The landlady of a historic Salford pub says bookings have soared after an £800,000 investment created a “beautiful” new function room.
Lyndsey Smethills, 46, has run the Joseph Holt-owned White Swan pub in Swinton for nine years.
Last year Lyndsey was joined by her partner Mike Carr, 47, who gave up his job in finance to help her run the pub.
With seven sons aged between seven and 26, the couple are no strangers to keeping a busy show on the road.
She’s been flooded with enquiries after the pub opened a new function room with capacity for 150 seated guests.
“Ever since we opened, the phone has not stopped ringing,” she said. “So many venues have closed in the area, including many local social clubs and there has been a need for somewhere to hold special events and community groups.”
For 200 years, the popular boozer has been at the heart of the community and Lyndsey said the revamp will give even more people in Swinton a place to come together.
“The aim is to create a welcoming space where people can come together, connect and feel part of the White Swan community.
“Already, now that we have more capacity, so many more people are coming to the pub just to enjoy a drink here too.”
The new function suite offers five times the space of the pub’s previous function area, making it an ideal choice for larger gatherings.
Situated on the ground floor, it also makes it easier for disabled guests or parents with prams and buggies – a key advantage over many other local function venues, which are often located upstairs.
So far, Swinton Lions veterans’ groups and the Merchant Navy are among the many groups eager to use the function room.
A chess club and Healthy Hearts, a community group which supports people who have previously experienced cardiovascular events, have already held sessions in the pub’s sleek new function room.
Looking ahead, Lyndsey is keen to build on this success and encourage even more groups to make use of the facilities, from mother and toddler sessions to weight-loss groups and other community activities.
Mark Norbury, director of pubs at Joseph Holt, said: “Our pubs have always been about far more than simply places to eat and drink.
“They are places where people come together since they are often at the very heart of their communities. That sense of warmth, character and genuine welcome is something we want to carry through into every wedding and event held at the White Swan, helping to make each occasion feel truly special and memorable.”
Couples could soon be able to get married in the White Swan function room as the pub is currently securing a wedding licence.
“When it comes to weddings, couples are often searching for a venue with personality, atmosphere and a real sense of heart,” Mark said, adding, “With Lyndsey and her dedicated team on hand, that is exactly what they can expect: a beautiful, welcoming setting where every celebration feels personal and where guests can experience the true spirit of the White Swan.”
