PUB OF THE SEASON: The Swan Inn, Cockermouth
Telephone:01900 822425
Our autumn Pub of the Season is a traditional pub. The Swan in Cockermouth’s Kirkgate is reputed to be one of the oldest pubs in the town; the present building dates back to the early 1700s, but there is mention of a John Peile of the Swan back in 1668. Inside the pub, although refurbished a few years ago, retains much of its original character, with low ceilings and wooden beams.
The pub has been run since March 2001 by tenants Glenn and Beryl Ireland. Glenn has been in the beer trade for 43 years, starting as assistant brewer at Hartleys in his home town of Ulverston and working his way up. He then worked for Guinness’ technical services before he and Beryl took on the New Inn in Marton, near Ulverston. They then ran the Bay Horse in Ireleth, Furness, for over five years before it was sold by Jennings, winning Furness CAMRA’s Pub of the Season award in autumn 2000.
Glenn and Beryl accept the true nature of the Swan as a traditional community local, selling good quality beer. The regular beer is Jennings Bitter, always in good condition, and Cocker Hoop has been going well as a regular guest beer.
The Swan has a varied clientele; there is no fruit machine or juke box and it’s one of those pubs where there is always plenty of good ‘crack’. The pub hosts a couple of quiz teams; darts, dominoes, and other games are available. Regulars also have the task of entertaining Jet, the resident Border Collie.
Beryl has supported a number of charity fundraising events for local charities including Cockermouth Mountain Rescue and West Cumbria Hospice at Home. Last summer the Swan held a sponsored head shave and raised over £600 for Macmillan Cancer Relief. The Swan has its own alternative Christmas lights switch-on on the first Monday in December; local rector Wendy Sanders does the honours, and the Cockermouth Mechanics Band play the carols.
As a real pub selling real beer, the Swan can’t be beaten!