AS we continue to put the spotlight on local pubs across East Lancashire, this time we have spoken to the landlord at an award-winning wateringhole.

There has been a lot to celebrate for Stephen Dilworth at the Swan with Two Necks as the pub has been recognised as a business that has made a significant contribution to the Campaign for Real Ale as they celebrate their 50 year anniversary.

Name of the pub:

Swan with Two Necks

Address of the pub:

Main Street, Pendleton near Clitheroe

Landlord/landlady name:

Stephen and Christine Dilworth

How long have you been the landlord/landlady for?

On August 25, we will have been here for 34 years

Bar staff and their names:

Morag Walker, Nicola Sieczkowski, Mary Lancaster, our son Michael Dilworth is head chef, and our other son Robert Dilworth is assisting in the kitchen and also does the gardens and cellar work while Danielle Dilworth works in the front of house

Give us some history about the pub:

It was originally the Swan pub then it was known as the Swan Inn and the Swan Hotel. I think in the 1900s it was turned to the Swan with Two Necks when it was owned by Duttons Brewery. It was then bought by Whitbreads then leased to Pubmaster in 1991 and was released to Cafe Inns in Chorley. We purchased it in 1998 but we have been there since 1987 but took the freehold in 1998.

What’s on the menu?

British, home-cooked food it what we concentrate on from local suppliers. Michael adds little twists but we have a basic menu and stuff on the specials.

Is there a beer garden?

We have a lovely beer garden and a paved area with marquee which was used well during the pandemic and at least it give some people a bit of cover.

Do you have any darts/snooker/pool teams?

We have a darts and dominoes team

Most popular drink served is:

Our cask ales are the most popular especially White Rat from Ossett Brewery.

Most memorable moment at the pub:

I would say personally it was winning the CAMRA Pub of the Year 2013/14 as that is my passion as I have been in it for 50 years.

Do you have an entertainment line-up?

Occasionally we have something on.

Have you faced any challenges within the industry?

COVID, we are a strong family unit and it has kept us all going. We have found it difficult recruiting staff.

The best thing about running a pub is:

We are part of the community and we are a vital cog in the village and my wife Christine has been great at getting the village to rally around and be inclusive.

The worst thing about running a pub is...

It is tiring as it is long hours and hard work and you have to do split shifts

The perfect hangover cure is...

Getting another drink