New Landlord Takes Over At The Swan

New landlord Alastair McGregor, behind the bar at The Swan in Dobcross.

One of the best-known and oldest pubs in Saddleworth has a new landlord. Alastair McGregor took over at The Swan in Dobcross Square yesterday.

The local landmark had faced an uncertain future after previous landlord Mike Mooney decided late last year to end his tenancy, because of a planned increase in rents by pub owner Marston’s. After originally holding a leaving party last month, Mike was persuaded to stay on for an extra few weeks before handing over to Alastair.

Mr McGregor said the chance to take over The Swan was something he couldn’t turn down. He told Saddleworth News: “When I found out that Mike was going, I discussed it with my wife and we thought ‘why don’t we?’ It’s a great chance for me to work locally, and work for myself.”

The Swan in Dobcross Square.

Alastair is originally from Stirling but has been a regular at The Swan for some time, having moved to Dobcross ten years ago. He brings plenty of experience to the job, after spending eight years in charge of the many bars and music venues at the University of Manchester Students’ Union.

He said: “There I was in overall charge as a senior manager. This is going to be a lot more hands on, learning how to change barrels and keep beer.”

Alastair was keen to reassure regulars that there won’t be any major alterations to The Swan: “This isn’t going to be turning into a Manchester Academy-type music venue. It’s a community pub, and it’ll stay as a community pub.”

He added: “I might try to open it up in time as a bit more of a community utility, whether that’s for coffee mornings, or parties, or pre or post-sport activities. I don’t really want to use a word like exploit, but I think there’s definitely potential in the building, especially upstairs.”

Alastair continued: “Regulars won’t notice any change, apart from the fact I’ll be around the place instead of Mike. I’ll be seeking locals’ opinions over the next few weeks, but there’ll be effectively no change. I still want people to come here for something nice to eat, or maybe for a few drinks.”

He also revealed The Swan would be getting a website in the near future, with the aim of attracting more visitors from outside Dobcross, especially walkers.

With The Woolpack still closed, the survival of The Swan means Dobcross retains two pubs, with The Navigation on Wool Road being the other. There’s also Dobcross Band Club.

According to the Saddleworth Historical Society’s pamphlet on Dobcross, available to buy in the musem shop in Uppermill, The Swan was built in 1765 by Benjamin Wrigley. His initials are still above the front door, and it’s widely believed that the Saddleworth Wrigleys were related to the founders of the American chewing gum company.

The Swan was initially known as The King’s Head, and that name can still be seen on the internal door as you enter the pub. Its been called The Swan since 1859 when the owner of a different local pub called The Swan, tired of losing trade to the King’s Head, simply bought it and changed the name.

(Editor’s note: A report on The Swan will feature in this month’s edition of Saddleworth News TV, so keep an eye out for that later this week!)

Author: Jude Gidney - Editor

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