The White Swan pub in Swinton, a Worsley Road landmark with around 200 years of history, became the first Joseph Holt pub – out of 127 – to hold a wedding licence earlier this year, following a revamped £800,000 function room.
Landlady Lyndsey Smethills, 47, has managed the pub for nine years. Her partner Mike Carr joined her last year to help run day-to-day operations. Throughout the week, the pub hosts a variety of events, including veterans celebrations, knitting clubs, and a regular 'pensioners party'. Two years ago, it helped set up a youth darts club run by the former Lancashire Youth Darts manager who tutored Luke Littler as a teenager.
At the start of November, the pub will host its own Wedding Fayre, highlighting its range of community events and its appeal for those planning a wedding.
Personal connection and history
Smethills said she did bar work in her 20s but became a mortgage advisor, though she never stopped thinking about running a pub. Her brother, Paul McDermott, was landlord of the White Swan and died unexpectedly from a heart attack at 47 in 2012. She applied to Joseph Holt and was offered the pub in 2016, feeling it was fate and that Paul was watching out for her.
The pub has existed for around 200 years, first known as The Swan. Joseph Holt bought the premises in 1868 during its early expansion across Greater Manchester, and the name evolved into the White Swan. It was a common symbol on English royal coats of arms and within nobility.
Best-selling drinks and famous guests
The pub's best-selling drinks are Joseph Holt Crystal, the first of its lagers to win a gold medal at the International Brewing Award, and Crystal Gold, a continental style lager. Smethills noted customers range from 18 to 80 upwards, with many young people coming in.
A few years ago, Paul Gascoigne came in with friends. Smethills initially didn't believe it was him but recognised his accent. Within 15 minutes the place was packed with football fans. "He was brilliant; chatting, and doing selfies. We ended up putting the music on and had a bit of a party," she said.
Other notable guests include Adrian Morley, former professional rugby league footballer, Andy Holden, long-serving coach at Everton, and Clint Boon, who has done nights there.
Community and local support
Smethills described the local community as warm and like a big family, with everyone helping each other through charity events or when someone needs a hand. She mentioned lights flashing on and off for no reason, which she likes to think is her brother Paul. "You'll Never Walk Alone" was played at his funeral, and once when they were talking about him, the song suddenly came on the television.
To support the pub, Smethills encouraged people to attend charity events, socials, and groups. The pub hosts a pensioner's party, healthy heart club, book club, chess club, and knitting group. It is close to the Royal Naval Association and hosts many veteran's events. "And of course, it's now a great place to have a wedding. We can do everything, all life is here at the White Swan," she said.
The White Swan is at 186 Worsley Rd, Swinton, Manchester M27 5SN.
