Pub that dates to 1841 wins real ale award after major refurbishment
The team behind the bar at a Black Country pub is celebrating after scooping a major industry award.
The Stourbridge & Halesowen branch of CAMRA presented its Pub of the Year award to the Swan in Amblecote last week, with the pub beating off competition from a large number of real ale pubs in the region.
The Swan was originally known as the “Swan with Two Necks” and dates back to 1841 when it was owned by Richard Davies of Dudley.
It was later taken over by Joule’s of Stone in Staffordshire and passed to Mitchells & Butlers in 1968.
After being bought by Geoff Cook in 1985, the pub was acquired in 2021 by the Furious Pub Company, which also operates the Red Lion, further along Brettell Lane.
They undertook a complete refurbishment of the building and Phillip Guy reopened the pub in October 2021, now offering a selection of real ales, niche lagers, wines and spirits, along with bar snacks.
Branch chairman Tim Cadwell presented the award to landlord Phillip Guy and manager Aimee Evans and praised the team at the Swan for the work they do.
He said: "Congratulations to Phil and Aimee and their team who have done an amazing job in transforming the pub and bringing it up to date.
"Despite being a well-liked pub before, it’s now become an accessible destination for many, not just real ale drinkers.
"The pub itself has a long history in the local area and is now a great addition, which reinforces Amblecote as a great day or night out for real ale.
"Winning the Pub of the Year is not just the result of a vote, but is based on a judging process where branch volunteers visit each of the nominated pubs and score according to criteria such as beer quality, service, cleanliness and overall feel.
"We all know that the economic climate is very difficult for businesses, but pubs like the Swan appear to be thriving because what they are doing is being done so well."
Phillip Guy, who is also landlord of the Red Lion on the opposite side of the road, said: “We’re elated to have been presented with our award."
In the following months, CAMRA members will present their Pub of the Year runner-up awards to two Halesowen pubs - the Swan, Long Lane and the Crafty Pint, Wassell Road, along with the Club of the Year award to the Somers Sports & Social Club, also in Halesowen.
