- Mad Swans reimagines underperforming golf clubs as activity-led leisure destinations with sport, wellness, and hospitality at their core;
- Its two flagship sites include a 12-hole golf, eco-cabins, padel, pickleball, driving ranges, and destination dining;
- This marks OakNorth’s third transaction with Joel Cadbury & Ollie Vigors, following previous support for Bel & The Dragon and Beaverbrook.
London, 9th February, 2026: OakNorth – the digital bank for entrepreneurs, by entrepreneurs – has provided a £10m loan to Longshot III Ltd to support its latest project, Mad Swans – a new concept combining leisure, sport, hospitality, and wellness, across a collection of repurposed countryside golf clubs.
The financing enables further development of the group’s two flagship sites – Mad Swans in the Mendips and Mad Swans in the South Downs. Each site features a redesigned 12-hole golf course, alongside a range of activities including padel, pickleball, driving ranges, eco-cabins, and destination dining. The concept is rooted in Longshot’s belief that traditional leisure spaces can be reimagined for modern lifestyles – welcoming all ages, fitness levels, and backgrounds. Mad Swans aims to create relaxed, inclusive venues that blend countryside sport with boutique accommodation, and exceptional food and drink.
Founded in 1994 by Joel Cadbury and business partner Oliver Vigors, Longshot Limited develops, owns, and operates leisure facilities including restaurants, children’s educational entertainment centres, health and fitness clubs and media clubs. This deal marks the third time OakNorth has supported Joel Cadbury, having previously backed his ventures Bel & The Dragon and Beaverbrook.
Joel Cadbury, Co-Founder of Longshot, commented: “OakNorth has been a true partner to us for several years – supportive, strategic, and commercially minded at every stage. 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 that want to move at speed with a banking partner that will genuinely be there come rain or shine, there’s no other bank we’d recommend other than OakNorth. We’re thrilled to have their continued support as we bring something genuinely new to the UK’s leisure landscape.”
Deepesh Thakrar, Managing Director of Debt Finance at OakNorth, added: “Joel and Ollie are serial innovators in the leisure and hospitality space, and world class entrepreneurs. Their latest venture in Mad Swans challenges the status quo of golf and wellness, 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.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
About OakNorth
Launched in September 2015 and founded by entrepreneurs, OakNorth is a digital bank focused on serving and empowering breakthrough businesses – profitable and scaling lower-mid-market companies – who are too often overlooked by traditional banks.
To date, it has provided $21bn to these businesses across a wide range of sectors, achieving performance metrics that place it amongst the top 1% of commercial banks globally. Its loans have directly contributed to the creation of 61,000 jobs, and over 38,000 new homes across the UK and the US – the majority of which are affordable and social housing.
It is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
Visit www.oaknorth.co.uk for more information.
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