The first outpost Mad Swans, in the Mendips, launches 1 October
Welcome to Mad Swans, a new countryside hangout redefining modern hospitality with eco-cabin stays, 12-hole golf, padel and pickleball, a driving range, putt patch, darts and more – opening 1st October 2025. Mad Swans’ first outpost will be situated amid the rolling Mendip Hills, just 40 minutes from Bristol Temple Meads and 30 minutes from Bath Spa.
Designed to spark real human connection, this playful new hotel and lifestyle concept reimagines social spaces as vibrant, inclusive hubs – where play transcends age and experience. Promising to transform the stuffy golf clubhouses of the past into lively neighbourhood spaces with fresh design, great food, and an open-armed welcome.
Constructed by the most formidable names in the hospitality industry, the whole venture originates from Joel Cadbury and Ollie Vigors (the duo behind Beaverbrook and the Bel & Dragon). It includes creative input from multi-Michelin starred chef and strategic investor, Ollie Dabbous. A countryside golf destination, Mad Swans is built around a 12-hole course was recently renovated by internationally renowned architects Mackenzie & Ebert, the team behind the transformations at Royal Portrush, Royal St George’s, Turnberry and advisers to eight of the ten Open Championship venues.
Golf: A New Take on the Classic Game
12-Hole Golf – Embracing the history and heritage of the game, the course at Mad Swans marks a return to golf’s roots, where the first ever Open Championship in 1860 was played on a 12-hole course. Redefined for the modern player, Mad Swans’ 12-hole course is a format that’s quicker, more flexible, and built around the lifestyle of today’s golfer.
The 12-hole movement is quickly gaining momentum, backed by leading golf figures such as Sir Nick Faldo, Jack Nicolaus and Tiger Woods, it challenges seasoned golfers and newcomers desire without demanding an entire day, all while balancing a relaxed, social spirit.
The course was recently renovated by Mackenzie & Ebert, the world-renowned architects behind icons such as Royal Portrush, Royal St George’s and Turnberry. They advise many of the world’s most highly ranked courses, including eight of the ten (British) Open venues. Thoughtfully crafted to allow you to play 6, 12 or 18 holes, this course delivers an experience on pristine fairways that is authentic, challenging and refreshingly changeable.
Pickleball & Padel – Mad Swans brings two of the world’s fastest-growing sports to the Mendips with three high-spec courts, each designed for play at every level. Expert coaches are on hand for 1-2-1 or group sessions.
Putt Patch – Mini golf with maximum energy. Creative, colourful, and lively, it’s perfect for kids, couples, or competitive friends.
Swing Barn – A fully covered, all-weather driving range where golf meets socialising. Each bay is its own private hangout, complete with comfy sofa seating, unlimited balls. Order creative cocktails, craft beers, and quality wines straight to your bay and enjoy a menu of delicious food whilst you play. It’s the perfect place to refuel and enjoy a game together or enjoy some quiet time on your own mastering that swing.
Darts – Get involved in traditional British pub darts with the excitement of augmented reality technology – designed for all levels.
Shuffleboard – The beauty of shuffleboard is in its simplicity, updated through AR. There’s no party too big for shuffle, and it’s a game where you can sit back and enjoy a drink even when you’re not in the action.
Eat & Drink: From Hearty Plates to Social Snacks
Food is at the heart of the Mad Swans experience and promises to be exceptional with a menu designed by celebrated chef Ollie Dabbous. The main restaurant, The Potting Shed, serves food as bucolic as its surroundings: countryside classics with a creative twist, all made with fantastic produce from local suppliers. Mad Swans’ other restaurant, The Hangout serves crisp, house-made pizzas (from £12), indulgent desserts, and inventive cocktails.
Both the indoor and outdoor spaces are designed for sharing and socialising, with a veranda vantage point which allows parents or friends to relax with a drink while still watching loved ones on the Putt Patch or pickleball court.
Stay: Nestled in Nature
Mad Swans eco cabins are tucked into nature and designed for simple, restorative stays. Looking out across the sprawling lands around Mad Swans, options include twin and double cabins.
Thoughtful details, modern comforts and a palette of greens, blues with pops of red create a small but perfectly formed retreat. The eco cabins feature large windows that frame the surrounding nature, queen-sized beds, a walk-in shower, radio player, and refreshment facilities. Amenities are supplied by Bramley, the award-winning British brand that reinforces the focus on sustainability and wellbeing.
From October, eight cabins will be available for guests at Mad Swans to enjoy, with further additions planned in the months ahead. Selected cabins are fully accessible.
For The Whole Family
Whether you are 8 or 80, Mad Swans has been intentionally developed to welcome a wide range of ages and sporting abilities, with the ambition of taking time out in nature, away from screens and with one another. Whether it’s having a first go at padel, pickle or golf, learning tips and tricks from the coaches on site, or bedding down for an afternoon in the boardgames room, there’s plenty to keep families occupied.
The eco-cabins can be paired together with a shared living space, welcoming up to 8 guests, and The Hangout’s ice-cream bar will keep kids coming back for more, where guests can choose from a number of flavours, toppings, sauces and extra surprises.
The Gym
The Mad Swans gym features the latest Matrix equipment and is designed for both guests and locals seeking a flexible, no-pressure space to move. Monthly memberships are available at £45 per month, including a range of classes, and day passes are also offered for those looking to drop in.
Sustainability & Community
Sustainability is key, with energy-efficient practices, recycling, plans for solar panels, EV charging, and eco-bikes. Biodiversity is nurtured through rewilding, tree planting, beehives, and wildflower meadow restoration.
Community engagement extends through partnerships with schools and charities, golf and nature education programmes, and dedicated spaces for wellbeing. Kitchen gardens provide herbs and edible flowers for the menu, complemented by responsibly sourced local produce, while retail products are carefully chosen for their sustainability.
Stays are available from £195 a night and include full access to the on-site gym. Dogs are welcome.
For more information about Mad Swans, please visit: www.madswans.com