OakNorth provides £10m loan for Mad Swans hospitality venture

OakNorth, the digital bank for entrepreneurs, by entrepreneurs, has provided a £10 million loan to Longshot III Ltd to support the launch and development of Mad Swans, a new hospitality and leisure concept reimagining underperforming countryside golf clubs as activity-led destinations.

The financing will fund further development of Mad Swans’ two flagship sites in the Mendips and the South Downs. Each location combines a redesigned 12-hole golf course with a mix of sport, wellness and hospitality, including padel and pickleball courts, driving ranges, eco-cabins, and destination dining. The concept aims to modernise traditional leisure spaces, creating relaxed, inclusive venues that welcome all ages, abilities and backgrounds while blending countryside sport with boutique accommodation and standout food and drink.

Mad Swans is backed by Joel Cadbury and Oliver Vigors through Longshot Limited, which they founded in 1994. Longshot develops, owns and operates leisure facilities across hospitality, health and fitness, educational entertainment and media clubs. The transaction marks OakNorth’s third deal with Cadbury and Vigors, following its support for Bel & The Dragon and Beaverbrook.

“OakNorth has been a true partner to us for several years – supportive, strategic, and commercially minded at every stage,” said Joel Cadbury, Co-Founder of Longshot.

“From Bel & The Dragon to Beaverbrook and now Mad Swans, they’ve backed our vision and moved at the pace entrepreneurs need. For hospitality entrepreneurs who want to move fast with a banking partner that will genuinely be there come rain or shine, there’s no other bank we’d recommend. We’re thrilled to have their continued support as we bring something genuinely new to the UK’s leisure landscape.”

“Mad Swans challenges the status quo of golf and wellness by bringing together lifestyle, sport and hospitality in a way that’s relevant and inspiring. The team’s vision, track record and execution speak for themselves, and we’re delighted to deepen our partnership as they scale.”