Still Pulling Pints – Meet Graham Roper, Landlord of The Swan Inn Since 1966
When it comes to traditional pubs in Abbotsbury, The Swan Inn doesn’t just serve up great food and pints – it serves up living history. And at the heart of it all is one man: Graham Roper, landlord of The Swan Inn since all the way back in 1966.
That’s right. While England were winning the World Cup, Graham was getting the pub keys – and unlike the national team, he’s never handed them back since.
Over 58 Years Behind the Bar (and Still Going)
Now well into his 58th year of service, Graham is still found behind the bar most days, chatting with locals, pulling pints, and occasionally showing off his serious piano-playing skills when the moment strikes. It’s fair to say he’s the kind of landlord that pubs were built for – old-school charm, sharp wit, and a proper feel for what makes a good village local.
Alongside Graham, you’ll often see his daughter Karen and wife Sue keeping things running smoothly (Sue’s usually on the far right in the photos – just in case you’re wondering who’s really in charge).
The Beating Heart of The Swan Inn
From roaring fires and Sunday roasts to summer drinks in the beer garden, The Swan Inn has always stayed true to what a proper Dorset pub should be. And Graham’s been the steady hand guiding it all. If you’re after a real pub experience in Abbotsbury – with character, history, and zero nonsense – you’ll find it here.
More Than a Landlord – A Local Legend
Whether he’s greeting visitors from across the globe or sharing a laugh with lifelong locals, Graham has become part of the fabric of Abbotsbury village life. Few pubs in the country can say they’ve had the same landlord for nearly six decades – and even fewer can say he’s still got the same energy (and piano fingers).
If you want a taste of tradition, a friendly face behind the bar, and a proper pint poured by a true local legend, then it’s time you visited The Swan Inn in Abbotsbury.
For more on The Swan Inn’s story and Graham’s legendary run, you can read this lovely write-up in the Dorset Echo: Read the article here.
But let’s be honest – the best way to experience it is to come and see it for yourself.