THE SWAN RESTAURANT
Sensitive contemporary brickwork and glazed extension to a listed public house in Berkshire

Planning approval has been granted by Wokingham Borough Council for this contemporary extension, sensitively designed for a listed village pub to create a vibrant new restaurant space. The scheme required careful negotiation and collaboration, resulting in a modern yet respectful addition that enhances community use while preserving the heritage character of the original building.
We are now looking forward to progressing the next stage of the project and bringing the design to life.

OUR
APPROACH
The Swan public house has been a fixture in the local community for some 400 years. Originally built as two cottages, it has operated as a popular pub since the 17th century. Our proposals aimed to preserve and enhance this long-standing use with the addition of a modern, accessible restaurant, contributing to a viable and sustainable future for the building and ensuring its continued preservation.
Working closely with our clients, we explored a variety of extension styles and sizes during the concept stage. The goal was to maximise the restaurant’s functionality while remaining sensitive to the scale and character of the listed building. As part of the scheme, a series of tired and derelict rear extensions that currently detract from the building’s appearance and compromise its historic fabric will be removed to make way for the new addition. Supported by a range of specialist reports, the design process helped identify the most historically significant elements of the structure and informed how the new extension could be connected with minimal disruption.
The planning and design process has been both careful and considered, beginning with a preapplication submission in late 2023.
Feedback from the local authority shaped the final design, and a comprehensive full planning application followed, supported by detailed technical and heritage documentation.
The resulting design comprises a brick and glazed contemporary structure, linked to the existing building via a glazed connection. A black timber pergola introduces a welcoming new entrance, providing level access from the car park along a newly designed pathway. Draped foliage over the pergola softens the outlook from within the restaurant and introduces a natural, attractive element to the external setting. The pergola also subtly references the black timber found in the original building.
This project reflects a careful balance between modern design and historic sensitivity, creating a vibrant new dining space that both supports the community and celebrates the heritage of The Swan
PROJECT
GALLERY
DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS
The approved design introduces a contemporary glazed extension set discreetly behind the listed building, with a subtle brick and timber palette that complements the existing architecture. A carefully detailed glazed link creates a clear yet respectful connection between old and new, while a black timber pergola with draped foliage softens the building’s edge and frames a new level-access pathway from the car park. Large windows bring natural light into the new restaurant space and provide views out to the landscaped setting, enhancing the dining experience and reinforcing the connection between interior and exterior. To the eastern side (rear) of the building, a dedicated outdoor dining area offers a relaxed setting for alfresco meals, further extending the restaurant’s appeal and usability throughout the seasons
AREAS
Existing overall floor area (GIFA) : 227 sqm
Proposed overall floor area (GIFA) : 271 sqm (including replaced areas of demolition)