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White Swan, Richmond

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user reviews of the White Swan, Richmond

please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.

Another pub that I've passed before on the way to the river, but had not previously set foot into. The White Swan is tucked away from the town centre, just off the Green. It's more of a gastropub and is obviously used by the well-heeled, as a former Top Gear presenter was dining. Nevertheless, at £4.30 a pint, it was the cheapest drink I had in the town. 4 ales are on. Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter, Otter Bitter & St Austell Proper Job. A guest beer was Surrey Hills Shere Drop, which I chose. Dining is over 2 floors and ensures that most tables are occupied or reserved. But, you may be able to find a spare table as a drinker in the bar area. I grabbed a stool at the bar. Best of the new pubs I tried in Richmond on Friday.
blue_scrumpy - 10 Nov 2019 13:20
Beer: eclectic range in excellent condition.

Service: erratic, friendly when they have finished their own conversations. This is a frequent event.

Food: particularly good pub grub without pretension.

A very good pub.
blooms - 24 Jul 2014 00:02
A good small pub quite hidden away and ideal drinking stop if walking the tow path.

The bulk of the tables are geared to eating but I've never felt unwelcome turning up with other people just for a pint.
NLBS - 28 Oct 2013 12:06
Mrs TJ dragged me in to this little boozer the other day...! The White Swan never ceases to amaze...! You can only seat about 40 people in the main bar area (front part) and that would be a cosy squash..! But they have 2 x open fires, for those cold wintery evenings - how splendid! But, how can such a small pub, so far off the main track, survive & make a trade...??!
Because people love it, and keep coming back! And there's no riff-raff...!! :o)
Okay Paul from Norbiton, your meal was luke-warm, that is not acceptable, really. BUT, what a nice pub it is, hey..??!!
Wouldn't you want this as your local..? I would! :o)
After a long riverside walk, forget the Slug+Fettish, and the noisey pubs in the high street, get your sat-nav working, (or compass if you're old-school..) and RVP in this delightful pub, if you can find it...!!

TeeJay - 1 Feb 2013 01:18
Have used the pub several times in recent years for a drink. Always convivial and civilised, its off-the-beaten-track location offering a nice antidote to the chain boozers that have taken over Richmond’s pub trade.

Tried what looked like its gastro food offer on Saturday along with three friends. Even though every table in the pub had a reserved sign, when the staff discovered we wanted to eat, a table was found for us. But have to say that my food was very disappointing. I can’t see what excuse there is for serving up lukewarm steak and chips (it doesn’t come any easier surely?). And at around fifteen quid, on the most popular night of the week, that’s a cardinal sin. Also, question for the chef, why oh why cover half the plate with salad? Do they serve steak frites in France with salad? You bet they don’t. It must be obvious that if you’re ordering steak, you’re doing so because you want meat/flesh - not leaves. I always feel this is a ruse to make the plate appear ‘full’, but it really jars with an old dog like me who is wise to most of the cynical ploys of the restaurant trade. Put the meat and chips on a smaller plate, I won’t be offended.

So I’m guessing that the reason my food was lukewarm was because it was left lying around while the other orders for our table were being prepared. If it were just me on the night, I’d have sent the food back. But as is so often the case, there’s a reluctance as it can tarnish the mood of the evening. On the up-side, very good and attentive staff. Thank you. I’ll carry on drinking here, but don’t think I’ll bother with the food again

norbitonpaul - 7 Jan 2013 12:47
The two best pubs along the river in Richmond are The White Cross and this one. It’s slightly tucked back from the riverside compared to the Cross, the benefit of this being that you don’t have to purchase a tide clock in order to guarantee entry and exit! Also, not being in eyeshot of the Thames path means that the tourists are fewer in numbers. The pub consists of two main rooms, the front one being the original and the back room an extension. There is also an upstairs dining area which I’ve not seen in use and maybe for hire only. It has a lovely homely atmosphere in the winter affected in no small part by the fire (high end imitation, not real coal or log unfortunately) and the lack of music. It’s a lot smaller than the Cross and can get crowded in the evenings.

