Discover the charm of the Swan & Railway a gem in Wigan’s Town Centre. A quintessential town centre establishment, where the extravagantly restored traditional Victorian pub dating back to 1898 meets the luxurious modern comfort of its boutique hotel rooms. Nestled in the heart of Wigan directly opposite Wigan Northwestern station, it is more than just a place to grab a drink while waiting for a train. It’s a destination for lovers of real ales, craft beers, quality gins, other spirits, home-cooked food, and luxurious accommodation. Yet if waiting for a train you can keep tabs on the live departure boards available in the main bar. Certainly, far better than waiting on a draughty platform. Whether you’re a local to Wigan or a visitor, the Swan & Railway’s attentive staff offer a warm welcome and a memorable experience.
I cannot extol the beauty of this wonderful hostelry and hotel enough! That’s for a myriad of reasons too. Perhaps you have walked past endless times? Well it really is worth taking time to pop in. It boasts many stunning original features. With its multiple rooms ranging from the quiet and relaxing to the more vibrant. There’s even a lovely sheltered beer garden to hide away in too. I’ve not even started on the real ales, craft beers, wonderful gins, other drinks and wholesome food yet. Possibly not many people are aware of the luxurious bedrooms should you wish to stay either. My work colleagues from other parts of the country loved it. Feel free to take a look at the links below to find out more…
- The Tradition & Charm of a Beautiful Pub
- Well Maintained Real Ales, Craft Beer, Gins, Wines and Much More
- Tasty Wholesome Home Cooked Food
- Luxuriously Appointed Bedrooms right in the Centre of Wigan
- A Final Thought from a Very Happy Customer.
- Discover the Charm of the Swan & Railway a Gem in Wigan’s Town Centre.
The Tradition & Charm of a Beautiful Pub
The current owners have carefully restored the pub to show off its many original architectural features. First, entering through the door on your right you are greeted by an elegantly crafted bar, stained glass windows, mirrors and historic Wigan pictures. Next the a lovingly restored floor leads off to a separate front room with ample leather seating and traditional heavy tables. Heading back down the panelled corridor displaying more fascinating historic glimpses, try the Syd Abram Suite (rugby league historians will understand). A beautifully decorated large back room adorned with memorabilia. From there you can wander to a peaceful protected beer garden nestling between the pub and station. It really is hard to imagine you are just off the main road and station in Wigan’s town centre.
Comforting to know, at busier weekend periods the rear room also features a craft ale bar which prevents any major queuing at the main bar. Hey don’t worry, if closed all those craft aleas are also available at the main bar.
The Rocket juke box really is a classic with a great selection of Northern Soul and all sorts of other tracks. It’s made by the only remaining traditional juke box manufacturer in the world. It’s audible without stifling conversation.
Oh and arguably the greatest charm? That of the wonderfully helpful and friendly staff.
Well Maintained Real Ales, Craft Beer, Gins, Wines and Much More
The Swan & Railway bar staff are justifiably proud not just of their selection of beers, but the meticulous way in which they look after them. Regularly changing offerings are a testimony to how popular the choices are. From hoppy IPAs, rich stouts, refreshing lagers and impeccable ciders. They maintain an up to date list of all the beers and craft ales on offer on their website. Don’t just take my word for it, ask CAMRA and their awards. Not sure if you would like the real ale you see? Feel free to ask for a small sample first! Be daring.
Consistent with the traditional theme, the Swan and Railway are purveyors of draft Bass (aka daft – the bar staff can explain the story, but you will have to visit to find the answer to that one). Did you know it is an original regular of the pub? Its recognisable triangle icon was the first registered trademark way back in 1876.
Still to be tempted? Take your time to have a browse through an extensive selection of Gins, Whiskies, other spirits and fine wines.
Don’t worry if you want something without alcohol, feel free to order the best fresh barista coffee or tea. You could even add a slice of cake too! Of course, the Swan and Railway also offers low alcohol and soft drinks.
Tasty Wholesome Home Cooked Food
Well I have sampled what is an offer myself, numerous times. Great honest food with vegan options available. The local Wigan Pieminister pies are always on form. On their own or accompanied with mash and veg. Sliced roast beef, with the option of plate sized yorkshire puddings and gorgeous gravy. A rare treat to find yorkshire pudding wraps. Heavenly.
For a lighter bite sample the best of pork pies. Alternatively try a jackets or various nacho offerings are also part of the menu. Oh and don’t forget that delcious cake. A full menus is provided on the Swan and Railways website. By the way, the Swan & Railway also produce their own honey from their own on-site hives.
Recommended by the Restaurant Guru 2024.
Luxuriously Appointed Bedrooms right in the Centre of Wigan
While the pub has been carefully restored to its Victorian splendour the 7 luxurious individually styled bedrooms offer all the modern features you would expect;
- COMFY BEDS WITH CRISP WHITE LINEN
- LUXURY EN-SUITE WITH SPACIOUS WALK IN SHOWERS
- LARGE FLAT SCREEN TV (FREE VIEW)
- COMPLEMENTARY HIGH SPEED WIFI
- HOSPITALITY TRAY (KETTLE TEA / COFFEE)
- TOWEL RAIL RAZOR POINTS
- IRON – IRON BOARD – HAIRDRYER – SEWING KIT – ON REQUEST
Ideal for the leisure break, business traveller or just an extra extravegance for a night out. Further pictures of each room and details are provided on the Swan and Railway website.
A Final Thought from a Very Happy Customer.
The Swan & Railway really have created a wonderfully welcoming atmosphere where for just about everyone. The friendly staff provide service that’s hard to match. Look out for live music, sport, community and Northern Soul events , ensuring there’s always something happening to entertain.
The pub is more than just a place to eat and drink; it’s a vibrant part of the Wigan community. Proudly supporting suppliers of local produce, the Swan & Railway is committed to sustainability and ethical practices. It makes me feel good helping to support all of that.
Discover the Charm of the Swan & Railway a Gem in Wigan’s Town Centre.
So if you aren’t sure where the Swan and Railway is? Maybe you aren’t from Wigan? Possibly you don’t venture into town much? The Swan and Railway is in the very heart of Wigan. It is on Wallgate and directly opposite Wigan Northwestern station.
Why not take a look at the Swan and Railway website (sponsered link)
If you do visit following this article, please mention Winstanley What’s On. We hope you enjoy.