José Pizarro The Swan Inn Esher

Warm, friendly and guaranteed to turn out something delicious, the kitchen at this smartened-up pub at the edge of Esher is owned by stellar chef José Pizarro, who took over from previous owner Claude Bosi in the spring of 2019.

The Swan Inn is the fourth restaurant in the acclaimed chef’s repertoire, and while it maintains its Surrey pub feel, the place has been given José’s Spanish stamp in the form of tasty tapas made using the best Spanish ingredients alongside locally sourced produce.

The à la carte menu includes the likes of croquetas, tortillas and jamón Ibérico, as well as pub classics which have been given a José twist, such as the Scotch egg with butifarra negra, and the prawn fritters with lemon allioli and coriander.

Elsewhere there are larger sharing dishes including pork belly and pumpkin paella, Estrella Damm fish and chips, and pork belly and chorizo hotpot. Vegetarians aren’t left out, thanks to additions such as pan con tomate, Padrón peppers, and grilled aubergine with Montenebro cheese.

Dessert-wise, diners can expect classic Spanish rice pudding served with cinnamon ice cream, a chocolate pot with candied orange zest and meringue, or a selection of Spanish cheeses. At the bar, there’s a selection of real ales and draft beers to choose from, while the wine list is predominantly Spanish. A good selection of gins and a tempting cocktail list fill in the gaps.

Early risers can enjoy breakfast at the Inn, while those looking to make a night of it – perhaps after a day at the races – can bunk down in one of six cosy rooms found in a converted barn next door. The Swan Inn’s outdoor kitchen allows for food to be cooked over open fires in the warmer months and served on the charming terrace.

Located in the town of Esher, Surrey, The Swan Inn is the fourth restuarant from stellar chef José Pizarro who took over from previous owner Claude Bosi in the spring of 2019. 

A modern pub that also features boutique, en-suite rooms in the neighbouring barn-conversion, The Swan Inn has a distinct British pub feel with an authentic Spanish twist courtesy of José’s individual style. 

Mixing both cultures, guests will experience delicious Spanish classics that merge traditional Spanish ingredients alongside locally sourced produce. The à la carte menu features tapas dishes like croquetas, tortillas, potatas bravas and Jamón Ibérico as well as British classics with that Spanish twist through the likes of a scotch egg spiced with Spanish chorizo.

For larger dishes, the menu starts with a traditional paella, not forgetting a vegetarian version of the Spanish classic. In true British-pub style, the other option is fish and chips, beer-battered in Estrella Damm for that Spanish influence. 

While focused on the Spanish-style, The Swan Inn does not neglect the traditional British sunday roast with the choice between free-range chicken or roasted pork belly served alongside all the typical side dishes. 

In terms of dessert, the Inn sticks with the classic theme, serving both a Spanish rice pudding with an apple and blackberry compote as well as the British favourite of sticky toffee pudding with a simple toffee sauce and vanilla ice cream. However, if you don't have a sweet tooth, diners can enjoy a Spanish cheese selection as well as a great variety of dessert wines and cocktails, including espresso martinis and sangria. 

The bar offers an array of Spanish wines, sherries and brandies as well as a wider selection of beers, ciders and gins.  

If evening diners wish to extend their stay, The Swan Inn has six boutique rooms located next door to the pub. For an early-morning visit, the Inn also offers breakfast and brunch menus. During the summer, the garden terrace allows for outdoor tapas barbeques with the covered, heated booths ensuring guests are not restricted from the garden in the winter.