The Swan pub in Little Waldingfield, near Sudbury, begins revival under new leadership after years of closure
A village pub, which stood empty for seven years, is enjoying a new lease of life, as it strives to establish itself as a hub of the community.
The Swan in Little Waldingfield is almost two months into its revival – having reopened in late May, after it ceased trading under the previous ownership back in 2017.
Following its closure, the 15th century pub was acquired in 2019 by Justin Nevison-Grainger, one of the directors at the Long Melford-based Nethergate Brewery.
A major refurbishment was then carried out over a period of around three years, partially disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Now, the business is finally up and running, under the leadership of general manager Rhian Blythe, an eight-year veteran of the hospitality industry.
Rhian said that the setting of The Swan was a significant appeal in taking up the tenancy, having built familiarity with the area from running other pubs locally.
“The location was a key thing,” she told SuffolkNews. “Little Waldingfield is an absolutely beautiful village, with close connections to Sudbury.
“As soon as you walk through the door, thanks to the renovation work that has been done, it’s such an attractive pub and restaurant. That was the personal incentive for me.
“We just want to be a place for everyone – families, elderly people, younger customers. We’ve created the pub and the menu to have something for everyone.
“The response has been absolutely fantastic so far. They are all very positive. It has been a sigh of relief for the village that there is now a place to meet up.
“Friendships have been created here. We’ve heard from people who have been next-door neighbours for seven years, but never had a place to meet. It’s becoming a bit of a hub for the community.”
To contact the pub, telephone 01787 736512, or go online to www.theswanlittlewaldingfield.co.uk.
The current opening times for The Swan are between Wednesday and Sunday, from noon onwards until last orders.
