November 2023 by Allison C.
We had an impromptu dinner at Swan a few weeks ago when we were going to the Globe Theatre. Although we didn't have a reservation, it was early in the evening, and we were seated in the upstairs dining room. The bar downstairs was lively, crowded and very noisy. Upstairs was quiet, and it had a great view of the Thames and the city. I had fish that was delicious, and my partner had duck. I wasn't very hungry, but the server let me order just a main rather than an entire meal. Nevertheless, I ended up sharing my partner's white chocolate raspberry tart that was so good we found a recipe and made it at home (though it wasn't quite as good as Swan's). Swan is a very nice restaurant whether you're going to the Globe or not!
October 2023 by BillyGates
Service was very slow. Skinny chips (fries) way over salted. Beetroot burger required a fork and knife to eat on the tiny plate and just plain weird.
September 2023 by Maggeeee
very disappointing for a restaurant that has a hard-to-beat location with great views of the Thames and St Paul's, right next to Shakespeare's Globe. The food was average or slightly below and the service was poor - we were at the table for 50 minutes before any wine arrived (and they had taken about 30 minutes to come and take an order). If it had been just me and my husband, I think we might have got up and walked out. I think the restaurant either didn't have enough staff, or else they didn't have a clear idea of what constitutes acceptable service. The bar below the restaurant seemed very busy and with a more 'happening' kind of vibe than the restaurant, and maybe that's the where the money is and thus the restaurant plays second fiddle - I don't know, that's just a guess. Still, such a shame. I should have paid more attention to the negative reviews this restaurant got when I was looking up somewhere to eat - it turned out that they were entirely right!
September 2023 by mrstpott
I can find nothing nice to say other than the view is nice and it?s a good location and it was handy to shelter from the rain. My other comments are in the title. Very disappointing.
September 2023 by tash250571
Lovely setting, and restaurant was lovely upstairs, great view, nice atmosphere. Waitress was friendly and pleasant, as were all the staff. We were really looking forward to our lunch with friends and I was disappointed. The service was not up to scratch, not enough staff which is common at the moment, but I did feel we were forgotten about. Food was good, would expect better for the price. We had the lamb saddle sharing plate, it was bland, not seared or cooked well. Dessert was a soggy bottom tart. Just generally not what I was expecting and was genuinely disappointed ?
September 2023 by ajs madness
Took a trip to the swan for my birthday, honestly such a wonderful experience.The moment we stepped through the doors it was nothing but love.Dinner was amazing and the staff were just as good.
September 2023 by Tristonius
I brought some colleagues here for an important business dinner, on a Friday evening. Our reservation was at 9pm (the only time available) and we arrived promptly. At this point I noticed I had two missed calls from the restaurant, presumably making sure we weren?t running late. When we went to the reception area the gentleman immediately said (before anything else) ?last orders in ten minutes?. I said we weren?t drinking at the bar, but eating in the restaurant. He said that?s what he meant. This was repeated by the waitress as she was handing out our menus. And she was so desperate to take our order that we decided not to have any starters as we felt pressured to be quick. At no point when I made this booking, or when I was emailing afterwards to clarify our table position, was this mentioned. Or else we?d have gone elsewhere. I?m sorry but being hassled and rushed like completely soured the experience on what was a very important work occasion for me to host. I found it very embarrassing. I emailed the restaurant and was given an apology but told "we do need to free the chefs at some point ". I contacted the manager directly to express my disappointment, but he did not reply to or acknowledge my email. If you can?t offer a relaxed dining experience when you?re being seated at 9pm, then you should not be offering tables for that time. It was also uncomfortably hot in the restaurant, despite being seated near the window (with great views of St Paul's). If we were running late then applying some pressure to order our food would be fair enough. But we weren?t! So we won't be back. Which is a shame, as we all generally liked our main courses.
September 2023 by Climber68285975001
I booked a table for my boyfriend's birthday. And I arrived there before my boyfriend arrived. I went to the reception to tell my name and reservation. She asked what was my reservation about. I told her it was a brunch. She said there was no brunch at that time. But on the website, they serve brunch at that time. Anyway, I said okay no problem, we can have anything, like drinks, desserts etc. And I asked her for a table outside. She did not even care and she sent me outside if I find any table I can sit. Then I went outside and she canceled my booking!!!! How rude she is.
September 2023 by tmansfield
Staff here need to raise their game. Came for breakfast, only a few people in the restaurant. Unpleasant vibey service from the guy who took our order. Very slow service. Requested the 'Breakfast Pastries with seasonal local preserve'. Got 1 plain croissant, no preserves. No explanation whatsoever. Had to request the preserves. Americanos served in very small cups - barely above an espresso in terms of level. Asked another person for some coffees, really miserable attitude, no smiles, nothing. Watched another couple walk out after being ignored. Shame as the place looks nice, but really, what a dreadful vibe from inattentive staff who didn't care less about their service level.
September 2023 by Felix Gan
Came here for private function and was given the top floor that has magnificent view of the city and St Paul. The menu was 5 course tasting menu. Overall, the food was bland and I think it could do better. Overall I think this is a nice place but good can be improved.
September 2023 by Edita Zupkaite
It is a modern British restaurant in Bankside. With amazing view to river Thames. I would recommend for special occasion or nice dinner date or lovely cach up with a friends as they have big tables too. We have booked a table in advance as it was a weekend and also lovely weather outside. I would recommend to do so too. Every single course we did enjoyed. Prices really reasonable and very good quality ( I would compare like A La Carte ). We had 3 course meal from Summer River View Menu. Before we ordered we had a complimentary very fresh and tasty Sourdough almond side with salted butter and Marmite butter. For starters we had Gazpacho , Cantaloupe Melon Carppacio, for the main Slow-Cooked Neck OF Welsh Lamb and catch of the day. And finally for dessert cheese selection for 2 people. Lovely selection of champagnes and Non alcoholic cocktails. We will back here for sure
September 2023 by GemsyLou89
Attended as a wedding guest. Lovely food. London rocked drinks. Pretty guiding. The top floor was very cramped and the balcony is very small. It felt we were on top of one another throughout the day, and even the evening when all the tables and chairs were moved. Overall nice place.
September 2023 by Cleveleysfoodie
On one of the hottest days of the year we called in the swan on the off chance of a table it was busy but the efficient staff found us a table in the bar area. Upstairs is the fine dining restaurant where booking is essential it wasn?t an option for us so we had the bar food menu which was just perfect for our needs the food was delicious and the service was excellent we would certainly recommend.
September 2023 by Lovegreece321
Excellent staff, great choice of beers #familyrunpub Couldn't be more welcoming. Will definitely be back
September 2023 by LenBrownB
The Good bits?.the view from the window seats is amazing and staff service levels were excellent . The food however, for which you pay at the top end is largely tasteless, both our starters were bland and the mains were mediocre.
