Swan Chapel Down

Arron B

My partner and I were visiting a friend for my birthday and decided to do the wine tour at Chapel Down, which was excellent. We decided to complete our day by having lunch at the Swan afterwards. We wish we hadn't bothered, the experience completely ruined our day. Our table was booked for 2.30, upon entering we were told 10 minutes and to go to the bar to get a drink and wait. It was a busy bank holiday Monday so we let the first bit of rudeness slide. We stood at the bar whilst the staff were making drinks for the tables 3 staff, none of which even acknowledged we were there. After 5 minutes we were finally acknowledged and the polite young waited said he'd be with us as soon as he could. 5 minutes later we were finally served our drinks. I asked for a Hendricks Gin, cranberry and cucumber, the manger came behind him and said “what is that!” The poor guy was shaking so much when he told the manger it was for me. The manger just walked off. 35 minutes after our table was booked and other customers who had come in afterwards were sat before us we were about to ask how much longer we would have to wait for our table when the rude manger told us to follow him, no apology what so ever. We sat at our table a for 5 minutes before we even got the menus and were asked if we wanted any drinks. We placed our order and all decided to have starters and mains as it was a birthday treat hoping the food would offset the poor service, unfortunately it did not. I ordered the smoked trout, described as coming with pickled cucumber and fennel, it did not. Smoked trout with a few pea shoots and some bland dressing. My friend opted for the lobster and crab chowder, it presentation was something you'd expect to find in a soup kitchen and it was Luke warm at best. My partner had the crispy pork terrine which was actually ok. Mains I thought I'd try the roast loin of pork with roast potatoes, buttered Savoy cabbage and apple and thyme sauce. I was presented with pork, potatoes, broccoli and carrots, no cabbage or sauce, the meat was tender, the potatoes were vile. My friend had skate wing which was so oily and over cooked it was practically indelible. My partner had the roast lamb with braised baby gem and a nicoise garnish and olive dressing. You guessed it he received over cooked lamb, broccoli and carrots. All for £17. Unless vegetables at the swan are going through an identity crisis or the chef has no idea what item of food are then they should be done under the trade descriptions act. The food was poor at best and I think the chef should try a job that is less challenging to him. Our whole experience at the Swan left us leaving £120 lighter and with a bitter taste in our mouths but that may have also been down to bitter burnt gravy we were served with the roast. We popped to waitrose afterwards to buy a light supper, better food and the staff were nicer.