MAD SWANS: THE COUNTRYSIDE HANGOUT REWRITING THE RULES OF PLAY
Set in the rolling Mendip Hills—just 40 minutes from Bristol and half an hour from Bath—Mad Swans is shaking up the countryside scene. This isn’t your traditional golf club or rural retreat. It’s a bold reimagining of what leisure and hospitality can look like in 2025: a place where eco-cabins meet padel courts and where menus guided by Michelin-starred Ollie Dabbous follow a game of darts.
Mad Swans is the brainchild of hospitality entrepreneurs, Joel Cadbury and Ollie Vigors, who have brought together a formidable leadership team to steer the venture. Ollie Dabbous gave creative guidance on the menus with the restaurants being led by Head Chef, Steve Rooney. Golf architects Tom Mackenzie & Martin Ebert, whose names are associated with legendary courses such as Royal Portrush and Turnberry, designed the course. Together, Joel and Ollie have built more than a destination—they’ve built a movement.
A Playground for All
Forget the formalities of the old-school golf clubhouse. Mad Swans is built on the idea that play is for everyone—no membership cards, no stiff dress codes, no unspoken rules. Whether you’re swinging a club, spinning a pickleball paddle, or perfecting your shuffleboard shot, the emphasis is on connection, laughter, and the simple joy of spending time together.
The sporting offerings are extensive and imaginative. The 12-hole golf course is the crown jewel—a nod to golf’s roots and a glimpse of its future. The world’s first Open Championship in 1860 was played on 12 holes, and Mad Swans revives that heritage in a modern, time-savvy format. With golf icons like Sir Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods championing shorter courses, the 12-hole model caters to contemporary lifestyles without sacrificing challenge or charm. Players can enjoy 6, 12, or even 18 holes, with layouts that blend heritage, innovation, and sweeping views of the Mendip landscape.
Elsewhere, padel and pickleball—two of the world’s fastest-growing racket sports—bring a dynamic new energy to the English countryside. The three high-spec courts cater to every level of player, with expert coaching available for those keen to improve their swing or simply give it a try.
Then there’s the Putt Patch, a riotous reimagining of mini golf. Think colour, creativity, and plenty of laughter—ideal for kids, couples, or friends who prefer friendly competition to serious scoring. For a more relaxed pace, the Swing Barn offers a weatherproof driving range with a twist: each bay doubles as a cosy social lounge, complete with sofa seating, table service, and craft cocktails. You can practise your drive while sipping a negroni and snacking on small plates—a concept that perfectly sums up the Mad Swans philosophy of play without pressure.
Inside, games continue with darts powered by augmented reality, adding a modern spin to the classic British pastime, and shuffleboard, a social favourite that encourages as much laughter off the table as on it. Everywhere you look, the design fosters interaction—spaces made not just for sport, but for stories.
Eat Well, Stay Long
At the heart of Mad Swans’ experience is food. The flagship restaurant, The Potting Shed, celebrates countryside cooking with creative flair and a commitment to local, seasonal produce.
The menu reads like a love letter to rural Britain: chicken cooked in hay for sharing, Brixham crab on toasted brioche, lobster macaroni cheese, and roasted suckling pig, followed by indulgent desserts like smoky treacle tart and the house Mad Swans sundae with lemon curd and berries.
For something more casual, The Hangout serves pizzas from £12, alongside playful desserts and “conscious cocktails” infused with mood-boosting nootropics and vitamins. Drinks like the Elder Bay Breeze (gin, bayleaf, elderflower, lemon) or Freshly Cut Grass (gooseberry, chervil, soda) show that Mad Swans’ mixology is as imaginative as its food. Indoor and outdoor spaces are open and relaxed, with veranda views overlooking the Putt Patch—ideal for parents or friends who want to keep an eye on the fun while enjoying a drink in the sun.
Sleep Among the Swans
For those who want to make a weekend of it, Mad Swans’ eco-cabins offer a slice of serenity in the Somerset hills. Designed for simplicity and comfort, the cabins blend sustainability with style: think soft hues of green and blue, large windows framing the landscape, and thoughtful touches like Bramley amenities and local artwork. Each has a queen bed or twin setup, walk-in shower, and radio for slow mornings.
Rates start from £195 per night, including access to the on-site gym, with dogs welcome and accessible cabins available. The gym itself caters to both guests and locals, with Matrix equipment, stretching zones, and a line-up of classes. Memberships start at £45 per month, and day passes offer a flexible way to join in.
Sustainability and Community at the Core
Mad Swans doesn’t just look good—it does good. The team has woven sustainability into every layer, from energy-efficient design and EV charging stations to rewilding initiatives, beehives, and wildflower meadows. Kitchen gardens supply herbs and edible flowers to the restaurants, while local suppliers keep food miles low. Inclusivity is built into the business too, with equal pay, local hiring, and partnerships with schools and charities aimed at fostering skills and confidence through sport and hospitality.
Regulars can join the Top Flight rewards programme, earning points redeemable for food, play, and stays. It’s a nod to the growing community spirit around Mad Swans—this is a place that values loyalty, laughter, and local connection as much as luxury.
The New Countryside Culture
Mad Swans is more than a venue—it’s a statement. A place where tradition meets innovation, where you can play barefoot on the grass, share a pizza after a round of golf, or sip cocktails while watching your kids conquer the mini course. There’s no dress code, no gatekeeping, and no pressure—just open fields, good food, and better company.
Weekends here aren’t just escapes; they’re stories waiting to be told. And in a world obsessed with rules and routines, Mad Swans is a joyful reminder to play, connect, and simply be.
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