The Swan on the River (formerly The Great Shefford)

We’re delighted, at last, to share some thrilling news that’s sure to lift the spirits of us all.

As some of you already know or The Swan on the River  (as it shall now be known – thank you Dave!) has officially been acquired and will be reopening its doors as soon as possible, bringing back the cherished hub of our village.  I know there have been questions as to who has bought the pub, so to clarify for everyone it is us - Miranda and Dominic Armstrong. We live here in the village and have the small farm on the Lambourn.  We have taken the plunge in order to end the uncertain future that our pub was facing.

For all of us, the pub is more than just a place to have a pint. It is where we can come together to share good food and drink by our beautiful river and enjoy the good companionship of others.  It has taken many months to navigate the workings of Stonegate, the previous owner, a classic large, remote corporate resulting in the merry-go-round of different tenants.  But the freehold of the building has now been purchased to save it from any more uncertainty and is now being lovingly refurbished with the community at its heart. 

Its ethos will be simple – well-kept beer, great wines, simple, but delicious food that is affordable and a warm welcome to all.  Crucially we are not aiming for the gastro pub, but the community hub pub.

We very much hope this is the beginning of a new golden age for pub, where the uncertainty of remote ownership no longer threatens its existence. There has been a pub here at least since 1752….  Here’s to the next 300 years at least. 

We would ask for your patience a little longer.  There is much to learn for us in starting a project of this nature as we plunge into the world of bureaucracy and gather all the permissions that we need.  Work has started on the refurbishment, and I am sure many of you will already have met the wonderful George Medlin (GreenWoodpecker Building Co) who is heading up the renovation team getting his head around what is a very special building.   We hope, by drawing on our local talent that we will have a thoroughly individual pub.  Works were temporarily halted last week to protect a mother duck as she dutifully sat on her nest at the foot of the dead tree. We are delighted to say that they are now hatched and released into the river so work can continue outside.

We would love to hear your suggestions, for what you would like to see in your pub particularly your top tipples.  We can’t promise to deliver them all but we will do our best to incorporate top favourites where we can. 

Please email us at: info@theswanontheriver.com  

We look forward to hearing from you.

There will be more details soon, including our plans, opening dates (we’d love to be open by Christmas but alas it is beyond our control at this stage), opportunities and how to get involved. In the meantime, watch this space and spread the word: The heart of the village is alive and nearly kicking.

Here's to laughter, conversation, candlelight and the smell of delicious food to the clink of glasses by the riverside – we can’t wait to welcome you back.

With very best wishes from the pub team. 

Miranda Armstrong