THE new owner of a longstanding Braintree pub has celebrated its “amazing” launch event and is now vowing to turn its old reputation around.

Ken Tang, 46, is the owner of The Swan, in Bank Street, and after a well-received launch event featuring two tributes acts dedicated to Elvis and Michael Bublé, the entrepreneur has many plans for the pub.

The grade II listed building has operated as a pub and venue for many years.

The priority for Ken, who also owns Posh Nails in Rayne Road, is to get rid of the previous negative reputation the business was known for.

Braintree and Witham Times: Pub - The SwanPub - The Swan (Image: Newsquest)

Braintree and Witham Times: Businessman - Owner Ken Tang pouring a pintBusinessman - Owner Ken Tang pouring a pint (Image: Newsquest)

He said: “The first thing I want to change here is the reputation.

“I want to make it a lovely traditional pub. I don’t want potential customers to think it looks scary.

“I want to make it a space people can enjoy.”

On New Years’ Eve 2022, a Facebook post from its previous management confirmed the pub would be closing down.

Yet it wasn’t until December 2023 that Ken decided to take on the new venture and the doors finally opened last Friday.

Braintree and Witham Times: Cosy - A section of the bar areaCosy - A section of the bar area (Image: Newsquest)

Braintree and Witham Times: Fun - The Swan's pool areaFun - The Swan's pool area (Image: Newsquest)

The businessman has employed a passionate team to help spearhead the business, including assistant manager Georgia Summers, and has made some changes to the business already.

An average pint costs £4.40 at The Swan and Ken has added new drinks like Guinness, Inch’s Cider, John Smiths, Foster, and Cruz Campo to the menu.

There are also karaoke events for customers to participate in as well.

Ken plans to put on many live events and wants to utilise the outside back garden courtyard to host food vans and BBQs when the weather is nice.

The Braintree resident also wants to decorate and paint the walls in the future.

Braintree and Witham Times: New - An Inch's CiderNew - An Inch's Cider (Image: Newsquest)

Braintree and Witham Times: Outside - A section of the large courtyard spaceOutside - A section of the large courtyard space (Image: Newsquest)

He said: "I want to put on more tribute acts.

“The courtyard is beautiful, there is a good opportunity to do something with that space.

“This is a huge challenge for me but I’m excited. You’ve got to think about how you make it work.

“It’s not about the money, it’s about how you bring the customers in first, then you think about the money.”

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