The Swan Inn, Wilmslow

Facebook page of The Swan Inn - www.facebook.com

Facebook page of The Swan Inn - www.facebook.com

Anthology has reopened after a period of closure due to an apparent change of ownership. A mix of bare boards and flagstones run through the L-shaped interior. There is a seating area to the left of the entrance and seating ideal for dining runs up the left to the rear. The bar counter is found just to the right where it faces seating under the front windows to the right of the entrance. The right-hand side of the pub feels like an open plan drawing room with a large fireplace on the right-hand wall being the focal point. The vibe will change when the large TV above the fire is playing live sport. There are four more screens throughout the pub, so no escaping the football to thumb your way through your favourite collection of short stories. There’s advertised live music every Friday and Saturday, but unsurprisingly during a recent early Monday evening visit the entertainment for me and the handful of locals was some low background music. The wood paneled bar has a bank of apothecary drawers in the centre, I doubt they open. Three of the five hand pumps were in operation drawing Greene King Old Golden Hen, TT Landlord and Wadworth’s 6X. A selection of premium keg was also available alongside Carling. Food is available from Pieminister. With food being served there is a car park, and like many of the pubs in the town centre you must enter your registration at the bar to avoid a parking ticket. I think I will walk past if I find myself in the area again.

While its not bad an arty farty feel to the place makes it a bit grating. Lamp stands made from towers of books and violins make it all a bit pretentious. It does have 5 handpumps but nothing special with Greene King IPA, Doom Bore, Speckled Hen, Landlord and Wainwright's being your choices today. With a name like Anthology it wasn't as bad as I was expecting but it does seem to be a traditional pub now spoilt. But, hey! you might like it.