Business duo flourish in new Tarporley pub venture

Jan 28 2010 by David Norbury, Chester Chronicle

A REAL-LIFE tale of The Ugly Duckling has taken place in Tarporley.

Against all odds, the historic Swan Hotel has gone from strength to strength since being reopened in February 2009 after a refurbishment.

In the midst of the recession, business duo Edward Barlow and Simon Kalton enthusiastically took over the lease, determined to re-establish a traditional pub.

The pub pair also believe the characteristic atmosphere they have created in the old coaching inn is integral to their success the past year.

Edward said: “We can get the food and drink right but unless we get the customer smiling, as far as I am concerned, we have not done our job.

“That aspect is crucial to the business.”

And over the Christmas period tables rarely stood empty and there was a brisk trade in mulled wine.

Edward said: “We sold about 30% more stock than we had planned.”

With this being the duo’s second pub triumph since taking over the King George in Altrincham in 2008, it is no surprise that more fairy tale transformations are on the cards.

“We hope to take over another site or two in 2010,” said Edward.