Tradition on Tap
Braybrooke Beer Co. on running the historic village pub.
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July will see the one-year anniversary of local brewery, Braybrooke Beer Co, taking over the running of Braybrooke’s beautiful, 17th century pub. We chatted to Luke Wilson about how The Swan is truly a dream come true.
Could you share the story of how Braybrooke Beer came to take over The Swan pub? Braybrooke Beer Co was formed in 2017, and we started brewing in 2018. However, the directors of the company have also been involved in restaurants and pubs for a number of years. Our Soho restaurant, 10 Greek Street, celebrated its 13th birthday recently. In early 2024, we were approached by Everards Brewery, who own the freehold of The Swan, about the potential of taking on the day-to-day running. After some very good conversations, we agreed to let the pub under their Project William scheme, and in July 2024 we moved in! What has been the best, and the most challenging, parts of the journey so far? Taking over The Swan has been something we have talked about and hoped for since we started the brewery, so for it to become a reality has been amazing. In addition, working with a great team, developing a strong offering and a pub that we are proud of has been very rewarding. The biggest challenge has probably been the same that is currently facing all hospitality venues – mitigating ever-increasing costs whilst maintaining the quality on offer, and trying to retain and grow a loyal and strong customer base. Why was it important for Braybrooke Beer to have a venue like this? We love great pubs, and The Swan is a beautiful, thatched-roof example with a lovely garden. What could be better than drinking a Braybrooke beer in the local Braybrooke pub?! It is a fantastic place to showcase our beers, whilst also being a place people want to frequent as a traditional country pub. Can you tell us about your food and drink offerings? Well, unsurprisingly, we are very excited about our beer line up! We have all three of our core lagers on draft, as well as a rotating special. We then have a great selection of real ales, and other draught beers and ciders, sourced mainly from Everards, plus an interesting wine list and selection of softs. Food-wise, our kitchen, led by Group Head Chef, Adam Davison, is producing fantastic elevated pub fare, a light, accessible lunch menu, a more in depth dinner menu and brilliant Sunday roasts. We have also recently introduced wood-fired pizzas on a Friday night and an authentic, slow-cooked BBQ menu on Saturdays, both of which we are really excited about. What do you have coming up over the Summer? We have loads going on over the Summer, including our recently renovated garden kitchen, serving up the above mentioned wood-fired pizza and BBQ menus. In addition, we have live music, a monthly pub quiz and a regular darts night starting soon. What are your longer-term plans for the pub? In general, the plan is to continue to grow the pub’s customer base whilst holding on to a fantastically loyal group of regulars from the village and further afield. Aesthetically, when we took over the pub it was in very good condition. However, we have completed a number of considered alterations along the way, trying to put our stamp on the building, which will continue. There is also a large outdoor area called the Secret Garden, which we are currently discussing refurbishing, and for which we potentially have some very exciting plans. What can customers, who haven’t visited the Swan, expect? Our goal is to create a great country village pub, with a warm and friendly atmosphere, lovely food and a really interesting beer and other drink selection. Who would be your dream customer? Sadly, my father passed away a few years ago but I would have loved to have enjoyed a pint with him at the pub. Contact The Swan on: 01858 456157
18 Griffin Rd, Braybrooke, Market Harborough, LE16 8LH. Email: [email protected] Hours: Tues - Sat: 12pm - 11pm; Sun: 12pm - 8pm (Closed Mondays) |
Issue 26
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