Anyone who knows Higher Buxton will be familiar with the living legend that is The Swan Inn. Nestled in a historical corner of town, this homely and traditional pub is under the new management of Chez and Nick Colton. There have been some welcome changes, such as the introduction of food with a changing daily menu, but also a return to the pub’s former values of comfort and community.
Perhaps first and foremost in everyone’s minds: Do they still have the tartan room? The answer is: Yes! Those familiar with the comfy tartan-clad lounge will be relieved to hear it remains intact, ready to embrace a new generation of punters. There may have been a few tweaks; new curtains and a deep clean of the carpet, for instance but the Highland paraphernalia remains.
A Scottish landlord from around thirty years ago established the unique decor in an attempt to furnish his clientele with a taste of his homeland. The theme stuck and there are some who believe that if the tartan room ever leaves the Swan, Buxton will be doomed, in much the same vein as the ravens leaving the Tower of London. Your first visit to the tartan room may be met with bemusement but like many before you, you will grow to love it like an old friend.
The characterful interior of The Swan is only a small part of its heritage, of course. The whole building is Grade II listed and is thought to date back to the 1765, with a license to become a public house granted in 1811, under the name of The Shoulder of Mutton. In those days, Buxton was a remote outpost in the hills, with travellers braving the journey by coach, most likely in pursuit of the town’s celebrated thermal waters and its miraculous powers of healing. The Swan sits between Scriveners, one of the most famous second-hand book shops in the country and St Anne’s Church, thought to be the oldest building in Buxton. History nuts should regard The Swan as a necessary port of call. You can sense the age in the beams and rafters and reflect on the passing of the ages with a glass in your hand.
In more recent times, the beloved boozer found fame for somewhere to go for another drink after most other pubs in Buxton have closed, breeding the local phrase “The Swan Till One”. Offering a cosy nightcap without the hustle and bustle of other late night hotspots, The Swan was a home on your way home. It has returned to its famous late-night schedule, staying open until 1am every day, and.. The Swan Till One is back!
“My husband and I wanted to build on whats’s already here at the pub. It’s one of only a hand full of traditional pubs left in Buxton and when we heard the lease was coming for renewal we jumped at the chance. We’re from London but our grandparents are from Buxton so we know the town, and the pub well. Our family moved from London a couple of months ago with a grand reopening in September. It feels very familiar and homely because we used to drink in here where we visited Buxton and we actually lived here for 3 years at one point, so it’s just great to be back”, said Chez.
The best news of all is that for the first time ever, you can grab get a bite to eat at The Swan. Serving 10am to 2.30pm every day, you can pop in for some reasonably priced breakfast or lunch, and the menu changes regularly. The menu features favourite dishes such as beef stew, homemade soup and ham, egg and chips. There are small dishes and sandwiches/baps available too. We popped in and sampled the beef stew; ‘home-cooked food’ is a phrase that’s often overused but it was delicious and especially comforting on a chilly Saturday afternoon.
As always, The Swan is the perfect place to watch the match, with several screens once again showing. Sky Sports. You can even enjoy a game of your own, with darts and dominoes. In fact, Chez and her family are hoping The Swan will re-establish its own teams.
In addition, the popular Thursday quiz night which built up quite a following is also back – now every Thursday from 7.30pm, with prizes to be won.
When we visited to try out the new lunch menu, the pub was thriving and it felt like its community spirit has already returned, despite the fact that the new management have only been in place for a few weeks.
“We are keen to move things forward and introduce new things but at the same time retain it’s timeless atmosphere – it’s very a well loved pub and part of Buxton’s history”.
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