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Won the Wedding Awards thanks to recommendations from couples on Hitched.co.uk.
  • 2026

Lion and Swan

Julie
Sandra
Sophie
Natalie
Kat

Recommended by 100% of couples

About this venue

On Hitched.co.uk since 2024

Last update: October 2026

Your Love Story Starts Here.

A beautifully restored 16th-century coaching inn in the heart of Congleton, Cheshire, The Lion & Swan brings together historic character, food from our AA Rosette-awarded Pecks restaurant and a party in Radley & Co, our live-music cellar bar. Our Gold and Diamond packages include 10 guest bedrooms (up to 2 guests per room) and a complimentary luxury room with breakfast for the couple, upgraded to a Signature Room with Diamond, so there’s every reason to make yourself at home.

One venue. Three experiences.

From the first arrival to the final dance, discover spaces with their own distinctive atmosphere, all within one extraordinary venue.

Your guests arrive into the Lounge, in the oldest part of the building, steeped in history. Your ceremony takes place in the indoor Terrace, before Champagne and canapés in the Terrace bar area give everyone the chance to raise a glass and enjoy the moment.

The restaurant links directly to the Terrace, making the move to your wedding breakfast feel effortless. Here, food from Pecks takes centre stage: a meal to share, savour and remember with the people who matter most.

When it’s time to celebrate, head downstairs to Radley & Co. DJs, light-up letters and room to dance are included, bringing a different energy to the evening. Alternatively, your evening reception can be held in the Terrace.

Thoughtful touches, with room to make it yours.

Our dedicated wedding team will help you explore the possibilities. Our packages can include floral touches, from your bridal bouquet to table flowers, and a wedding cake made in-house by the Pecks team, chosen from three designs.

Before the day, package touches can also include a venue tour with a glass of sparkling, a wedding breakfast menu review with the Head Chef, and complimentary dining to taste dishes and sample wines.

With 21 boutique bedrooms, from single to family rooms, there’s accommodation for the couple and guests. Refurbished in a contemporary yet sympathetic style, the rooms retain their historic charm, with Hypnos beds and ensuite bathrooms.

Weddings start at £5,000, for celebrations of 20 to 150 guests.

Come and picture your day here.

Enquire through Hitched to book a private viewing, explore the spaces and meet our wedding team, or join us at an upcoming Wedding Open Day:

  • Tuesday 27 October 2026, 5pm–8pm
  • 14 November 2026, 11am–3pm
  • 24 November 2026, 6pm–8pm

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Frequently asked questions

Venue type:

In the country
Small hotel
Pub or restaurant
Historic
Unique weddings

Ceremony options:

Civil ceremony licence

Dining options:

Seated meal facilities
Alcohol licence
Buffet meal facilities
In-house catering

Evening entertainment:

Dance floor
Entertainment licence
Live band facilities
Evening reception facilities
DJ facilities

Overnight accommodation:

Overnight accommodation for wedding couple
Overnight accommodation for guests

Venue staff assistance:

Master of ceremonies/toastmaster
Wedding coordinator

Venue leisure facilities:

Hairdresser
Beautician

Other features:

Exclusive use
Accessible facilities
Car parking
Confetti permitted
Changing room for wedding guests
Pet-friendly
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Reviews for Lion and Swan

S
Sarah Sent on 13/10/2026
5 out of 5 rating

The Most Perfect Wedding Day – I Couldn't Have Asked for More for my Daughter & Son in Law!

From the very first tour to the wedding day itself, the entire experience has been absolutely incredible. The team at The Lion & Swan made the whole wedding journey for my daughter and now son-in-law so, so easy, and as a mother of the bride, I cannot thank them enough for everything they did to make their day so special.

Liam was absolutely amazing from start to finish. He was always so helpful, attentive and thoughtful, and even introduced the speeches on the day, which was such a lovely touch. Nothing ever felt like too much trouble, and it was clear that every single detail had been carefully thought through to make sure everything ran perfectly.

The whole team worked incredibly hard, and their passion for what they do really shone through. You could see how much they genuinely cared about making the day special for us all. The flowers supplied through the venue were absolutely beautiful, the wedding cake was fantastic, and Radleys was the perfect place to continue the celebrations in the evening. Everything came together wonderfully.

We honestly couldn't have wished for a better venue or a better team to look after us. The day was everything we hoped it would be and more, and we will always look back on it with such happy memories.

