26
COMMUNITY
march 2024
MyWokingham
www.mywokingham.co.uk
From ugly duckling to beautiful Swan, pub set to return to former glory WORDS BY JACKY HAYLER PHOTOS BY PAUL KING
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traditional pub at the heart of the community in Spencers Wood has reopened after years of lying dormant. And the new tenant Charlotte Grant has received a warm welcome from the residents being a local girl herself. The Swan, a classic country pub in a listed building, opened its doors last month after being closed for four years. After 37 happy years as the owner of The Swan, Victor Harrison stepped down to enjoy a well-earned retirement. A much-loved figure in the local community since 1983, the pub closed its doors in March 2020 as the pandemic arrived and didn’t re-open. Mr Harrison worked hard to restore and maintain the original features of the pub and it was even nominated for Pub of the Year in 2013. And now Charlotte is keen to return it to its former glory. Charlotte is experienced and ambitious, with strong ties to the local community having been born and raised in the Red Lion near Three Mile Cross. And with her parents living in Spencers Wood she has all the support she needs as they too are well versed in the hospitality industry. Charlotte said: “It is going great so far - we have been very well received by the local community. I understand the sentimental value The Swan holds for the residents of the area. My goal is not only to preserve the pub’s rich history, but also to create a welcoming space where people can build new memories.” As an independent pub, Charlotte’s aim is to build a good range of ales and beverages with a food offering that uses fresh, in-season produce
sourced locally wherever possible. Her chef has experience from different parts of the globe including New Orleans so can draw on a wealth of different influences. While the menu will primarily feature country pub classics, Charlotte said they will constantly adapt and listen to customer feedback. While the listed building has plenty of charm, Charlotte hopes to enhance the old features of the pub while adding her own modern twists with lots of vintage pieces and upcycling. And with a large garden and plenty of parking, she is keen to host some theme nights with a quiz night already launched as well as plans for barbecue and seafood nights. She is also intro-
ducing a stage and outside bar to host live music events, open mic nights and comedy nights. Charlotte concluded: “It has been
overwhelming so far with very positive feedback. There are exciting times ahead and I can’t wait to make The Swan a part of the fabric of the community once again.”
face-painting so youngsters could be transformed into their own characters. Catherine Taylor already has a beauty salon at the village, as well as branches in Sandhurst and Camberley. This latest expansion of her ‘empire’ will see the business run children’s parties. Catherine’s sister and colleague, Liz
Leggett told My Wokingham: “This new direction ties in really well with the existing salons. The children’s parties will include them having their nails painted, hair plaited, mini facials and glitter tattoos.” And she added the open day had been going really well. “We have been inundated with children and parents. The different characters have catered to the different ages and genders, and we have been giving out gift bags for all the mums today.”
The stalls offered a range of different options, complementing the existing shops at the village including candles and bunting, pottery, knitwear, handpainted signs and sweets.
Treat for mums and kids at pamper party launch
M
ums had a treat in store when they visited Holme Grange Craft Village on Sunday. They were staging a Mother’s Day event including a craft fayre with a range of stalls, a pop-up photo studio and plenty of free mini Tropics treatments. The event also co-insided with the launch party for Catherine Taylor Pamper Parties. As an added extra and to keep the kids entertained there were lots of characters dropping in to the craft village located in Heathlands Road, Wokingham. Elsa and Olaf from Frozen popped by for the little ones, followed by Barbie and Mario. Next was Unicorn Princess and wrapping up the day was firm favourite Cinderella. There was also
