More people could stay at the Lancashire pub visited by Gandhi and Churchill - if these new plans are passed
A Lancashire pub that has played host to some of the most notable names in recent history could soon be welcoming more guests - if plans are approved.
Management at the Swan and Royal in Castle Street, Clitheroe, want permission to refurbish the existing second floor to create an additional four letting bedrooms each with en-suite facilities. Six letting rooms are currently available on the first floor.
The proposals will also include the replacement of the eastern gable windows and doors that lead to an external fire escape.
The area of the building under consideration is currently vacant and has previously been used for staff accommodation and bedrooms. This part of the property was subject to a major fire a number of years ago, the external walls remained but major repairs were carried out to the internal fabric, roof, windows and doors.
A decision will be made by Ribble Valley Borough Council in coming weeks.
The pub was snapped up by local business owners Liam Nuttall and Jack Wright through their company Nuttall and Wright Investments Ltd in 2025. The duo, who also run Home Eco Group, a fast-growing eco home improvements business operating across the UK, pledged to invest around £250,000 in the historic coaching inn, including expanding its food offering and renovating its bedrooms.
Former glory
At the time, Liam Nuttall said: "This is a property with a lot of history and where some really famous people have stayed when they've visited Lancashire. Our vision is to bring back some of this former glory by investing significantly in the facilities and the food and drink offering. We’ve hired a new head chef and catering team and there will be a real focus on quality food sourced from local suppliers.
"We also plan to renovate the guest accommodation, giving each room its own individual identity and making it appeal to a wider range of leisure and business visitors."
Famous faces
The 18th century pub was been visited by Sir Winston Churchill and Mahatma Gandhi stayed at the hotel during his visits to Lancashire in the 1930s as part of his campaign for Indian independence. Sir Frank Whittle, inventor of the jet engine, also stayed at the hotel in the early 1940s when visiting his factories in the area.
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