The Swan @ Stoford, a well-known public house,
on the A36, at the crossroads with the
Woodford and Great Wishford roads,
closed on Tuesday 3rd April 2012.
A message on the Swan’s Facebook page, stated:
“I am sad to announce the immediate closure of our wonderful pub. We have thoroughly enjoyed our 4 years here & met some wonderful people. I would like to thank all those that have supported us during these years & wish you all the best for the future. I would also like to thank my hard working & loyal staff, past & present & wish them every success as well.”
A handwritten message in red ink on the door of the Swan,
which reads:
“Apologies. Pub is closed due to insolvency.
Until further notice. Another Enterprise pub failure!”
Landlords Maris and Carl Pearce
had run the Swan@Stoford for four years.
Danny Howell took these photos of The Swan @ Stoford,
on the afternoon of Tuesday 1st May 2012.
A familiar view to regular users of the A36 in the Wylye Valley.
The sign for The Swan adjacent the A36 at Stoford.
The Swan has been in existence as a public house for 150 years.
A sign by the entrance to the car park, advertising:
“Food all day, Rooms, Wi-Fi, Functions.”
The Swan@Stoford had its own website:
www.swanatstoford.co.uk
The function room known as “The Wylye Room” at the Swan, could accept up to 50 guests, and catering could be provided for small business functions and clubs, private functions, and events such as christenings, birthday celebrations, family gatherings, and wakes etc., or, a venue for anyone looking for a fun night out with work colleagues or friends, with perhaps, a game of skittles.
The Swan@Stoford offered nine en-suite rooms
at 4 star AA and Visit Britain standard.
enjoyEngland.com rated The Swan @ Stoford a four stars’ inn.
A former doorway to the pub, blocked up and made into a window.
On the corner of the A36 and the road that goes north to the A360.
The Beer Garden on the south side of the A36, opposite The Swan, borders the River Wylye, where real swans can often be seen.
The Swan@Stoford held the fishing rights to a stretch of the
River Wylye here for the anglers among the Swan’s guests to enjoy.
Sign on the gate of the beer garden at The Swan @ Stoford.
Across the other side of the River Wylye
is the village of Great Wishford.
View from the car park.
A sign advertising the Swan @ Stoford’s
“Fresh Homemade & Locally Sourced Food.”
“Large Function Room” and “Skittle Alley Available.”
“A Great Selection of Local Real Ales.”
The traditional bar at The Swan offered a range
of three cask ales, a 45-bin wine list (all available by the glass) and a selection of hot and cold drinks.
A sign proclaiming:
“Real Chefs. Friendly Service. Relaxed Atmosphere.”
Mini Buses and Coaches could only call at the Swan @ Stoford “Strictly by arrangement only!”
The sign for The Swan @ Stoford,
near the junction with Stoford Bridge.
Looking west along the A36,
past the Swan @ Stoford, towards Warminster.