Beers include Tim Taylors Landlord but not a great selection in all honesty. There are always a couple of real ales although nothing adventurous, the usual selection of high-street ciders, and not a great deal else. I’ve only eaten there once but had a very well prepared poached Atlantic salmon with sweet potato and goats cheese mash. The staff are generally very polite and helpful although I will say they tend to be a bit over zealous at putting the reserve signs on the tables in the main room; they seem to be moving more and more towards treating the whole place as a restaurant in the evenings which leaves little room for the drinkers. It’s a shame but I imagine being tucked away as it is it needs to attract a good number of patrons for more than just a couple of pints.

In summer I’d always stick to the White Cross, but as the afternoons darken in the winter I think this place really comes into its own and is well worth a visit particularly late afternoon.

xaventaner - 20 Dec 2012 11:31
Nice little pub tucked away off the main drag, popped in with a mate at the end of a night out to sample a few whiskeys and im pretty sure i had a pint as a chaser something from the Hogsback stable if my memory serves me right. Friendly knowledgeable staff, will definitely come again if in the area.
paddypint - 18 Sep 2012 00:38
Nice pub. Nice location. Beer OK.
ericstadd - 15 Jul 2012 18:24
My girlfriend and I were on holiday in Richmond and popped in here for lunch - the food was simply outstanding and the setting idyllic.

As we`d had such a lovely time we took a couple of photos and the landlord came over, introduced himself and offered to take a photograph of us. We could not have been more impressed and will most definitely visit again.
mfordy - 27 Jul 2011 13:56
Lovely little pub that serves good beer - Landlord, Tribute and Pride on tap- and has a very good food offering. Staff are friendly and it has a good mix of locals and diners. It can get very busy with a lovely garden out the back but worth a trip across the green.
PeterClarke - 7 Apr 2011 12:45
Very nice relaxing pub that serves good food with friendly service. Have been a couple of times over the last couple of months and would def recommend for food or just a drink.
FoodieLover - 21 Feb 2011 21:30
This pub serves the best pub food I've had so far in London. Handy, because it's a place I can bring visiting family and friends without the embarrassment of their being offered over-priced sludge, with chips being the only veg on offer. Nice interior too with a shaded patio to the rear. Good choice of food on the menu, you can eat as healthily as u like and not lose out on taste. Staff could be a little friendlier though. I know this is Richmond, but the customers are paying your salary sweetie.
Cate4U - 2 Aug 2010 17:29
This pub is very quiet and serves good quality beer by good and enthusiastic staff and has a wonderful garden which is nice to see during the summer.
emperor - 1 Aug 2010 09:05
One of my favourites in Richmond, not sure about last comment but for me a friendly little pub focusing on food whilst still looking after their beer. Gets higher marks for the pub dog, Jake.
CharlesS - 6 Jun 2010 22:03
I don't get what this pub is trying to be. Bland would be my best description. Even the Oxbridge paint scheme can't decide who to back. A lost opportunity for the landlord to put his stamp on the place. It comes across as a pub run as a property investment not a business.
Sodalltodo - 28 May 2010 18:33
Nice friendly gastro-pub, more food than beer, but staff great and more importantly the beer's good.
stmargaretsman - 23 Dec 2009 15:17
I really wanted to like this place, as there seem to be no decent pubs in Richmond! Beer was good though not much choice, and the food was rubbish. Agree with the previous comments - is it a pub or a restaurant? Well it doesn't really do either very well...
giraffe - 16 Sep 2009 18:45
Best pub in Richmond by a mile. But dont go telling every one, it's already too crowded.
delofisle - 17 May 2009 00:51
This is such a nice pub and the pride was in great form yesterday. For me the experience was slightly spoit by the fact that early in the evening a 'reserved' sign was suddenly plonked onto our table and we were effectively ejected. Is it a pub or a restaurant? I think it would work better if the conservatory was marked as a dining area so people would expect to be asked to move if they're just drinking. Sadly this is happening increasingly as pubs have to focus on food to survive. I'll forgive them because of the great London Pride!
Oolybel - 11 Jan 2009 14:40
Very good pub that is more biased towards food but without the usual Gastro fair of every table being set up as a restaurant. In yesterday for an excellent Sunday Roast, friendly service, Pride was in very good form. Teejay sums it up nicely, always feel relaxed in this place.
CharlesS - 25 Aug 2008 09:22
First time myself & my girlfriend have been to this pub and having heard such good things about it - we were not disappointed.
We walked in to be greated to a very friendly welcome and a nice gathering of customers, some in the pub, some in theconservatory and some outside in the garden.
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and hope to return soon where we intend to eat next time.
mpw246pl - 9 Aug 2008 17:37
Mister Roberts,

