Sad news from Hillcrest is that the popular Swan & Rail Restaurant was burnt down yesterday (September 28). ArtSMart does not have details of the extent of the damage yet but watch this space.

This is devastating news, both to the owners but also to entertainer Peter Maxwell who opened with his show there on September 15. “Just before the festivities of the end of 1999, it is a bitter blow to the owners, and myself.”

Another possible loss is that much of the memorabilia in the venue may have been destroyed as well as those items that have been added to create an atmosphere for Peter Maxwell’s show. The room was decorated by hand-drawn pictures of musical instruments and a copy of the familiar Jock Leyden cartoon which he has used for many years in his adverts.