The landlady of one of Manchester's most historic pubs, who served behind the bar for more than 55 years, has died. Nancy Swanick, the longtime landlady of the Peveril of the Peak on Great Bridgewater Street, passed away peacefully on Tuesday (July 28), her family announced.
Family tribute and pub's recent accolade
In a social media post, the family wrote: “We are sad to say that our beloved Nancy, landlady for over 55 years, passed away peacefully on 28th July. Nancy always kept up to date with news about The Pev and we told her about our new accolade of Best Pub in the UK a few days ago.” The pub was named the best in the country by Time Out London earlier this week.
The family added: “The Pev will stay in the Swanick family and we will continue to cherish it as we did Nancy. The pub will remain open thanks to our brilliant staff and, if you pop in anytime soon, please raise your glass to the wonder that was Nancy. With love, the Swanicks.”
A historic pub and its landlady
The Grade II-listed Peveril of the Peak, known for its green-tiled exterior and surviving Victorian features, has been a Manchester institution since 1820. Nancy Swanick took over in January 1971, earning the pub the local nickname “The Pev.” In 2021, a big celebration marked her 50 years behind the bar, and she was believed to be Stonegate Group’s oldest serving publican.
Her son Maurice, who joined her in running the pub, described her as an 'astute businesswoman' in a 2021 interview. “My mum's always fought hard not to have anything changed in the pub,” he said. “She's fought tooth and nail to not have any modernisation or things like that. She's a very proud Irish lady and her word goes!” Although her involvement had reduced in later years, Maurice noted she “still has the final say on management.” He added: “Mam is not only the longest-serving, but also the best landlady in the country. She’s always run a firm but fair ship, and the number of familiar faces we see on a repeat basis is testament to the homely atmosphere she’s created.”
Cultural significance and famous visitors
The pub has appeared in TV productions, including Netflix's Fool Me Once, and an early Oasis photo by Kevin Cummins solidified its cultural history. Famous faces such as footballer Eric Cantona, actor Robbie Coltrane (who posed with Nancy when three episodes of Cracker were filmed there in 1996), Bill Tarmey, Freddie Flintoff, and Steve Coogan have visited.
In 2013, Nancy told reporters she had no plans to retire. “I don’t know if I could ever do it,” she said. “I’ve been here so long it’d be a wrench to leave. We have regulars who were there on my first day who still come in for a drink, they’re like family now.” She recalled that when she started, a pint of mild cost one shilling and sixpence, and a bitter was one and ninepence. She raised her three children in the living area above the pub.
The pub's name and legacy
The Peveril of the Peak's name is believed by some to come from Sir Walter Scott’s 1823 novel, though it is largely thought to recognise a horse-drawn carriage that made the journey from Manchester to London in two days. Earlier this year, beer writer Matthew Curtis featured the pub in his Manchester’s Best Beer Pubs and Bar guide, writing: “Manchester is very lucky to have a pub as special as this.”
