A popular village pub is set to extend its bar and restaurant as it continues to buck the national trend.
The White Swan, in Main Street, Walton, is going from strength to strength thanks to its recent major revamp and newly incorporate pizza oven which has become a hit with customers.
This is in contrast to many pubs across the country, with figures showing as many as 20 a week, according to real ale campaign group CAMRA.
Now, plans have been submitted to South Derbyshire District Council to turn a three-bedroomed flat on the first floor into a an extension to the pub, along with erection of a rear first floor extension to form a staircase, new fireplace and internal alterations.
The plans have been submitted by owners Richard and Loren Pope, who created the Chilled Pub Company. They also own the Bull's Head, in Repton, and the Joiners Arms, in Derby.
They only snapped up the White Swan in January, last year, and are hoping to preserve what has now become the only pub in the village.
A report to the council by agent Darryn Buttrill, of Repton-based bi Design Architecture Ltd, said: “Our client is extremely dedicated and motivated to turn The Swan into a thriving pub which the whole community can be proud of and use.
"Our client has recently taken big steps in revamping the pub by undertaking extensive decorating within the property which has already gained extremely positive comments. The bar area has been given an extensive facelift and our client has already incorporated a pizza oven within the pub which has somewhat become a signature piece and extremely popular with the customers who visit our clients pubs.
“It is clear and evident that our client puts his all into making each pub he takes over a success, this is a pattern he wishes to continue.
“The Swan is now the only pub in the village and has had a long history of failure. The only way to make the current business viable and preserve the last remaining pub in the village is to develop and grow the food offer, which requires more restaurant covers. Therefore it is seen as essential to develop and grow the business to ensure Walton continues to have its own public house.”
The report also added the development will provide local employment
A decision is due to be made by September 5.
