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.