CAMRA announces Pub of the Year
A pub which faced closure ten years ago has won CAMRA Pub of the Year for the second time.
The Swan - a 16th century cottage style pub - in Little Totham, Essex first won the award in 2002.
Owners John Pascoe and his wife Valerie say they could not be more delighted that their hard work and attention to detail has been recognised once again.
John Pascoe said:
"This is like being awarded 10 Michelin Stars!
"When the pub was up for sale the parish council made representations to the selling brewery begging to keep it as a local pub for the community rather than being converted into housing. At first we parked our cars in the front car park to make it look busyJohn Pascoe, owner
"Valerie and I moved in on the 12th of June 1996 and worked on the pub with family and friends until it was in a fit state to open on the 14th of June at 7pm - we took £124.
"At first we parked our cars in the front car park to make it look busy and had our meals sitting outside in the garden for the same effect.
"From those early days we set out to get the pub recognized by CAMRA and have been delighted with the level of support we have received from local branches.
"We would like to thank all of our regular customers, villagers, CAMRA members and friends for their custom and hope to welcome even more visitors in 2006."
