More details have emerged about a quirky and classy new bar, inspired by the legacy of Sir Winston Churchill, set to open in Clitheroe.
Liam Nuttall and Jack Wright, co-owners of Nuttall and Wright Investments Ltd took ownership of the Swan and Royal and its neighbouring Swan Courtyard last year.
They recently unveiled plans to launch a premium sports and cocktail bar called Churchill’s in a vacant basement unit at 3A Swan Courtyard.
The site is inspired by wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill and his visit to The Swan and Royal in the 1940s.
Liam spoke to the Lancashire Telegraph and revealed more details about the site, including the proposed opening date and the unique cocktails set to appear on the menu.
Liam said: "Churchill came to the Swan and Royal for meetings around jet engines. We have utilised the history to open Churchill's.
"It’s something a bit different for Clitheroe.
"We want it to be a bar that you would normally find in cities, and we are trying to bring something with a bit of a different vibe to the town.
"It is underground and can be accessed via The Swan courtyard.
"We took over The Swan and Royal 10 months ago, and that has been a success."
The bar will feature a retro aesthetic, Churchill memorabilia, and a cigar lounge offering Churchill-branded cigars for takeaway.
As well as your classics, themed cocktails will also be on the menu, including the ‘finest hour’ and the ‘power jet paloma.’
Some drinks will be served in unique glassware, with one Churchill cocktail served in a glass cigar.
Food options will include cheeseboards and simple dishes, along with items served at the Swan & Royal Hotel.
Liam said: "We are excited to get started.
"It is a project that is close to us due to the history of the site.
"We are really trying to make it into a destination of history and not just your standard place to go for food and drink. We want to utilise the history as much as we can."
A planning application was submitted to Ribble Valley Council in June.
According to the design and access statement, the new venue would operate in conjunction with the Swan and Royal, with all food prepared at the Swan & Royal before being served on site.
Internal refurbishment plans include the installation of seating areas, a bar, and toilets, while retaining the basement’s original stone walls, columns, and vaulted ceiling.
External alterations are minimal and would include replacing entrance doors, adding timber security shutters, and fitting new doors and glazing at access points from Lowergate and Swan Courtyard.
These changes would use a painted timber finish in keeping with the character of the site.
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The venue would be open to both hotel guests and the public, subject to planning approval.
The Swan & Royal has hosted several notable figures, including Gandhi during his visits to Lancashire in the 1930s and Sir Frank Whittle, inventor of the jet engine, in the early 1940s.
Plans indicate that Churchill’s could create six full-time and six part-time jobs.
Churchill's is set to open to the public on September 18.
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