Local businesspeople Isobel and Paul Swift has been honoured with the Influential Couple of the Year 2025 Award, celebrating more than 25 years of service as a licensed landlord in the private sector and their enduring contribution to community life on the Wirral.
Isobel and Paul, a well-respected figure in Prenton, has spent more than two decades at the helm of The Saddle Club – a venue that has quietly built a reputation for exceptional hospitality and warm, personal service. Over the years, they transformed the club into a thriving social hub, hosting everything from weddings and birthday celebrations to anniversaries, community gatherings, and memorial events.
What sets Isobel and Paul apart is not just their business acumen but their dedication to people. They always believed that a venue is more than bricks and mortar; it’s the atmosphere, the welcome, and the memories made there. Their approach has ensured The Saddle Club is a place where guests from all walks of life feel at home – whether they’re attending a formal wedding ceremony, sharing a quiet pint, or celebrating life’s big moments.
The venue itself has evolved under Isobel and Paul’s leadership to meet the needs of a modern, diverse community. It has become one of Merseyside’s most inclusive wedding venues, especially for LGBTQ+ couples, offering affordable, bespoke packages without compromising on quality or care. Many couples return to celebrate their anniversaries, a testament to the club’s lasting role in their lives.
Beyond weddings, The Saddle Club has become a go-to location for milestone occasions – from christenings and baby showers to retirement parties and charity events. Its welcoming spaces, including two bars and a generous beer garden, lend themselves to both intimate gatherings and lively celebrations.
Isobel and Paul’s recognition comes not only from their longevity in the private sector but also from their adaptability in a changing industry. Over the years, they navigated shifts in licensing laws, changing customer expectations, and the challenges faced by the hospitality sector – including the impact of the pandemic – all while maintaining a loyal customer base.
On receiving the award, Isobel and Paul said:
The Influential Businessman Award acknowledges individuals who have made a significant and sustained contribution to their sector and their community. In Isobel and Paul’s case, it reflects not only decades of professional commitment but also the countless small acts of service that have earned them the respect and trust of those they serve.
As The Saddle Club looks ahead, Isobel and Paul remains committed to maintaining its place as a cornerstone of the community – a venue where people can gather, celebrate, and feel at home, whether for a wedding, a family occasion, or simply a quiet drink among friends.
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The Saddle Club
