New chapter for North Walsham's Black Swan pub

The venue in Black Swan Loke is being taken over by the Community Interest Company and performing arts group New Stages, and will be run as a not-for-profit pub and theatre venue. 

Joseph Ballard is the director of New Stages and has run North Walsham People’s Theatre at the pub since 2017.

Mr Ballard said: “The town has seen many changes over recent years including a number of changes at the pub. 

“We are re-establishing the Black Swan as a community pub with the people of the town at its heart, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for all including families with children. 

“I’m also excited to be launching the town’s very first permanent dedicated theatre venue since 1845.

“We’ll be presenting our infamous Christmas pantomime Red Riding Hood this year along with a year-round programme of shows and cabaret.” 

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Mr Ballard said the pub would have a new look and feel and range of drinks behind the bar. 

He said homemade snacks would be available all day, and the kitchen would open for lunch and dinner in November.

Mr Ballard said the pub would close for a short time before reopening on Friday, October 27, with a weekend of free events including Halloween-based craft activities for families in the theatre on the afternoon of October 28, and a Halloween-themed adult disco in the evening. 

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There will also be live music on Sunday afternoon and ghost stories by candlelight in the evening.

Mr Ballard said more volunteers were sought to help in the pub alongside staff, anyone interested can email joseph@newstages.co.uk.

A former coaching inn, the Black Swan has been a pub since 1794.