(Image: Pic supplied)
A changing of the guard is brewing at a ‘the best’ pub in Selby.
Long-standing manager Lauren Wilkinson is set to take over from the Rodgers family, who have owned the Three Swans on Church Hill for 15 years.
Lauren has worked with the family for 13 years, including more than a decade as bar manager.
Subject to contract, Lauren and her father, Stuart, are expected to take over the business from September 1.
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Current owner Eddie Rodgers said: "Once I had taken the decision that it was time for me to step back a little and sell the business, it seemed a no-brainer that Lauren, who has worked with us for 13 years, would be the perfect fit.
"Lauren has been the bar manager for over 10 years. She's very experienced, extremely popular with customers and staff, and she runs a tight ship.
"After all those years working together, it's great to know that the Three Swans will be passing into the hands of someone who knows the pub, its customers and the team so well."
Lauren said: “When Eddie first spoke to me about it, I was both excited and, to be honest, a little nervous. I've never run a business before, so it's obviously a big step for me.
"But with the support of my family, and in particular my dad Stuart, I'm really excited
about getting the show on the road.
"I've spent 13 years at the Three Swans, so I know the pub and its customers incredibly
well. I'm looking forward to this next chapter and to building on what Eddie and the
Rodgers family have established over the past 15 years."
The Three Swans will remain open and continue trading as normal throughout the change of ownership, ensuring continuity for customers and staff.
The planned handover marks a new chapter for the pub, while retaining a familiar face at the helm. But Lauren added that she will keep the pub as it is, including its popular events, including dj, karaoke and Octoberfest.
The pub’s regulars have welcomed the news.
One said: Congratulations Lauren Wilkinson. BEST PUB IN SELBY is yours and it’s because of you! (and your fab staff).”
Another said: “Congratulations Lauren and you will still be a great host and will do fantastic like you have done always.”
The Three Swans is a very popular pub, with it known as a ‘lively pub in the heart of Selby’ close to the Abbey.
Both Tripadvisor and Google award it 4.4 stars out of five.
The most recent Tripadvisor review gave five stars praised its “brilliant and warm atmosphere.”
They added: “What a welcoming pub to be in! The staff are so friendly and welcoming. They have many regulars who all together with the staff make you enjoy your visit. They’re dog friendly too which is a bonus for us with our cockapoo Jess. There’s live music at their open mic on a Friday, a dj on a Saturday and they have parties for all occasions. Worth a visit or ten :)”
The latest Google review gave five stars and said: “Lovely place with excellent beer selection.”