Swan looks to the village for salvation

If you read my most recent post, you may have noticed me mentioning the Swan on the Green, in the tiny village of West Peckham. You may also recall me mentioning there had been some recent developments concerning the pub, which could possibly impact on its future. Regular readers of this blog will be familiar with the Swan, as I have written at least three posts about the pub in the past. For those who are new to these pages, or those who may well have forgotten about the place, here’s a quick catch-up.

The Swan has overlooked the green in the centre of West Peckham since 1523 and has been an ale house since 1665. West Peckham itself is a rather rare “no drive through” village in the heart of West Kent, surrounded by soft fruit and apple farms. No drive through, means exactly that, as the road into the village is the same one travellers must leave by, so West Peckham isn’t somewhere you can drive through, on the way to another destination.

Despite its relatively isolated position, the Swan commands a strong and loyal local following, and also attracts custom from further afield.  One particular aspect that draws in trade, is the range of own-brewed beers produced in an old coal shed at the rear of the pub. Brewing of up to eight cask ales, all named with a “Swan” theme (Bewick, Cygnet, Trumpeter and Whooper), had taken place since 2000, but sadly, and for reasons it’s been difficult to pin-point, brewing ceased last spring. I'm kicking myself for not calling in over Christmas 2022, thereby missing my last chance of enjoying the Swan's amazing Christmas Ale!

The self-built, two brewers barrel plant was said to be approaching the end of its working life, and I don’t doubt that for one minute, but whilst replacement brewing equipment may have been obtainable, the additional costs might not have been worth it. There is another, and potentially more worrying reason for not renewing the brewing kit, and that is the decision by current owner, Gordon Milligan, to sell up. Gordon has owned the Swan for the past 23 years, but rather than seek to convert the pub into housing, he approached villagers and asked if they wanted to take it on.

Fortunately, their answer was “yes” and so a steering group was formed to co-ordinate a bid to purchase the building collectively for the village. This is because unlike many villages, where rescue attempts are made after the business has failed, the Swan on the Green is still a successful pub with a popular restaurant, employing five full-time staff as well as a number of casual workers. Its 16^th Century interior offers the perfect destination for everything from a quick bite to eat to family dining, working lunches and private parties. The pub is also popular with walkers, as it stands at the crossroads of the Weald Way and the Greensand Way, something I know from my own experience, having walked the former route 13 years ago, and parts of the latter long-distance way on several previous occasions, with friends.  

Towards the end of last year, the steering group’s chairman confirmed that Gordon Milligan had given them six months exclusivity on buying the pub. After recently agreeing a price with him, the group is now looking to source funding from the Community Ownership Grant scheme - part of the Government’s much vaunted Levelling Up programme. They will also be seeking donations from villagers and local businesses. Their aim is to set up a Community Benefit Society, known as the Swan Community Project Ltd, which will then own the Swan and be responsible for its future. The society is a “not for profit” company with a mission to operate for the benefit the Community, and in order to achieve this any profits will re-invested in the project.

Unlike a company there are members, rather than shareholders, and no dividends are paid. Everyone who invests in the project gets a vote, regardless of the size of their investment, and this form of community ownership will give all members a say in how the pub is to be run. The group’s vision is for a friendly local pub offering great food, great service, and a great atmosphere, but they also want to extend the services the pub provides by improving access for those who live nearby but are unable to be active members of the community. To do this, they will be setting up initiatives aimed at increasing participation of the disabled, infirm, elderly, and young in community events.

Some possible changes the group might want to make, include a new toilet block plus a refit of the kitchen, but overall, the pub will be run as a business, with a manager. Group chairman Mr King stated that the Swan plays an important role in the local community, not just in West Peckham but wider afield with neighbouring villages. The project has been given the backing of Tonbridge and Malling MP Tom Tugendhat, and county councillor Sarah Hohler.

The group is looking for pledges of support – with a minimum donation of £250.

A statement on the group’s website, reads as follows: "The Swan is the hub of our community, a place where locals and those from the surrounding countryside, villages and towns can socialise and take part in quiz nights, music nights and other social events. It’s at the heart of our Village Fête, Produce Show, Bonfire night and many other Community events. As the only full-time provider of hospitality, food, and drinks for several miles it brings money into the local economy, supporting local businesses and tourism. It’s also a major employer in the parish, providing five full-time jobs and the first work experience for many younger members of the Community."

I wish the group every success and might even chip in myself!