LONGS BAR

86/87 Victoria Road Old Town SN1 3BB

Tel: 01793 534519

Website: www.longs-bar.co.uk

WHAT’S IT LIKE?

From Victoria Road it appears to be a rather narrow building, but it stretches back along the length of Union Row to re-emerge as what appears to be an end-of-terrace house in Belle Vue Road.

In fact, the original Belle Vue pub — it was renamed Longs just a few years ago — was the portion that stood in Belle Vue Road.

The part of the building that fronts on to Victoria Road was once a brewery, built by Philip Cockbill in 1863. When Philip died in 1873, his son William put the business up for sale in 1877.

Arkell’s stepped in, closed the brewery and turned it round opening a beerhouse on Victoria Road. The former pub was put to various uses. At one time it was the base of the Royal Navy Club.

Longs, which has a back bar available for private hire and a conservatory, recently underwent an extensive refurbishment.

WHO GOES THERE?

Today’s customers enjoy a wine bar-style establishment with a reputation as one of the most popular venues in Swindon’s bustling Old Town.

From office workers after a spot of lunch to young people flocking to the bar for a cocktail in the evenings, Longs attracts a diverse clientele.

PRICES Carling £3.70, San Miguel £4, Guinness £3.90. A small glass of house wine is £3.80. A large glass is £5.15.