The Swan Inn - Swinbrook - BURFORD

The food was excellent. our party of four commented that in each section of the menu several things we would have chosen. the presentation and the eating itself were really good. the atmosphere is really blooming and funny, but not so loud that they can not have simple talks. we were there in winter and the fire and the cozy charm of the pub made it the perfect frame for a very special evening. we loved it absolutely!

Friends had recommended the Swan. We went for a valentine’s day lunch and the experience was very poor. The noise of crashing dishes in the kitchen was unacceptable. My starter of Broccoli and Stilton soup was foul and had to be sent back, they did take this from the bill, but this wasn’t the quality of food we were expecting. The main courses were also terrible. My wife’s fish cakes appeared to be reheated from the day before, they were rock hard and I could have used my burger to re-sole my boots. The mayonnaise came with a thick skin on it. The service was slow and distinctly average. There are much better places to eat in the surrounding area.

A beautiful pub on the outside, a little too modern on the inside for my taste, which compromises the atmosphere. The staff were friendly and efficient but ultimately I thought the food was expensive for what is was.

First time I have been to The Swan at Swinbrook and I would definitely go again. The food was delicious and the staff were efficient and friendly. One suggestion, whilst I am a huge fan of dogs and I have one myself, there was a dog in the restaurant that barked consistently throughout our meal which led us to leave earlier than we would have done normally, whilst I appreciate this is not The Swan’s fault I don’t think it would have been unreasonable to ask the owner to take the dog out for a while until it settled down or put it in the car (as long as this didn’t cause stress to the dog). It is difficult for diners to thoroughly enjoy a meal with a dog constantly barking And I noted other diners getting irritated also. I would however come back again and hope there wasn’t another barking dog!

We had a wonderful lunch at the Swan. The atmosphere and decor is elegant but comfortable and the service impeccable. Everything we ate was wonderful I had the hake as my main course and loved the combination of flavours and textures, particularly the kipper potato cake which I would happily eat on its own. I chose the affogato for dessert because it’s a favourite of mine and I wasn’t disappointed but I did experience a bit of pudding envy when my family described their rhubarb fool desserts as the best they had ever had! We were very pleased with the selection of wine which was available in a half litre carafe. I would definitely return again and we have already talked about staying next time so we could explore the wine list further.