The Black Swan's landlord was Brendan McDermott ably supported by his wife Bridie and two staff, Maisie and John. All Irish, as were the vast majority of his customers. A lovely friendly house.
I was at the Black Swan the day Brendan and company moved in, indeed I played a small part in the ritual of the change-over. The Guinness flowed, it always did, and Brendan had a reputation for generosity. After I left Coventry I would call in at the Black Swan whenever I was within twenty miles of the pub, which was not very often. A warm welcome always awaited.
A few years ago I was in Telford and decided that I would break my journey back to London at the Black Swan, not having been in for a few years. On arrival I was greetrd by a new landlord who had moved in that very day. Seated in a corner was Bridie who was as welcoming as ever. Sadly, Brendan and John had died but Maisie was still going strong.
It felt rather strange that I had been present when Brendan and Bridie moved in to the pub and by pure chance I was there the day Bridie moved out.
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