A huge thank you to Liam and the entire team at The Lion & Swan for making my daughter's wedding so wonderful. If you are looking for a venue where you can feel completely looked after and enjoy every moment without worrying about the little details, I couldn't recommend them highly enough! ❤️
M
Mrswaretobe Sent on 17/10/2026
5 out of 5 rating

Liam is an amazing host!

Such a great venue!

From the moment we first walked into The Lion & Swan, we knew we wanted to get married here, and looking back, choosing this venue was one of the best decisions we made!

The whole experience was so much more than we could ever have hoped for. Planning a wedding can feel quite overwhelming at times, with so many decisions to make and so many little details to think about, but the team made everything feel exciting rather than stressful. Having someone there to guide us through the process, answer all our questions and make sure nothing was forgotten made such a difference. We always felt listened to, supported and genuinely cared about.

What we loved most was how everything came together on the day. From arriving at the venue and seeing everything beautifully prepared, to walking down the aisle, enjoying our wedding breakfast with our favourite people and celebrating late into the evening, every part of the day felt special. The transition from the elegance of the wedding breakfast to the amazing atmosphere in Radleys for our evening reception was fantastic! Our guests are still talking about how much fun they had.

It was the little things that really stood out to us. Nothing ever felt too much trouble, and the team seemed to know what we needed before we even had to ask. We were able to spend the day being present with our family and friends, rather than worrying about timings, decorations or what needed to happen next. That is something we will always be grateful for.

A huge thank you to Liam and the entire team for making the journey so enjoyable and giving us a day that felt completely our own. We didn’t just book a venue; we had a team of people who genuinely wanted our wedding to be everything we had dreamed of.

If you’re considering The Lion & Swan for your wedding, go and see it for yourselves. We would choose it all over again in a heartbeat!
E
Emma Sent on 17/10/2026
5 out of 5 rating

The most beautiful venue

If you’re looking for a wedding venue that ticks all the boxes, this one is an absolute gem! It’s genuinely one of my favourite venues to work at, and having been lucky enough to be part of so many weddings here this year, I can honestly say it’s every bit as lovely behind the scenes as it is on the day.

The venue itself is modern, pretty and beautifully maintained, with everything looking immaculate. The food is outstanding too, so your guests are definitely in for a treat!

But what really makes a wedding venue special is the team behind it, and these guys really do go above and beyond. Every member of staff is welcoming, friendly and committed to making each couple’s day incredible. A special mention has to go to Liam, the wedding coordinator, who is an absolute superstar! He makes the whole wedding planning journey feel smooth, fun and as stress free as possible, making sure couples feel supported every step of the way so they can focus on enjoying their engagement and looking forward to their big day.

As a celebrant, I love working with venues that genuinely care about their couples and understand just how much this day means to them. The atmosphere, the attention to detail and the people all make such a difference, and this venue has it all.

I’ve loved being part of so many couples’ wedding days here this year and feel so lucky to work alongside such a fantastic team. If you’re venue hunting, this one deserves a place on your list
G
Georgina Sent on 16/10/2026
5 out of 5 rating

The most perfect day from start to finish!❤️

We honestly couldn’t have asked for a more perfect experience! From the moment we first viewed the lion and swan, we knew it was somewhere special. The team were so welcoming, attentive and genuinely invested in making our day everything we had dreamed of.

Every little detail was taken care of, and the food was great. All of our guests have not stopped saying how beautiful our day was! The atmosphere in radleys was amazing! I’d definitely recommend this.

Thank you to the entire team for helping us create memories we will treasure forever. We would 100% recommend The Lion & Swan to anyone looking for a truly special wedding venue.
Julie
Julie Sent on 16/10/2026
5 out of 5 rating

A truly unforgettable wedding day!

As the mother of the bride, I cannot put into words just how special The Lion & Swan made my daughter’s wedding day. From the very first visit, we felt welcomed, looked after and completely confident that we had chosen the right venue for such an important occasion.

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming at times, but the team made the entire process feel so much easier. Every question was answered, every little detail was thought about, and nothing ever felt like too much trouble. It was such a comfort knowing that we had people who genuinely cared about making the day perfect for our daughter and her new husband.

On the wedding day itself, everything came together beautifully. The venue looked stunning, the food was delicious, and the atmosphere throughout the day was just wonderful. What stood out most was how attentive and friendly the team were, making sure everyone felt welcome and that the bride and groom could simply relax and enjoy every moment.

