed Status:
175 Long StreetAtherstone
CV9 1AH
Occupying a 16th-century timber-framed building, this pub is remarkably little changed since an extensive refurbishment in 1962, which created the current layout of public bar at the front, lounge at the back and snug to the right of the entrance lobby.
The public bar was extended into former licensee accommodation in 1962 and the fixtures and fittings are all from that time other than some more recent infill work to the bar-back. In the lobby, the hatch for service to the snug has a two-part leaded window that still works though it is kept in the open position. The snug itself, once used as a children's room, has been extended backwards hence the split level. The fittings in the small lounge, including the curved counter, are all from 1962 except the more modern fireplace.
Dating back to the 16th-century, the pub occupies an attractive timber-framed Grade II listed building. A comprehensive refurbishment in 1962 created the present layout of public bar at the front, lounge at the back and snug to the right of the entrance lobby. The 1962 work also created an off-sales called the Wine Keg in an adjacent former shop but this ceased operations some years ago. Very little has changed since 1962.
The public bar was extended to the left in 1962, incorporating part of the licensee accommodation, hence the two fireplaces in different styles.The counter and much of the bar-back (lower shelves and mirrored section) are from 1962 but slatted infill above and to the side of the mirror is more recent. The fixed seating is probably inter-war.
A part-leaded screen between this bar and the lobby has some ply panelling indicating 1962 changes. The lobby has a hatch for service to the snug with a two-part leaded window that still works but is kept in the open position. The snug, formerly used for dining, has been extended backwards into a small space once used as a children's room, hence the split levels. No old fittings in here.
The small lounge bar has a curved bar counter dating from 1962, as does the painted wood panelling round the servery and the fixed seating. The tiled fireplace with carved wood surround is modern.
Thanks are due to Rob Higgins, local historian, who helpfully accessed the British Newspaper Archive to pinpoint the date of the refurbishment.
