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Getting a ghost has always been a good idea for a pub, people might be sceptical about the spirit itself, but the publicity is a real winner – though claiming three is surely a touch greedy.
Perhaps the close proximity to Pluckley, self-proclaimed most haunted village in Kent, is the reason for the spooky shenanigans or perhaps the Swan Inn’s new owners want to start their own ghost walks?
I came across this delightful rural hostelry in Little Chart completely by accident but fell in love with it at first sight.
It was never going to be busy on a Thursday afternoon in January and there was only one other person in, a very pleasant local gent sat at the bar who, having tried the first pint of Harvey’s to be pulled for the day, had shifted over to a Greene King IPA.
I somehow masked my incredulity at this decision and ordered pint #2 of Harvey’s before taking a seat between one of the quite superb Dering windows and an equally impressive brick fireplace, which silhouetted the window-shape perfectly.
There are far too many fascinating features in this pub to list them all but suffice it to say when the new owners took this place on in May last year they secured themselves a building with real character.
Not that they’ve sat on their laurels – Holly the barmaid, who also worked for the previous owners, said they completely redecorated in takeover week and turned everything previously painted dark blue into the trendier, lighter green colour.
Of course, there isn’t a jukebox, a dartboard, a pool table or even any TV screens and, for once, I’m in total agreement, they just wouldn’t be right here. But, don’t think entertainment isn’t on the menu as our hostess informed us The Swan holds a series of music events across the year with several really good bands playing.
And, paying a visit to the garden made me realise there is plenty of room for outdoor events with a stack of seating and even a children’s play area at the far end.
The grass area runs directly down to a burbling stream and I could definitely picture myself sitting here on a summer evening.
I wasn’t sure why the garden needed a life-size model of a cow but the model swans nestled around the foot of a tree by the stream made a lot more sense given the name of the place.
Back inside, the entertainment was now in full swing, well the music had been switched on at least and we were immediately treated to a great choice, A Town Called Malice from The Jam, followed by the Fine Young Cannibals’ Suspicious Minds.
We weren’t quite as sold on the next tune, something by Frankie Valli, but when Mrs SD’s current favourite followed this, A Bar Song (Tipsy) by Shaboozey, she was delighted.
The Swan Inn describes itself as a ‘country-style pub’ but this doesn’t really do it justice as it has not just embraced the incredible history of this wonderful 16th century hostelry but has also mastered the successful transformation required to make it completely user-friendly 500 years down the line.
All this nostalgia doesn’t come cheap and, although we weren’t dining, Mrs SD did want a bag of crisps, which set her back £1.80.
I wasn’t surprised to discover the large glass of Sauvignon Blanc was £9 but I didn’t expect a pint of Cruzcampo lager to be 20p cheaper than a Harvey’s Sussex Best. Trendy Spanish lagers clocking it at less than a local bitter is certainly unusual.
I did spot the blackboard listing the desserts, which were eight pounds apiece, but Holly assured me they’re well worth it.
It’s time I updated you on those spooks. A visit from the Pluckley Ghost Walkers, complete with all the necessary equipment and several open minds discovered not just one apparition but three at the pub – outside they discovered a six-year-old boy who drowned in the stream, a less than happy old lady roams the far bar and, finally, a well-mannered ghostly gent has taken up residence in what was once the stables.
Whatever your view of the spirit world, and the benefit of getting resident spooks, there’s no denying they’re getting a lot right here.
THE SWAN, SWAN LANE, LITTLE CHART, ASHFORD TN27 0QB
Décor: An absolute gem of a place. Exposed brickwork, beautiful floorboards and packed full of fascinating features and historic items. The incredibly local, and iconic, Dering windows are the icing on the cake. *****
Drink: It was good to find Harvey’s on draught, but I’m certainly not a fan of Greene King’s standard IPA. Mrs SD didn’t think the wine hailed from New Zealand, but it quickly grew on her and she was happy to have a second. ***
Price: You get what you pay for. This place was never going to be cheap and a large Sav Blanc was £9. A pint of Cruzcampo was about on par with other places at £5.80 but, surprisingly, the Harvey’s was more expensive at £6. ***
Staff: An absolute credit to the pub, barmaid Holly was approachable, efficient and more than happy to share what she knows about the place. It’s always good to see staff being kept on by new owners. *****
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