As a mum, seeing your daughter so happy is something you will treasure forever, and The Lion & Swan played such a special part in creating those memories. We honestly couldn't have asked for a better experience and would recommend the venue to any couple looking for somewhere truly special to celebrate their wedding.

Thank you to the entire team for helping make a day we will remember for the rest of our lives. ❤️
H
Helen Sent on 15/10/2026
5 out of 5 rating

The Most Amazing Wedding Venue! ❤️

We had the most incredible wedding at The Lion & Swan and honestly couldn't have wished for anything more! From the moment we first viewed the venue, the team made us feel so welcome and supported throughout the entire planning process.

Liam was absolutely brilliant, always on hand to answer our questions and make sure everything was exactly how we wanted it. The venue looked beautiful, the food was amazing, and our evening reception in Radleys was everything we had hoped for and more! Having so much included in our package made everything feel effortless, and our guests are still talking about what a fantastic day it was.

A huge thank you to the whole team for making our wedding so special. We would recommend The Lion & Swan to any couple looking for a venue that truly goes above and beyond! 💍🥂
C
Charlotte Sent on 15/10/2026
5 out of 5 rating

10/10 Exceptional, every part of the way.

We honestly couldn't have asked for a more perfect wedding day at The Lion & Swan. From our very first visit, we knew it was somewhere special, but the team completely exceeded every expectation we had.

Liam was absolutely fantastic throughout the entire process. He was always on hand to answer our questions, offer advice and make sure every little detail was taken care of. Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming at times, but knowing we had such a dedicated team behind us made everything so much easier and enjoyable.

The venue itself was simply stunning. We loved how everything flowed so beautifully throughout the day, from the ceremony and wedding breakfast through to the evening celebrations in Radleys. The food was delicious, the slush cocktails were great, and the evening reception was our own private nightclub!

The atmosphere was incredible, and all our guests commented on how wonderful everything was.

We were also amazed at just how much was included in our wedding package. From the canapés and champagne toast to the beautiful finishing touches, evening entertainment and complimentary bedrooms for our guests, everything was so thoughtfully considered. It made the whole experience feel incredibly special and excellent value for money, and not what we expected when we first looked around the venue...

What really made the day, though, was the team. Every member of staff was welcoming, attentive and genuinely seemed to care about making our wedding perfect. Nothing felt like too much trouble, and we were able to relax and enjoy every moment without worrying about what was happening behind the scenes.

We have so many beautiful memories from our wedding day, and we will always be grateful to Liam and the entire team at The Lion & Swan for helping make them happen.

If you're looking for a wedding venue that offers beautiful surroundings, fantastic food, an incredible party atmosphere and a team that genuinely cares, we couldn't recommend The Lion & Swan enough. Thank you for giving us the wedding day we had always dreamed of!! ❤️
Sandra
Sandra Sent on 30/09/2026
5 out of 5 rating

Fabulous Day

From start to finish service, professionalism from all staff was amazing. The venue itself is beautiful a fabulous mix of old and new. When we started our wedding journey we just wanted our day to be special and for our guests to enjoy it as much as us. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it. Nothing was too mu ch trouble. Our hopes and dreams for a perfect day came to fruition. The package offered was excellent valud for money. Included food tasting, wine tasting and our own planner on hand. Bedrooms (including breakfast) for us and our guests. Seating plan. Table setting. Stunning aisle set up. No need to dress the room. If you are getting married cannot recommend enough the Lion and Swan with its amazing staff, excellent food, wide array of high quality drinks and wonderful atmosphere.
P
Paul Sent on 16/09/2026
5 out of 5 rating

Amazing venue

My brother got married here in September and it was an absolutely brilliant day from start to finish.
The venue looked amazing and the whole team did a fantastic job. Everything was so well organised and you could tell how much work had gone into making the day special.
Getting ready at Radley’s was a real highlight for us. We had a few beers, played some pool, had bacon baps and got plenty of photos before the ceremony. It was such a relaxed way to start the day and made it even more memorable.
The whole wedding had a great atmosphere and everyone had an amazing time. Massive thanks to all the team for looking after us so well. We’ll be talking about that day for a long time.
S
Susan Sent on 28/06/2026
5 out of 5 rating

Swann Wedding Day.

