He said instead of paying sky-high prices, diners should be able to eat at the Swan for around £30 per head. The menu will be based on “British classics” such as fish and chips and steak and ale pie.

It’s what White describes as “real food, food that goes well with a pint”.

“It’s designed to be eaten with a pint, not a glass of wine,” he added.

Typical dishes on the Swan’s first menu include fishcakes (£7.50) to start and Lancashire Hot Pot (£13) for main course.

White’s team has revamped the inside to, he says, enhance its original features.

The Doubletree is also being prepared ahead of a planned first night on Friday.

On the Swan’s re-fit, White said: “We’re trying to keep as many original features as possible. Then what you do is create an environment that’s encouraging, not intimidating.

“You’ve one of two options. You decide whether you’re a pub that serves food or a restaurant that serves pints. We’re a restaurant that serves pints.

“I’d like to see every sector of society there. I don’t like anything that’s tribal.”

So is the Swan just another “gastro pub”?

White is indignant: “I don’t like the name gastro pub. When you think of all these gastro pubs, they’re all trying too hard and they don’t really deliver.

“I think a pub should be straight forward and honest. If you have a good steak, it’s a good steak.”