Two years on from a major rebrand, one Swindon pub is continuing to bringing the community together with pints, pool and pub quizzes.

The Wichel Inn in East Wichel was formerly known as The Bayberry, but changed its name in November 2021 when the place was completely renovated.

Owners Marstons hoped at the time that the new name and new look would help to place the relatively new pub at the centre of the Wichelstowe community, and it has done exactly that.

Chatting with the Adver over the bar, manager Will Bores said: "What did the Bayberry even mean, you know? If the name had significance then it wasn't something the community were aware of.

"But The Wichel represents that we are a pub for the community of Wichelstowe and in the heart of the community.

"Unlike a lot of the pubs in Swindon and Wiltshire, we're relatively new and the building was only built in 2012, so we're really forging our own path instead of relying on history and tradition."

Swindon Advertiser: Staff at The Wichel say the rebrand was important to show they are in the community and for the community.Staff at The Wichel say the rebrand was important to show they are in the community and for the community. (Image: Newsquest)

Swindon Advertiser: Manager Will Bores (second from right) is continuing to take The Wichel from strength to strength.Manager Will Bores (second from right) is continuing to take The Wichel from strength to strength. (Image: Keith Meatheringham)

Since the 2021 rebrand, the clientele at The Wichel has completely changed as the pub has opened itself up to a wider range of people.

"The older ages still come in like they used to but we have a lot more younger people now," said Will.

"I think it's because our pub offers a bit of everything really - we've got a real focus on sports and big events like live music, bingo and quiz nights, but also times where people just come for a quiet pint.

"We have seven or eight sports teams regularly come in and use our pubs as a base.

"We regularly get involved with The Stowe as well and we've really tried to cement ourselves into the community."

Swindon Advertiser: The modern East Wichel pub offers sports screenings, pool, darts, pub quizzes and even bingo.The modern East Wichel pub offers sports screenings, pool, darts, pub quizzes and even bingo. (Image: Newsquest)

Not even the cost of living crisis can turn pub-goers away from this place now.

The manager explained that despite having to put prices up as the cost of running a pub increases, customers are still keen to come in and just opt for the cheaper drinks instead.

"We need to put the prices up sadly as the cost of living has hit all pubs really hard, but we try and make things as affordable as possible and always offer cheaper drink alternatives.

"We also put out daily deals for a drink and a meal at a lowered price, so there's something on offer for the whole community."