We recently held our wedding at the Lion & Swan Hotel in Congleton and we couldn’t have been happier with our choice.
The Wedding Team led by Liam were professional from the start to finish, taking care of every detail and ensuring the whole day ran smoothy. Their attention to detail meant we could relax and enjoy every moment.
The food, venue and overnight accommodation were all truly 5 star. One of the biggest advantages was that everything was included in one package - from catering, flowers and wedding cake to the entertainment, venue and accommodation.
Having everything organised under one roof took away so much of the stress that comes with planning a wedding.
If you are looking for an exceptional 5 - star wedding venue in the heart of cheshire you won’t be disappointed with the Lion Hotel in Congleton.
We would highly recommend it to anyone planning their special day.
Stunning venue and food if you are after something a little different.
B
Beverley Sent on 02/06/2026
5 out of 5 rating

Sally and Normans wedding

What a fabulous day...hottest day of the year but it was airconditioned...the venue was beautiful as was the food....staff could not do enough for you...coming around filling glasses with both wine and cold bottled wster...cannot praise the place enough...highly recommend...
Sophie
Sophie Sent on 16/05/2026
5 out of 5 rating

The most beautiful venue

I couldn’t thank Liam enough for what was such a beautiful day for my husband and I. The whole process has felt easy and not stressful with Liam being on hand to help assist with the planning at every stage. The day itself felt so special, the venue just looked beautiful and the staff always helpful and friendly. We chose to have the high tea instead of the traditional wedding breakfast and this was delicious. The accommodation was really convenient and comfortable as well!
We would absolutely recommend the Lion & Swan as a venue, thank you so much to Liam and the team!
Natalie
Natalie Sent on 27/03/2026
5 out of 5 rating

Most Incredible Venue✨

I don't even know where to start with this review... Firstly, Liam, you are an absolute godsend and made every step of the process stress-free and seamless. We had our wedding reception a few weeks after we got legally married and found the Radley & Co. venue to be perfect for having a celebration with our friends and family. The venue already had everything we could possibly ask for at a very reasonable cost but Liam was extremely accommodating to any special requests we had! The team on the night were incredible and made it possible for me to relax and not stress about anything. Radley's itself is just something so different to any other venue - we had so many compliments from guests who said they would consider it for their next big event and even our balloon supplier inquired whilst she was there haha! 2 weeks on and guests are still telling us how great the venue was (and that the food was amazing) and I am so so grateful that our original venue fell through as this was just everything and more. Thank you so much again to everyone at the Lion & Swan. We will definitely use Lion & Swan and Radley's again for any future big events we have. Thank youuuuu🤍🤍
J
Jess Sent on 08/01/2026
5 out of 5 rating

Gorgeous, vibrant venue for a real feel of celebration

We wanted a one venue wedding with excellent food! Living abroad meant we needed help with planning and sorting. Liam was amazing throughout the whole process. Nothing was too much to ask. Just so so helpful.

We chose the venue initially because we loved the Radleys space downstairs with its games, pool table and different areas.

The space for the ceremony and wedding breakfast is so light and joyful. Our winter wedding felt light and warm all day. The beautiful decor and stylish furnishings meant our wedding felt modern. We knew we didn’t want anywhere too old fashioned and stuffy. So many guests have commented on how the venue was fun, vibrant and felt really personal. Rooms are gorgeous too.

We had an incredible Wedding day at The Lion and Swan. We only wish we could do it all again.
Kat
Kat Sent on 23/12/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Simply Perfect - Highly Recommend

Everything was truly perfect from start to finish. The day was nothing short of amazing—filled with so much love, laughter, and pure joy. Every detail felt thoughtful, seamless, and beautifully executed, allowing us (and our guests) to be fully present and soak in every moment.

A special mention has to go to Liam, who was absolutely amazing. From start to finish, he was professional, calm, attentive, and genuinely cared about making the day perfect. His support and attention to detail made such a difference and helped everything run effortlessly.

The Lion & Swan is an absolute gem and without a doubt a rising star in the wedding industry. Their passion, professionalism, and eye for creating unforgettable experiences really shine through. The atmosphere they create is warm, elegant, and effortlessly special.

We couldn’t have imagined a better place to celebrate such an important day. If you’re considering The Lion & Swan—do it. You’ll be in the very best hands.
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Your events

27 Oct
Open Door

Come and see The Lion & Swan for yourself at one of our upcoming Wedding Open Days!


