Pints at the Swan Inn in Eaglesham are once again being poured and top quality scran served, as its new owners look to re-establish it as a go-to place.
And the new landlord says it was “too good an opportunity” for a local lad to turn down.
Sean Cairnduff took over the running of the pub with Vini Roarty earlier this year, with the pair hoping to transform the fortunes of the popular boozer after it was forced to close.
We told you in February how Marco Sarao and his team called last orders on the pub - near to East Kilbride - following what they called an “unsustainable” rents hike.
The news came as a hammer-blow to the local community, with the pub having accrued a loyal following and number of awards.
However, local lad Sean is confident his team can put the gastro pub on the map once again, and is eager to build momentum.
Speaking to Lanarkshire Live, he said: “We had not long opened a place in Prestwick, Hangar, when The Swan became available.
“It wasn’t ideal timing having just started a new venture, but I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to get involved in what was my local.
“Now we’re in and have put our stamp on the interior, we can’t wait to build up a rapport and following with our local community.”
A former business studies student, Sean previously managed the popular Cross Keys Inn in the village, before moving on to takeover Church on The Hill in Glasgow’s Southside in 2007.
That was a venue he successfully ran until just over two years ago when he sold it. His porfolio previously included the White Elephant in Muirend and Strata on Queen Street in the city centre.
Now, he and Vini are having success with the Red Lion and Hangar on the Ayrshire coast - a success they hope to replicate in Eaglesham.
The 40-year-old added: “It’s been a good start and we’re one or two members of staff away from being able to show exactly what we’re about.
“We renovated out the back and created a beer garden, which is running on a temporary licence. That shuts at 8pm so that we’re being respectful to our neighbours, but we’d be keen to make it a permanent fixture.
“We refurbished the inside so it has our style, but these were mainly cosmetic changes.
“Before opening, we appealed to our customers on Facebook what they wanted to see from the menu and it reflects that. So you have all the classics like steak pie, gourmet mac n’ cheese, fish and chips, a really good burger.
“But we have a lot of fun with it at the weekend with our specials - the chefs we have are knocking it out the park.”
Whilst Sean is happy with the quality of his workers, he admits the impact of Brexit has made it difficult to staff the kitchen, saying he is one or two chefs away from being able to operate at their full potential.
That would see chefs - who currently work a five-day week - move to a four-day week and given three days off.
However, with a drastic reduction in European workers coming to Scotland, Sean says chefs and kitchen staff are “at a premium”.
But, a change in beers on font, a popular and in demand cocktail list, and excellent floor staff mean the cosy 200-year-old plus Georgian watering hole is on course to be a must-visit venue once more.
Anyone interested in working for The Swan or a career in hospitality, should email them theswaneaglesham1@outlook.com or get in touch via social media.
You can follow The Swan Inn on Facebook and Instagram.
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