old swan – BrownhillsBob's #365daysofbiking

January 6th – on my way home, I had to pop into Stonnall, and as ever, the Old Swan pub was lit up beautifully, like a beacon to the weary and homeward bound.

I love how many pubs look inviting at night.

February 19th – Down in Stonnall on an errand, I noted the pubs of the village, the Royal Oak and Old Swan both seem to be doing well now. Both have been closed previously, with questions over their future, but both with new landlords, they both seem to be doing well now, despite being barely 150 yards apart.

February 14th – Down in Stonnall, it was a wet and murky night, and the lights of the two pubs in the village shone out like homely beacons as I rode past. The Royal Oak is quite different in character and clientele to the Old Swan which is I guess the reason the two survive, although both have felt the cold wind of commercial pressure in recent years.

Tonight, glancing in as I freewheeled past, both seemed reasonably full, which can only be good news. Decent pubs make for good communities.

January 9th – A long day at work, and a blustery commute there and back – but at least it blew me home. Had to nip down to Stonnall on the way back, and noted that the Old Swan Pub seemed busy. A pub that’s changed hands a few times, I think in this day and age it must be hard work to make it pay.

It looks well loved and cared for at the moment, and it looked to be humming inside.

It also looks brilliant at night.

December 13th – Nice to see The Old Swan at Stonnall back open again and under new management. On a very grey Friday, mid afternoon, the car park was quite full, and the place looked homely and warm. Were it not for the encroaching downpour and lack of a bike lock I’d have nipped in for a swift one.

It’s great to see a well-loved house get another chance, and I wish the new hosts well in their endeavour.

November 8th – Nipping down into Stonnall on my way home, I noted The Old Swan was in darkness. I know it had been up for let for a while, and do hope this apparent closure isn’t terminal – after all, housebuilding land in Stonnall is at a premium, and the pub stands on what would be a large site.

It’s always been a fairly popular, community pub, one of two in the village. But for those, it’s a long walk for a beer anywhere else – either Mill Green, Lazy Hill, Shenstone or Shire Oak; none short walks.

I hope The Old Swan finds a new lease of life, I really do.