by Jackie Nunnery –
When guests enter Lottsburg’s Cygnets restaurant, 2816 Northumberland Highway, they immediately see the bones and character of Watkins General Store, circa 1921. The original wood floors, tin ceilings and shelving-lined walls provide a charming backdrop a century later; and like its retail predecessor, offers a welcoming social center for Lottsburg and the surrounding community.
“I drove by this place so many times and knew it would be a good location,” owner Keith Swann said of the building, which he purchased with wife, Holly, in 2020. Together, the husband and wife team renovated and opened Cygnets in August 2021. The Swanns, who have family ties to the area, moved to the Northern Neck from North Carolina in 2008.
While this is their first restaurant, K. Swann is no stranger to the business. He started out at 15 and has done it all from washing dishes and cooking to tending bar. Now 34 years later, their restaurant offers classic American cuisine, featuring everything from soups, salads and sandwiches for lunch; “cygnature” favorites like blackened chicken or shrimp and grits for dinner; and an ever changing list of specials.
K. Swann relishes the family-like ties made with staff and “everyone that walks in the door.” That family atmosphere extends to the menu “which caters to everybody” and includes selections for the younger than 10 crowd.
While all that lends itself to a casual atmosphere, Cygnets also hosts special occasions like birthdays, engagements and anniversaries. With names like “The Nook,” “Curtis Cove” and “The Postal Office Room” (the 1940s post office addition), spaces are tucked away so that groups both large and small can gather to celebrate. A full selection bar with fire-side seating and “cygnature” spirits, is at the heart of the eatery and a cozy place to grab a drink before a meal.
So what’s the name? The Swanns often called their three children cygnets, which are baby swans. “It seems fitting to name the restaurant after them,” said H. Swann.
Cygnets is open from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Reservations are recommended on weekends, 529-1021. To-go service also is available.
