Popular Wimbledon pub The Swan will reopen as a premium gastropub, ‘The Rushmere’ on March 1st, following an extensive renovation.
Dating back to the 1860s, the pub was constructed as Wimbledon underwent significant expansion in the middle of the 19th Century.
Now, ahead of its reopening by the Metropolitan Pub Company, the site is being extensively refurbished to provide a stylish yet charming pub atmosphere and premium dining experience in the heart of Wimbledon for both visitors and locals alike.
When redesigning the site, it was essential that the heritage of the building and its ties to the local area remained unchanged. As such, the new owners worked closely with Wimbledon and St John’s area residents to decide on a new name: The Rushmere.
Named after the iconic pond on the Wimbledon common of the same name, The Rushmere was collectively chosen as a homage to the pub’s former title. The pond in question is currently home to several beautiful white swans, creating the perfect link back to the original site.
On the inside, The Rushmere’s bar is being totally redesigned, transforming into an attractive and sophisticated space, but with a real ‘local’ pub feel that pays tribute to the historic nature of the building.
As part of the reopening, both the food and drink offering have been totally revamped. The team are working closely with the Wimbledon Brewery to include a selection of local draught options such as Wimbledon Lager and Wimbledon Pale. This, combined with a fantastic wine list will complement the new seasonal menu, which is set to wow guests with a selection of fresh, seasonal dishes.
The all new food offering has been made possible due to the brand new, state-of-the-art kitchen that has been installed on the first floor of The Rushmere, replacing the old, much smaller kitchen that was previously based on the ground floor.
Outside, the renovations are even more extensive, with The Rushmere gaining a stunning covered and uncovered garden area – complete with a stunning pergola, brand-new lighting, and comfortable furniture.
All changes to the exterior will come together to provide guests with the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxing evening after a long workday or a Sunday afternoon in the sun. What’s more, thanks to the new 75-inch external TV, The Rushmere is all set to be the perfect place to enjoy a variety of live sporting events with family and friends.
Alex Lockwood-Wells, General Manager at The Rushmere, said: “The Swan has always been an incredibly popular local pub, and we’re confident the refurbishment and re-naming to The Rushmere will only enhance the site, transforming it into a quality space and making it much more appealing for locals and visitors alike.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re after a premium dining experience, or if you just want to pop in and enjoy a pint of local ale, The Rushmere has everything you could possibly need – we can’t wait to welcome our guests back on March 1st.”
