An attractive and lively two bar pub in the village centre. An area to the rear of the lounge bar is used for dining. Pool and other pub games are available in public bar.
The building is part of a historic former coaching inn dating from about 1520. The original medieval structure was at least 3 times larger than what now remains and included a second wing located on the far side of the car-park, which was eventually destroyed by fire.
The inn also once had stabling to the rear of the premises, for about 200 horses. George II once stayed overnight here on route to London. On the other side of the road is a Victorian pumping station close to the remains of a lock on the River Stour, which is the county boundary and was once navigable from Manningtree (in Essex) to Sudbury.
A hop garden has been planted at the pub and a (very) small on-site brewery started production in September 2016.
The pub has been owned since late 2012 by Sophie and Mark Dorber. The Dorbers also own and run the Walberswick Anchor. No food at the moment, this is expected to be available in the near future.
Historic Interest
The building is part of a historic former coaching inn dating from about 1520. The original medieval structure was at least 3 times larger than the remaining and included a second wing located on the far side of car-park which was eventually destroyed by fire. The inn also once had stabling to rear of premises for about 200 horses. George II once stayed overnight here on route to London.
This black–and-white half–timbering pub is all that remains of a former coaching inn on the old A12 that covered the whole of the car park. It was reduced in size as a result of a fire in the late 1800s and there is an early 20th century flat roof extension at the rear. It appears to have been refurbished in the inter-war period and retains a number of fittings from that time in three rooms.
From a brick floored front lobby there are bars to the left and right. The Drovers Bar on the right has a 1930s bar counter (newer top), a large 1930s brick fireplace, some wall benches but the bar back is modern.
The Swan Bar on the left has a screeded floor, another 1930s bar counter, a large brick fireplace with a fireback that has a date of 1635 on it, but the bar back is modern. A low beamed herringbone passageway from the left bar leads to the toilets at rear. On the rear left is a doorway to a small low beamed dining room which has a floor of red brick-shaped tiles laid parquet-style.
This black–and-white half–timbering pub is all that remains of a former coaching inn on the old A12 that covered the whole of the car park. It was reduced in size as a result of a fire in the late 1800s and there is an early 20th century flat roof extension at the rear. It appears to have been refurbished in the inter-war period and retains a number of fittings from that time in three rooms.
From a brick floored front lobby there are bars to the left and right. The Drovers Bar on the right has a 1930s bar counter (newer top), a large 1930s brick fireplace, some wall benches but the bar back is modern.
The Swan Bar on the left has a screeded floor, another 1930s bar counter, a large brick fireplace with a fireback that has a date of 1635 on it, but the bar back is modern. A low beamed herringbone passageway from the left bar leads to the toilets at rear. On the rear left is a doorway to a small low beamed dining room which has a floor of red brick-shaped tiles laid parquet-style.
This Pub serves 3 changing beers and 0 regular beers.
Swan, Stratford St. Mary