Victoria’s third oldest microbrewery is reaching out to industry stalwarts as it seeks to modernize its operations and remain relevant in a changing neighbourhood, Citified has learned.

The operator of Swans Brewpub, situated in the historic Swans Hotel complex on Store Street at Pandora Avenue, has been in discussions with publican Matt McNeil of Vic Pub Co. (operator of Irish Times, Bard and Banker and Penny Farthing pubs) and brewer Matt Phillips of Phillips Brewing and Malting Company, to assess the best way forward for the 27-year-old pub.

"[We've spoken with] local hospitality success stories to hear their comments and suggestions on how to best ensure the profitability of the property going forward," said Peter Kuran, President and CEO of UVic Properties.

The news comes amid rumours that two of Victoria’s industry icons, McNeil and Phillips, have been eying the Swans Brewpub space for a future project, a possibility that has caught the imagination of Victorians enamoured by the prospect of such a partnership.

While Kuran has not confirmed exactly how far discussions have progressed or if the duo are indeed setting up to acquire the operating rights to the pub, he maintains that whatever happens, there are no plans to outright sell the pub to another operator.

"[We are] not selling the property, just trying to ensure it is best positioned for success given the dramatically changing landscape around it," Kuran said, adding that with the volume of development activity occurring throughout Victoria’s Old Town and Chinatown areas, the brewpub space must remain relevant and in-step with its changing neighbourhood.

The news comes on the heels of several brewers expressing interest in plans for a brewpub kitty-corner from the Save-on-Foods Memorial Arena on the ground floor of an upcoming 15-storey residential tower, dubbed Hudson Walk Two. At least one local brewer has been confirmed by the project developer as having eyed the space, although no formal leasing negotiations have begun. C

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