The Swan

Getting it right where so many gastropubs miss the mark, The Swan is madly popular. It could be the look of the place – still very pubby with plenty of drinkers as well as diners crammed indoors, spilling out into the huge garden in warm weather. Or maybe it’s the feel of the place – helpful & friendly staff welcome City types, artists, builders or anyone who happens to be rubbing shoulders with them. Perhaps it’s down to the food – simple but well-executed cooking with great ingredients, from a generous plate of antipasti featuring roast fillet of pork, fried mozzarella & poached cod with a punch-packing aioli to a paprika-laced Portuguese fish stew or a massive grilled rib-eye steak cooked as ordered & served with potato & squash gratin. It’s all decently priced, as is the quirky, New World-based wine list, &, what’s more, the garden is an ideal space for children.