Condé Nast Traveller reviews The Swan

The Weekender

The Swan, Southwold, Suffolk

Why come here?

“Right in the centre of pretty, seaside Southwold, The Swan has been an affable gathering point for centuries. Now, after a dramatic facelift, it’s open for business again, for artisan-coffee-clutching weekend walks along the wind-whipped sandy beach, dips in the bracing North Sea, jaunts to the madcap pier arcade and pints from Suffolk’s most accomplished beer-maker.”

Why now?

“Closed for most of last year, The Swan, which was lovely but a little worn, has emerged brighter and bolder. The owners call it a ‘once in a generation’ transformation. And it is certainly unrecognisable – not quite Firmdale-on-sea, but not far off. After a sprinkling of broadsheet reviews, we think it deserves more of a shout out.”

What is it?

A 17th-century coaching house and one of three pubs in Southwold run by Adnams brewery. Shoreditch-based design studio project Orange is responsible for its thrusting new look, which mixes oil paintings and collectibles – spot Churchill’s signature on a framed page from the visitor’s book in 1940 – with perfectly plumped sofas, interesting geometric wallpapers and a riotous colour palette. Downstairs are two restaurants: The Tap Room, at the back, has the feel of a smart pub; the more grown-up, street-facing Still Room has a copper bar that acknowledges the inn’s brewing past and present. There’s also an elegant drawing room with a crackling fire for day-long paper-reading.”

Read the full article in the April 2018 edition of Condé Nast Traveller.