Often numbered 1f or 1g, Mill Lane. The Mill Lane Tavern was built in 1867 as an auction notice of November of that year announced: ‘For sale newly erected public house and brewhouse, occupied by Mr Barrows.’
It seems it wasn’t sold, as in July 1870, another advert declared: ‘For sale known by the sign of the Swan Mill Tavern, corner of Cromwell St/Mill Lane, occupied by William Burrows.’
The’ Swan Mill Lane Tavern’ name was only used when advertising the beerhouse for sale in 1870. The area on which the pub was built was known as Swan Mill. The area also had a sports ground where Leicester Fosse would play during the 1890s. Crowds of 3,000 were reported to have attended football games at the Mill Lane ground.
Admission was 3d, boys 1d, ladies free. Fosse winger and striker, William Dorrell (47 goals in 116 appearances), kept the Mill Lane Tavern circa 1900-06. His son, William Dorrell Jnr, also played for Leicester City in 1919.
Closed in 1912 under the Compensation Act. Everards Brewery and tenant at the time, John Smith, receiving payment. It possibly carried on as an off licence. A photo of Mill Lane, circa 1950s, shows the building still as a shop and still with Mill Lane Tavern painted on the front.
Other licensees of note were, John Twilley circa 1874. Isaac Stanton, circa 1876. Mark Hibbett, circa 1879. John Coltman, circa 1887. William Withers, circa 1892.