The Black Swan Public House and Theatre in North Walsham has been highlighted as one of the best in Great Britain after being named a national finalist in two categories at the prestigious Great British Pub Awards 2026.
The Black Swan Public House and Theatre has been shortlisted for Best Community Pub and Best Pub for Entertainment, placing the independent community venue amongst some of the best pubs in the country.
The recognition comes less than three years after New Stages Projects CIC, a local not-for-profit organisation, took over the Black Swan in October 2023.
Since then, supported by staff and volunteers, the site has been transformed into much more than a traditional pub. It is now home to a 100-seat theatre, created from a former stable building, alongside community spaces, a meeting room, courtyard, wellbeing services and a busy programme of entertainment and activities. Additions such as Rudono Pizza has helped the venue grow and reach more people.
Throughout the year, the venue hosts live theatre, music, quizzes, bingo, karaoke, community groups, youth theatre, family activities, workshops and fundraising events.
Joseph Ballard, CEO of New Stages Projects CIC and landlord of the Black Swan, said:
“We are absolutely thrilled. To be a finalist for one Great British Pub Award would have been incredible, but to find ourselves shortlisted nationally for both Best Community Pub and Best Pub for Entertainment means so much to all of us.
“When we took over the Black Swan in October 2023, we did it because we didn’t want to see another important community venue disappear. What has happened since has only been possible because of the extraordinary support of our volunteers, staff, customers, audiences and the wider community.
“We have always believed that a pub can be much more than somewhere to have a drink. It can be somewhere people meet, make friends, see a show, perform for the first time, get involved in their community or simply know there is somewhere they are welcome.
“Being recognised nationally for both our community work and our entertainment feels particularly special because those two things really sum up what we have been trying to create here.”
The Black Swan Theatre, just over the Loke, was transformed in early 2024 with the help of around 40 volunteers, transforming the former stable building into a performance and multi-use venue; from shows to classes, groups and private hires.
Joseph added:
“This really belongs to everyone who has helped us along the way. Every volunteer who has picked up a paintbrush, helped behind the bar, moved a chair, sold a ticket or supported an event has played a part in getting us here.
“We’re incredibly proud to be representing North Walsham and Norfolk on a national stage.”
The Great British Pub Awards celebrate outstanding pubs from across the UK and the important role pubs play within their communities.
The winners will be announced at the national awards ceremony in Leeds on the 23 September.
Main image: Barbara and Joseph at the bar.
Leave a Reply