The Swan at Streatley

We went to the Swan for lunch today – what a mistake. It wasn't particularly busy, but the service was awful. Several people sitting out on the terrace were also complaining. The staff were running around like headless chickens, with seemingly no direction.The food was less than average – very disappointing because I was really looking forward to it. We both opted for the burger and chips – horrible burger (don't let the description in the menu fool you) and soggy, greasy chips. It is such a shame, because the setting is beautiful on the river. We will not be going back!

We were not expecting much of the food while staying for a night in a British hotel in the off season. However, the Swan at Streatley tuned out to be exceptional. The Foie gras and chicken liver parfait with chopped Sauterne jelly was wonderfully light and full of flavour. The sauce Gribiche with the gougeons of sole had bite texture and tang. Roast cod on a bed of risotto nero with perfect peppers and accompanied by sampfire was a true delight. The pan fried duck, a perfect pink, accompanied by a beetroot puree was a classic with a twist. The wine list too is interesting and varied and a bottle of Graves for under thirty pounds offered excellent value. All staff knew their roles and acted them impeccably but unobtrusively, showing a service orientation that is hard to find these days. Breakfast was a perfect example of how a morning should start on a dull February day. We look forward to dinner again tonight and hope to return in future.