“We don’t need more fancy bars, this is a ‘one of a kind’ place”
13:39, 31 May 2025Updated 13:39, 31 May 2025
Swan Inn on Wood Street
Pubgoers have expressed their bitter disappointment as one of Liverpool’s oldest and most beloved venues has gone up for sale. The Swann Inn was described as “a stalwart of Wood Street” and “the best pub in town” by patrons – some of whom have been regulars since the 1970s.
Known simply as “The Swan” to regulars, the pub has stood since Victorian times. At the top end of Wood Street, it was once the starting point for drinkers and gig-goers heading to Wilsons and Sloanes – later the Krazyhouse.
Now up for sale with Hitchcock Wright & Partners, the venue is advertised as: “(A) Victorian pub with interesting original features. A three storey property of traditional constructions, located on the southside of Wood Street close to the FACT Cinema and the eclectic mixture of bars and restaurants on Bold Street, Concert Square, Slater Street and Duke Street ‘Rope Walks’ area”.
The commercial property agency is seeking offers in excess of £550,000 for both the freehold property and the business as a going concern.
As news of the pub going on the market was published by the ECHO, customers old and new were quick to share their dismay, and urged the new owners to “keep it the way it is”.
John Harrison said: “My life changed for me in there in 1995, I was drifting aimlessly getting drunk all the time with no sense of direction until I found a leaflet in the Swan for an open night at Colquitt Street College, so I went along and enrolled in a few courses, which led me into doing a BA Hons degree at John Moore’s University. And my life changed dramatically.
“I stopped drinking alcohol for a couple of years to get my head on track and stopped hanging around with people who were trying to drag me down to their level.”
Kel Bronson said: “Please someone who loves metal and has £550k, buy this pub and keep it they way it is…. we don’t need more fancy bars, this is a ‘one of a kind’ place.”
Christine Donnell said: “Fantastic place – brilliant jukebox. Karl Marx on the wall since the 80s. Always a nice crowd – people wanting to have a good night. Keep it as it is!”
The Swan Inn pub in Wood Street, Liverpool. 21st October 1988.
Louise Street said: “I can’t even count the amount of great nights I’ve had in The Swan. I now live in Nottingham and a trip to Liverpool isn’t a trip without a pint in The Swan listening to some old school metal tunes.”
Peter Jnr Ashton said: “The best pub in town! Jukebox class! Great music, always good crowd there. Hope it stays a pub and the same as rock pub. Keep it as it is. If not, be so sad, I for one be gutted.”
Noel Mcalley said: “The Swan is a stalwart of Wood Street! Be a great shame to see it change or disappear all together.”
Zoey Bickerdike said: “One of my favourite pubs in Liverpool! This is such sad news; to whomever takes it over please keep its character, and as many have said the best jukebox accommodating all!
Mark Ferguson said: “Used to drink there in the 70s when I was 16 after busking in Bold street. Not changed a bit, it’s like going back in time. Hope it’s not another pub death.”
Ruth Williams said: “I’ve drank in the Swan for many years, it’s one of the few places without a big screen TV which is great to escape to and listen to the jukebox and have a chat.”
The Swan was once part of a trio of classic Liverpool pubs under the same ownership as Ye Cracke on Rice Street and The Pilgrim on Pilgrim Street.
The Pilgrim, which stands in the shadow of Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral in the Georgian Quarter, closed in August 2024 after announcing a major refurbishment. It reopened in April this year after being purchased by the 1936 Pub Company.
That same month, Ye Cracke, which has stood in the Georgian Quarter since the 19th century, was sold to new owners. The manager of the historic pub told the ECHO six staff members would lose their jobs as a result of the handover.