The Swan Inn, in Compton celebrates first inclusion in CAMRA’s The Good Beer Guide

The landlord of a Compton pub making its debut in an industry bible is delighted at the inclusion.

The Swan features in The Good Beer Guide’s 2025 edition produced by the Campaign For Real Ale (CAMRA), and is one of 900 new entries in the edition, of which 11 are based in West Berkshire.

Pubs chosen are nominated by local members, who visit and give scores based on how many real ales it sells, if they are kept in good condition, and how it is served. Those who made the guide show consistency in their approach across the year.

To stay in the guide, they have to maintain the high standards.

The guide highlights features that visitors can look forward to: in The Swan’s case, these include its bar areas, a grand piano, a log fire, and its large beer garden. Its food also receives a mention.

The Swan’s entry crowns a great year for the pub.

In May, Newburytoday revealed that landlord Kenneth Shaw scooped New Licensee of the Year in the pub industry’s Night of Excellence Awards.

Judges praised his work in transforming the pub after taking over last year. Changes included switching the name back from The Foinavon to The Swan, and improving on the pub’s food, beer and service.

At the time, Mr Shaw said he felt the best was yet to come … and the entry in the Good Beer Guide suggests that that is the case.

“I was very happy to learn we were going into Guide,” he said. “If we have good beers, more people will come in and drink them.

“It’s the first time the pub has ever had an award for the beer, it’s quite an achievement to get.

“We keep our glasses clean, we keep our beer lines clean.”

Mr Shaw said the boost was a partnership between himself and Greene King who supply the ales.

“We had some work done on the cellar, as the equipment was old,” he said.

“Greene King helped with that, [operations director] Mike O’Connor did it properly, all new equipment and all new lines.”

He also wanted to thank his regulars.

“It’s down to the village,” he said of the award. “They drink our beers, they come in in cold, wet nights, and they really do support the pub.

“They are a big part of my business, and I do try and look after them as best I can. They want the pub to survive.”

Mr Shaw intends to keep the pub’s standards up, and ensure it keeps its spot in the Good Beer Guide.

“If a beer is cloudy and horrible, they won’t drink it, but they will go and tell 20 people – the beer is bad, and don’t go there. If your beer is good, people will talk and it will draw people into the pub,” he said.

And other improvements include new staff members who have been trained well.

“They are very good … without staff, you haven’t got a pub,” Mr Shaw explained.

“Our new chef, Robbie, has come on board and he’s really good. People come for food and drink and we’re busy all the time.”

With Hallowe’en, quizzes and Christmas all around the corner, plus the entry into the Good Beer Guide, The Swan will no doubt continue to be busy.

“I think things are good at the moment,” Mr Shaw said. “Hopefully we’ll have a good December – we have some people booked in to stay for Christmas Day.”