The Swan
Denham, Buckinghamshire
Scottish & Newcastle Pub Enterprises (S&NPE) leasehold
In late 2002 when David and Becky Salisbury took over the Swan, a former Eldridge Pope outlet that had recently been acquired by S&NPE, it was a bizarre pub. Externally, the double-fronted Georgian building clad with wisteria was a real treasure, but once through the front door, the interior design was a nightmare. Becky recalls: "It was a brewery company's vision of what a country pub should be. It had Anaglypta wallpaper and red swirling carpets."
Despite the unappealing interior, it attracted custom because it was a well-known landmark and had featured in quite a few films made in the 1950s, '60s and '70s because of its proximity to Pinewood Studios.
After an extensive furniture and fittings makeover, including the installation of a new kitchen in an existing outbuilding, and converting the old kitchen into a private dining room, the revitalised Swan re-opened in November 2002.
The menu was changed from what Becky describes as "traditional pub fare" to "modern British, modern colonial". "It's very earthy and our head chef, Will Shaw, takes classic dishes and modernises them. His toad-in-the-hole is very popular."
Although food-led, the Swan retains a separate bar area, which attracts "a very faithful crew of locals". Three cask beers are offered, with Rebellion IPA from nearby Little Marlow brewery being a permanent fixture.
"We try to create a very relaxed atmosphere. People can eat anywhere so someone can enjoy bubble and squeak and a pint in the bar, while others can have a three-course celebratory meal in the dining area."
Combining the bar and dining areas gives a total capacity of 60 covers, with an additional eight in the private dining room. The quality of the food and standard of service has been recognised in the Good Pub Guide. The Swan currently holds the accolade of best food pub in Buckinghamshire - no mean feat considering the quality of the competition.
Becky says the cornerstone of the Swan's success is down to "a really talented crew" under the leadership of general manager Mark Littlewood. "We have happy, jolly staff that aren't shy and can mix with everyone."
