South East

The Swan at the Vineyard

Lamberhurst, Kent

Vanessa and Sean Arnett aren't exaggerating when they say the beer garden at the Swan is a "massive draw". The garden extends to one acre and apart from being adorned with flowers, shrubs and trees, it has facilities to keep everyone happy.

For children, there is a play fort and pets' corner, as well as plenty of lawn to run around on. For adults, there is the choice of relaxing with a drink or eating at one of the many benches in the grassed area or the more formal seating area on the patio, which has heated canopies to provide al-fresco enjoyment all year round. In summer, the kitchen can cater for 150 covers in the garden as well as 70 covers in the restaurant areas.

The garden is used for local charities' events and beer festivals promoting nearby breweries, accompanied by the

almost obligatory bouncy castle for children.

Kerbside appeal

Although the beer garden is largely hidden from view from the road, an attractive floral display on the frontage acts as a magnet for passers-by.

Vanessa remarks: "We have an incredible display with 36 hanging baskets and flower troughs, which attracts many new customers. They simply can't resist coming in."

The AA couldn't resist the display either, because the Swan is featured on the front cover of its 2006 Good Pub Guide. Bench seating is provided to encourage customers to sit and enjoy the floral display.

Planning for the smoke ban

Sean and Vanessa say that they don't feel

unduly worried about trade, which is currently split 60:40 in favour of food, being affected by the impact of the forthcoming smoking ban, as they think that the outside facilities already provided will suffice.

Sean says the freehouse's listed-building

status means that the options on the type of alterations and changes they can make are rather limited.

He adds: "Besides, we don't want to waste money and get it wrong."