✨ OCTOBER 27TH — 5pm–8pm

Come and explore our beautiful venue, picture your own day here, chat with our wedding team and start bringing your wedding dreams to life. 🥂💐

Whether you’re newly engaged and just starting your search, or you’ve already got the date in mind — we’d love to meet you.

📅 Save the dates.
💍 Bring your wedding vision.
🥂 Let’s start planning your perfect day.

The Lion & Swan — where your wedding story begins. 🤍

Date: From 27/10/2026 to 27/10/2026 Schedule 17:00 - 20:00
Place: Swan Bank, Congleton, Congleton, Cheshire
14 Nov
Open Door

Come and see The Lion & Swan for yourself at one of our upcoming Wedding Open Days!

✨ NOVEMBER 14TH — 11am–3pm

Come and explore our beautiful venue, picture your own day here, chat with our wedding team and start bringing your wedding dreams to life. 🥂💐

Whether you’re newly engaged and just starting your search, or you’ve already got the date in mind — we’d love to meet you.

📅 Save the dates.
💍 Bring your wedding vision.
🥂 Let’s start planning your perfect day.

The Lion & Swan — where your wedding story begins. 🤍

Date: From 14/11/2026 to 14/11/2026 Schedule 11:00 - 15:00
Place: Swan Bank, Congleton, Congleton, Cheshire
24 Nov
Open Door

Come and see The Lion & Swan for yourself at one of our upcoming Wedding Open Days!

✨ NOVEMBER 24TH — 6pm–8pm

Come and explore our beautiful venue, picture your own day here, chat with our wedding team and start bringing your wedding dreams to life. 🥂💐

Whether you’re newly engaged and just starting your search, or you’ve already got the date in mind — we’d love to meet you.

📅 Save the dates.
💍 Bring your wedding vision.
🥂 Let’s start planning your perfect day.

The Lion & Swan — where your wedding story begins. 🤍

Date: From 24/11/2026 to 24/11/2026 Schedule 18:00 - 20:00
Place: Swan Bank, Congleton, Congleton, Cheshire

Meet the team

Liam  Barnes
Liam Barnes
Lead Weddings & Events Co-ordinator

Hi, I’m Liam - Lead Wedding & Events Coordinator here at The Lion & Swan. I’ve been part of the Pear Hospitality Group for over five years now, and it’s been an incredible journey. I started out working across our restaurants and boutique hotels, which gave me a real appreciation for the detail and care that goes into every guest experience. That path naturally led me into events, and now, I’m proud to lead weddings and special occasions across the group.

A big part of my role is overseeing weddings at The Lion & Swan, our stunning 16th-century coaching inn in the heart of Congleton. It’s a venue full of character and charm, blending historic beams and rich textures with modern elegance. Think soft ambient lighting, moody jewel tones, and beautifully styled spaces that create a warm, romantic atmosphere from the moment you walk in. Whether couples are planning an intimate gathering or a full celebration, it’s such a special place to say “I do.”

I’m also incredibly honoured to have recently been named a finalist for Cheshire’s Young Person of the Year 2026, which reflects the passion and commitment I bring to everything I do within the business.

At Pear Hospitality, we’re all about thoughtful service and creating memorable experiences in unique spaces, and I absolutely love being part of that. For me, there’s nothing better than working closely with a couple to bring their ideas to life and watching it all come together on the day.

When I’m not planning weddings, I’m usually meeting with our amazing suppliers, exploring new décor ideas, or enjoying a flat white in one of our hotel lounges-usually while thinking about the next big event.

Dom Bramwell  Rowe
Dom Bramwell Rowe
Head Chef

Dom has been a valued member of the Pecks team for years, bringing a wealth of knowledge, passion and experience to our kitchen. With an incredible understanding of everything that makes Pecks special, Dom plays a huge part in creating the dining experiences our guests know and love.

More recently, Dom has brought that same passion and expertise to the world of weddings, leading our kitchen team in delivering exceptional food for couples celebrating their special day with us. From the quality of every ingredient to the finest details on the plate, Dom understands that great food is at the heart of an unforgettable wedding.

A finalist for Young Chef of the Year 2024, Dom’s talent, dedication and commitment to his craft make him a fantastic leader for our kitchen team.

We’re incredibly proud to have Dom at the helm, bringing creativity, consistency and a genuine love for quality food to every plate served at Pecks, whether it’s an intimate dinner or a wedding day to remember.

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Map

Swan Bank, Congleton CW12 1AH Congleton (Cheshire)
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