Food & Hospitality · Swindon
Popular pub near Swindon confirms month-long closure for family commitments
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
The Freke Arms has temporarily closed its doors until late November, with the new owners promising a return with a refreshed menu for the festive season.
The Freke Arms, a popular pub located just outside Swindon, has announced a temporary closure for the next month to accommodate the personal commitments of its landlords.
Greg and Vicki, who took over the reins of the venue in August 2026, confirmed on social media that the pub shut its doors on Sunday, October 26. The establishment is expected to remain closed until November 20.
The current owners reopened the site this summer, returning it to its original name after it had previously operated as the Grill On The Hill. Since their arrival, the pub has quickly established itself in the community, with the landlords reporting that they were regularly fully booked during their opening month.
While the physical doors remain closed for the next few weeks, the owners have confirmed that they will continue to monitor emails and process bookings for future visits. Guests hoping to secure a table for the upcoming festive period are encouraged to reach out online during the closure.
In a message to their patrons, Greg and Vicki stated: We will be back - with some new menu additions and ready for a fantastic Christmas. We will still answer emails and take bookings.
The pub, which has become known for its home-cooked menu including steak and ale pie and chicken schnitzel, plans to expand its operational hours once the festive season begins. The landlords noted that they will be open every Tuesday throughout December to accommodate additional demand.
The Freke Arms typically operates from Wednesday to Saturday between 12pm and 3pm and 6pm and 10pm, with Sunday service running from 12pm to 5pm. Customers should check for any further updates on the pub's official social media channels before planning their return visit after the November 20 reopening date.
Source: Swindon Advertiser · View original