Swansea Restaurant Owners Excited to Open New Pub & Event Space This Week

After five years of renovations and planning, Lynn and Jack Tickle are finally sounding the alarm on the Grand Opening of their new spot in Swansea.

Since 2014, The Tickles have run The Aviary off Grand Army Highway, and on  April 18, they opened the doors to The Rookery Pub, The Aviary’s casual neighbor.

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Tickles Gift Shop Becomes The Rookery

For 30 years, Tickle's gift shop was open on Grand Army Highway, and in 2014, Lynn and Jack Tickle opened The Aviary next door, an upscale, sit-down restaurant known for mouthwatering meals including salmon and filet mignon. While the Aviary was doing well, it was clear that Swansea was looking for a more laid-back atmosphere with plenty of event space.

“(Since we opened the Aviary) [w]e have been getting 10, 12 inquiries a week from customers about baby showers, bridal showers, birthday parties. ... We just never had room to accommodate that,” Lynn said.

To satisfy the community’s demand, their attention turned to Tickle's. The family closed it down in 2018 and began putting plans in motion for The Rookery Pub. One pandemic and a few renovations later, they are finally hanging up the “Now Open” sign.

What to Expect at The Rookery Pub

The Rookery Pub will be the perfect hang-out spot for patrons looking to pull up a barstool and have a high-quality meal. It will serve American pub food and offer a relaxed, cozy vibe.

“It will be typical American fare with some interesting twists,” Lynn said.

The Rookery will take up one-third of the new place, and the rest will be divided into two event spaces to accommodate any type of party.

One room will be able to host up to 50 people and the other will be able to host up to 80.

“We are really excited to get it open,” Lynn said. “It’s been a long road and I’m just excited to see people enjoy themselves and celebrate their special occasions with us.”