The Swan, back in full flight

It took a brave person to take over the running of a pub in 2022, especially one that has experienced mixed success over the past few decades. But Georgia and her partner Kev have thrown themselves into the rebirth of the Swan in Wittersham, and if their enthusiasm and hard work are anything to go by, they just might make it work. I met Georgia there last week and heard about their journey in transforming a pub that had been closed for over three years to what they hope to be the village’s friendly local, where a friendly face and affordable pub grub is on the menu.

Originally from Folkestone, where Kevin ran a pub, Georgia always yearned to run her own business. After a year working at The Ship in Rye and an exhausting commute, she fell in love with working in a pub and her desire to be the landlady grew. She had tired of town life and yearned for a simpler one in a village, so taking a gamble on the future of hospitality after the pandemic and the appetite for village pubs, Georgia and Kevin bought the Swan. Perhaps if she’d known just how hard it would be to win back customers who had found other drinking establishments when the Swan closed, she might have thought twice. The village had tried their best to keep it going by instigating a “Save the Swan” website but failed to succeed in their endeavour to keep the village pub alive.

Inheriting an unusable kitchen and accommodation that required major refurbishment, meant it took some time for Georgia to start offering food. This seemed to be a great hindrance to the pub’s ability to attract business. However, her efforts to provide tasty, affordable meals has paid off and local reviews that praise “Georgia’s kitchen” are in abundance. Especially popular is her Thai menu on Friday nights. This authentic cuisine is care of a local Thai woman and her family and its popularity is such that reservations are required some weeks in advance. There is live music every Sunday from 5pm until 7pm and Morris dancers will be in attendance on the May 27. Upstairs are two bedrooms, currently being redecorated, which will provide bed and breakfast. Added to all this is a monthly quiz night and many more plans to grow the business.

I’m rather in awe of Georgia, a pretty lady who wouldn’t look out of place on the stage, and her boundless energy. But it’s her caring heart that struck me. She truly wants people who come to her pub to have an enjoyable meal served by friendly people. When I looked at the menu and asked what “cygnet size” meant she told me a story. Her nan, not well at the time, was refused a child’s portion in a pub as it was only for children 12 and under. She never forgot that and so is happy to offer smaller portions of anything on the menu to any age person. It is obvious she cares about people. A rare characteristic in difficult times when time and patience are sometimes in short supply. I only hope the people of Wittersham, and surrounding villages appreciate what they’ve got in the Swan and turn it into the thriving pub it deserves to be.

Image Credits: Nick Forman , Georgia , Susan Desrosiers .