The Swan in the Rushes

About The Swan in the Rushes

The Swan in the Rushes is a multi-award-winning free house on The Rushes in Loughborough, widely regarded as one of the best real ale pubs in Leicestershire. The pub has featured in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide for over twenty consecutive years - an achievement that speaks volumes about the consistency and quality of what is offered here. The interior is traditional and unfussy, with wooden floors, an open fireplace, and a bar lined with handpulls dispensing a regularly changing selection of cask ales.

For dog owners, The Swan is a welcoming and relaxed destination. Dogs are permitted throughout the bar area and are clearly a common sight. Water bowls are kept by the bar, and the staff take a genuine interest in visiting dogs. The atmosphere is that of a proper community pub - friendly, inclusive, and refreshingly free of pretension. Whether you are popping in after a morning walk or settling in for an afternoon session, dogs are treated as part of the furniture in the best possible sense.

What to Expect

The beer is the main event here. The pub typically offers eight to ten cask ales from breweries large and small, with a strong emphasis on regional and independent producers. The selection changes frequently, so there is always something new to try. Real ciders and perries are also available, alongside a decent wine list and the usual spirits. The pub hosts occasional beer festivals that draw enthusiasts from across the region.

Food is straightforward and honest - rolls, pork pies, crisps, and other bar snacks rather than a full kitchen menu. This is a pub that knows what it does well and focuses on doing it brilliantly. The lack of a kitchen actually adds to the relaxed atmosphere, as there is no pressure to eat or vacate a table.

There is a small outdoor seating area at the front, which is dog-friendly and a pleasant spot for a drink in warmer weather. Inside, the single-room layout keeps things sociable, and the open fire makes winter visits particularly appealing. The pub has a traditional, unpretentious feel that is increasingly rare and thoroughly appreciated by its loyal clientele.

Location & Visiting

The Swan in the Rushes is located on The Rushes, a short walk from Loughborough town centre and the marketplace. Loughborough railway station is approximately fifteen minutes on foot. There are public car parks nearby in the town centre. The pub is open daily, with typical pub hours that extend later on Friday and Saturday evenings. It is a popular destination after walks at Beacon Hill Country Park or in the Outwoods, both of which are within easy reach of Loughborough.