A Pub with History in Every Pint

The Bull & Swan isn’t just a great English inn – it’s a living piece of Stamford’s history. In the shadow of Burghley House, the pub dates back to the late 17th century and once served as the unofficial headquarters for one of England’s most eccentric gentleman’s clubs: The Honourable Order of Little Bedlam.

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Founded in 1684 by the 5th Earl of Exeter, the Bedlam Club was no ordinary drinking society. Its members included nobles, artists, and intellectuals – all invited for their wit, charm and capacity for revelry. Each member was given an animal nickname - think Lion, Lamb, Badger or Unicorn, and some of their club portraits are hanging in the pub. The club’s antics became the stuff of legend across Lincolnshire and beyond. Their motto? “Let us be merry.” And merry they were.

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The Bull & Swan was where much of that merriment happened. The pub became a favourite haunt for the Bedlamites, who met here to drink, debate and carouse late into the night. It was a place of laughter and stories, where the line between mischief and majesty blurred just enough to become history.

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Today, the spirit of the Bedlam Club lives on – not just in the name above the door, but in the warmth and 'merriment' we pour into everything we do. We still believe in the power of good food, good company and a great pint to bring people together. And while the animal nicknames may have faded, the sense of character, charm and creativity hasn’t.

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The pub’s character is matched by its surroundings. Located at the top of Stamford’s iconic High Street St Martin’s, and just a short stroll from Burghley House, The Bull & Swan stands at the meeting point of town and country, of old and new. Inside, centuries-old beams and stonework are met with thoughtful touches and modern comforts – a gentle evolution that stays true to our roots.

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We are a pub that honours its past without being stuck in it. Whether you’re here for a fireside pint, a celebratory supper or a spot in the garden sunshine, you’re part of a story that’s been unfolding for over 300 years.

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