The Swan
In late 2022, Layrd Design was commissioned to reimagine both The Swan Pub and its neighbouring Brasserie in Cambridgeshire. While each space had its own brief and personality, the goal was to create a pair of interiors that felt distinct yet connected — rooted in tradition, but updated for a new generation of visitors.
The result is two complementary spaces that celebrate contrast: one casual and characterful, the other refined and atmospheric. Both designed to welcome locals and guests alike.
For the pub, the client wanted a setting that felt familiar but fresh. We introduced a soft blue and floral palette to balance the rich greens of the adjacent Brasserie, creating a visual link between the spaces while giving each its own identity.
Vintage lighting, layered artwork and patterned wallpapers bring charm and texture to the space, while new furniture, fixtures and accessories add comfort and polish without losing that lived-in, local-pub feeling.
The Brasserie required a full transformation, moving away from a tired and dated interior to something more refined and immersive. We developed a material palette of warm timber, marble, gold and stone, balanced with planting and decorative detail to add softness and depth.
The space now feels comfortable by day and atmospheric by night, striking a balance between high-end dining and everyday warmth. Marble-topped tables and timber-effect floors offer sophistication, while greenery and carefully placed artwork break up walls and ceilings to give the room a layered, thoughtful feel.
Together, the pub and Brasserie tell a story of cohesion and contrast. One is bold and traditional. The other, modern and moody. Both were designed to serve different audiences and occasions while maintaining a shared sense of place.
By using complementary palettes and materials, we gave each space its own personality without losing the connection between them, making The Swan a destination that can shift with the moment.
The Swan now offers two carefully crafted spaces that reflect different moods while staying true to a shared identity. From relaxed afternoons in the pub to refined evenings in the Brasserie, the design brings cohesion, comfort and character to every corner.
