Dorset Echo Pub of the Week: The Lemon Tree, Swyre

The Lemon Tree in Swyre opened as a welcome pit stop along the B3157 at the end of March this year and since opening, co-owner, Marianna Browning says ‘there is a real buzz about the venue,’ adding, ‘it’s going from strength to strength.’

Marianna took over the pub with her business partner Craig Davies.

The Lemon Tree (Image: Hollie Carr)Once inside the pub, it’s like being transported to a cosy venue on the Mediterranean coastline – there is a real warmth to it, which is accentuated by the yellow and green tones that run throughout, as well as the characterful stonework, and indoor lemon trees.

Marianna described it as ‘a happy, bright, positive and relaxed place where people always stay longer than they think,’ coining it ‘a Mediterranean oasis.’

She said: “We have also started adding to our offering. We had to start small and grow. We now offer Moretti on draught, we also offer guest beers, working with as many local people as possible.”

In keeping with the Mediterranean theme, the venue has played host to a number of themed nights including the popular taco and cocktail night, as well as a paella and sangria night.

The Lemon Tree (Image: Hollie Carr) In November, Marianna also revealed that they are looking to host an all-exciting cider festival with live music.

She added: “We like to keep things switched up and complement the other businesses in the area. There is no point duplicating other people.

“The menu changes pretty much daily, there is always something interesting on there. Nothing leaves the kitchen unless I would eat it.”

The publican also had plenty of praise for her team and customers, saying: “The team are lovely and Emily, the manager, is so enthusiastic. We have massive local support and are really trying to keep the business interesting.”

The Lemon Tree (Image: Hollie Carr) Prior to being the Lemon Tree, the Coast Road pub was known as the Bull Inn, recognisable by the bright red bull mascot which sat outside the pub on the roadside.

There has been an inn on the site since the 17th century which was operating as a cider house.

In the early 1930s the inn caught fire and had to be rebuilt in 1937, with additional renovations made between 2006 and 2007 to include a new skittle alley, function room and accommodation.

The Lemon Tree (Image: Hollie Carr) The pub was one of the last roadhouses to be built in England in the 1930s, enabling Mrs Bessie Case to offer ‘hotel accommodation’ in time for Defence Area status and use by the 1st Infantry Division of the United States Army later in the Second World War.