INTRODUCING THE SWAN, SOUTHWOLD – THE REINVENTION OF A SUFFOLK LANDMARK

Posted in News, Projects on 5 September, 2017

The Swan, Southwold has undergone an exciting transformation and is relaunching this Autumn. The new Swan Hotel offers the ultimate carefree and indulgent experience and is the gateway to the best of Adnams, Southwold and the local area.

Adnams, a values-based family business that has been brewing in Southwold on the Suffolk coast since 1872, collaborated with award-winning design studio Project Orange. The design aesthetic celebrates its coastal Suffolk location and the vibrancy and heritage of Adnams. This fresh look and colour palate creates a relaxed and cosy atmosphere, which is combined with intimate service, top-class food and drink and the best local lifestyle experiences. The Adnams brewery and distillery, which are only a stones’ throw from the hotel, give an insight into craftsmanship and ensure the best beer and cocktail lists on the bar.

History, architecture and design: The earliest record of brewing in Southwold was in a small Brewhouse at the back of the Swan Hotel in 1345. The Swan in its various guises went through numerous alterations and was bought by Adnams in 1872. Adnams prides itself on being an innovative and vibrant company, starting as a brewery and branching out into pubs, shops, and most recently, distilling.

The Swan building dates back to the late 1600’s and many of the original features have been retained, such as the striking façade and the characterful, weaving corridors and staircases. The Swan exudes a warm and friendly atmosphere with subtle and stylish design references to its brewing and distilling heritage. Examples include copper fittings to reflect the distillery, the famous local figure ‘Southwold Jack’ on bespoke tiles, Swan motifs and flashes of vibrant Adnams’ colours, such as bright pink paint on the modern four-poster beds. The hotel houses 35 rooms, each with their own charm and character, spread across the main house and the garden, next to the brewery and distillery and Southwold’s lighthouse.

Immersive experiences: Southwold is a beautiful place to explore with lots to enjoy. Whether guests want to enjoy the beach or the countryside, to chill out or work out, The Swan can arrange it.

With a gleaming new visitor centre, guests can find out all there is to know about beer and spirits. They can take part in an Adnams ‘make your own gin’ experience or enjoy a brewery and distillery tour.

World-class food & drink: Guests and non-residents can enjoy world-class food and award-winning beer, wine and spirits, with rising star Ross Bott as Head Chef (formerly at One Canada Square) serving dishes championing local produce, with coastal charm.

The Tap Room, which seats 50, is a homage to Adnams’ roots, showcasing a broad range of beers, and an informal menu from 12 noon to 10pm.
The Still Room, seating 54, celebrates the Adnams’ spirits range and will be the signature restaurant at The Swan, open both to guests and non-residents. The Still Room will be elegant yet informal, with private club ambiance, whilst still retaining the relaxed feel throughout the hotel. Food will be served 12-3pm and 6-10pm. Drinks will be served at a stunning copper bar and there are two private dining rooms, a cosy lounge for afternoon tea and coffees and a wine room, available for tastings and events.

A warm and personal service: The Swan has always had a great reputation for excellent service and with the new Adnams butlers, everything is taken care of for guests, be it a perfect gin and tonic on arrival or recommending and arranging the best local activities.This allows guests to properly relax and enjoy themselves as soon as they set foot in the Swan.
A must-visit coastal location: The hotel is a stone’s throw away from one of Suffolk’s best beaches, with a long stretch of sand and the famed colourful beach-huts. It is the perfect setting for rejuvenation, with the opportunity for a range of outdoor activities, from walking to cycling, fishing, sea swimming and kite-surfing.

Southwold has one of Suffolk’s prettiest high streets, with boutique shops and artisan food producers, including award-winning Two Magpies bakery and clothing boutique Collen and Clare. Southwold is close to celebrity coastal enclave Walberswick, loved by the likes of Richard Curtis, Stephen Fry and Helena Bonham-Carter; as well as cultural hub Snape Maltings, with one of the country’s finest centres of music, and Aldeburgh, a long-loved coastal destination.

A staycation close to London: Southwold offers a rural, coastal break away from the capital, but is only around two hours away from London, making it the perfect choice for a staycation, a trend that is set to rise with searches and bookings for UK holidays up almost a quarter in 2017 compared to 2016.