South East

The Swan at the Vineyard

Lamberhurst, Kent

"A quintessential English village pub" is the best way to describe the Swan at the Vineyard. It is located in picturesque countryside near Lamberhurst with vineyards as neighbours and, in the summer months, is bedecked with 36 hanging baskets and flower troughs. Out the back, there is a tasteful patio area for al fresco dining and a beer garden that covers an acre, with a pets' corner and play fort for the kids and flowers, scrubs and trees for adults to admire.

Inside the 16th-century listed building, there are two stylish dining areas, a comfort zone with sofas, and delightful bar area.

Drinkers not forgotten

Vanessa and Sean Arnett have been at the Swan since July 2002 and have shaped the business into one where drinkers co-exist comfortably with diners. Like many rural pubs, the Swan relies on dry sales for the bulk (60%) of its turnover and has received abundant praise for the quality of its food, although, as Sean comments: "Too many places ignore drinkers, but we have created a designated bar area where people who just want a drink can feel comfortable." Full table service in the dining areas as well as in the 150-cover garden ensures those just drinking aren't inconvenienced by people swarming around the bar.

Transforming the customer base

Although the Swan served food when Sean and Vanessa arrived, dry sales were hampered by the pub's reputation as being more of a drinking den for locals and sports teams, where diners had to run the gauntlet of smoke and bad language. Vanessa recalls: "We didn't want to rock the boat too much, but we gradually started to change things like the music. And we moved the fruit machine around the pub several times until it was finally out the back door."

She says this paid dividends, as the rowdy element moved to other pubs.

The Arnetts now have the clientele they want in order to grow the business. Last year, turnover rose 36%, underlining the transformation that has taken place.