The Swan Hotel, closed since September 2023, is reportedly under offer, offering a glimmer of hope for local businesses.
Savills is handling the sale. The price started at £795,000, but now they ask only £495,000. Savills’ website says it’s “under offer,” suggesting new management might take over soon.
The Swan shut down in September 2023 because the manager, James Sullivan-Tailyour, did not want to invest more money. He thought it unwise to put more in.
Greene King owns The Swan. They wanted £200,000 for a new lease, but Mr. Sullivan-Tailyour didn’t want a ten-year renewal. He currently runs The Old Bell Hotel in Warminster.
The town has seen business struggles, with flooding hurting businesses. And businesses keep closing, too, making the listing change interesting.
The Dandy Lion closed suddenly last January. It is right across from The Swan, and a sign said, “closed until further notice.” People have wondered why it shuttered. Wadworth Brewery owns The Dandy Lion and is looking for long-term tenants. So, the pub is seeking new folks to run it.
Other places stay closed, even after a long time. The Bear pub, for example, is still for sale and has been for more than a year already.
The Swan’s news feels good right now. The Canal Tavern just reopened after being closed at the end of last year. Sharon McRobbie now owns it. She wants to make the pub special and stand out in town. She told the Times she feels very lucky and that the place will offer something unique.