28th June 2024
We’re More Than A Pub
At The Swan, we strive to go the extra mile.
When we first brought the community together to ‘Save Our Swan’, many were drawn to the unique involvement of a school being part of the pub. More so, it has shown how ‘community’ should be a part of every young person’s education. ‘It takes a village to raise a child‘.
The Swan is a safe space for all, not only giving a sense of belonging to our pupils, but also our locals, our ‘Chatty table’ regulars, our volunteers and every new face that walks through the door. There is strength in our diversity. We’re proud of the culture that has grown up at The Swan, making us more than just a pub.
We’re At The Heart Of The Community
Since reopening in 2019, The Swan has certainly put the heart back into the community of Clewer Village and beyond. The Swan has become an increasingly popular destination for the community’s ‘hatches, matches and dispatches’. Most pleasingly, customers, as in the recent case of the celebration of the life of Renee, our oldest customer, often choose to widen these private occasions to involve the rest of the community in the pub.
With Lots Going On
The Swan prides itself not only on the quantity but also on the quality and the variety of things going on. From interest groups and clubs to parties and music gigs, there is something going on almost every day at The Swan. Usually, the domain of community centres or private rooms, all our groups and activities are held in full sight of all, in the warm embrace of the pub. Opening the door for people to try new things, meet new people and find their tribe.
Where Everyone Is Welcome
The Swan not only promotes inclusivity, but, moreover, it is one of our core values and as such, it is central to our very being. Recognising that some customers come to The Swan on their own, we have put initiatives which promote inclusivity at the top of our agenda. The highlight of this is our ‘Chatty Cafe’, hosted by one of our volunteers, held every Friday with the aim of brightening the day of those who might otherwise feel isolated. Initially featured on BBC local radio and now promoted via word of mouth, this initiative is going from strength to strength. As a regular ‘Chatty’ table attendee says about The Swan:
“It’s a place where strangers come together and find themselves part of a great local community. Everyone is given a warm welcome, whatever their background, and there’s nothing better than a drink and a chat to make you feel included”.
The Swan prides itself on being dog-friendly, child-friendly and cyclist-friendly – hosting Windsor Cycle Hub every Saturday. Whether they wish to pay electronically – or still prefer cash – we are more than happy to accommodate their needs. We are proud to welcome the young, the old and the young at heart.
And A Unique Story To Tell
Every enterprise likes to think they are unique – but The Swan has justifiable claims to be seen as truly unique in many ways. It is the only location in Britain to house a pub and a school on the same site and the only pub co-owned by a brewery, a school & the local Community.
Purchased by The Swan Clewer Community Interest Company in 2019 to bring a historic pub back to life, it has been lovingly refurbished and renovated by a dedicated and talented team of volunteers (our Weekday Warriors) with the kind support of local benefactors… the Swan Heroes.
With on-site education, The Green Room College provides students with life skills, so that they can access further education, employment, apprenticeships or other enterprises.
Members of the community have volunteered as ‘Swan Elders’, giving an insight into their own life experiences and helping the students to broaden their perspective on what the future may offer, thus creating a virtuous circle.
Moreover, The Swan has been recognised and celebrated for its community engagement and ethos. To this end, we believe it is the true definition of a community hero.
The Swan has been here since the 18th century, and with the community’s support, our aim is to leave a legacy for many more centuries to come.