Best of British

Fancy a bit of R’n’R before party season hits fever pitch?

If you get in quickly, you could be one of the first to experience an exciting transformation at The Swan Southwold, which first opened in the 1600s. The hotel, which is owned by Adnams brewery, has been completely redesigned by award-winning, London-based Project Orange. The team have retained many of the original features, such as the striking facade and the characterful, weaving corridors and staircases, while making subtle references to the history of the site – brewing here dates back to 1345. Copper fittings reflect the distillery equipment, while the famous local figure, ‘Southwold Jack’, appears on bespoke tiles. And Swan motifs and flashes of vibrant Adnams’ colours appear throughout the public spaces and the 35 bedrooms. The new aesthetic is combined with intimate service and a top-class food and drink offering in the form of two destination restaurants and a bar, championing local produce. We challenge you not to fall in love with both the hotel and the charming seaside town. Room rates start from £270 (theswansouthwold.co.uk)