I can only apologise if you were made to feel unwelcome. We are only a small establishment and so 10 are a large crowd to us as our largest table inside can fit 8, without moving other tables around.

However we try to accommodate everyone and apologise again if this was not done for your party.

Also whilst taking responsibility for the actions of staff can I just say that it was not the Landlord who asked you not to move chairs, as I was not there.

Apparently on the evening concerned we had a number of other tables reserved for food in the evening and so there was a concern that chairs had been taken from them.

Once more let me hold my hands up and apologise for not conveying this better or indeed finding a solution and hope it didn't ruin your evening, I hope you except my apology and to see you again.

Regards

Richard


Fluid - 8 Aug 2008 10:37
Jonboy49's experience isn't isolated. We were there last night, about 10 of us. Bar staff were lovely but the chap I assume was the landlord got shirty when we wanted to move a chair to allow all of us to sit in the window area. "Are you dining? Well we need those chairs for diners. If you'd phoned in advance to let us know you were coming it would be different" Who the hell phones a pub in advance to advise them that a group of 10 would be coming? It's hardly a crowd!

We supped up and left. Again, another large crowd not exactly chased away but then not made to feel welcome enough to stay. A shame.
mister_roberts - 6 Aug 2008 10:03
I've been to this pub a number of times before and found it to be a nice place to spend a summer evening but not after the last visit. One member of staff was very rude to me and my friends, shortly after walking in at the start of the evening (before even ordering the first drink!). This was surprising as there was about 12 of us looking to spend the whole night (and a lot of money) there. The 'reviews policy' asks people not to rant so i sharn't go into it in detail. Needless to say i won't be suggesting this pub to my friends/colleagues anymore and will never be drinking there again. Shame really.
Jonboy49 - 27 May 2008 13:14
Ahh, the 'White Swan'... like seeing an old friend..!! A welcome break from the busy town centre, if you can find it..! And that is the challenge.
A truly lovely little (emphasis on 'little') pub, 300yds from Richmond Green (the far corner, where nobody goes..!!)! and 300yds from the River Thames. An ideal drinking stop if walking the tow path.

If you want a fantasmagorical meal, or an argument about the meal, go and see Gordon Ramsay, I'm sure he'll oblige with much vigour! If you want a casual drink, with what sounds like on odd occasions "interesting" and colourful people, or just a quiet ale to wash the worries of the day away, may i recommend the ol' White Swan in Richmond. It was once an 'ugly bird' but now has matured to its current beauty...! No ducklings here, dear...!!
Well done to Richard, held your ground very well there, well put. You can't please everybody tho'. The test will be, will the disgruntled customer return one bright and sunny afternoon in the future, when all the staff have changed & moved on, and the food will all be different again... but the SWAN stays the same. A drinking haven for 500 years or longer! Such eminent neighbours as King Henry VIIth and VIIIth & Queen Mary lived nearby in the palace! Those sort of qualifications won't ever change! Lets hear it for the 'White Swan'...hurrah! Well done staff, keep the log fires burning and the liquid refreshment coming...for many years to come... that's OK with TJ.
TeeJay - 30 Apr 2008 13:13
I've eaten and drunk here several times and have to say that I have had a really good experience on every occaision. The food was excellent and whilst a bit exspensive the quality was such that I wouldn't say overpriced. A nice selection of beers, friendly staff and a good atmosphere tops off a very enjoyable experience.
theoneandonlyjoe - 10 Apr 2008 12:15
I really like the feel and atmosphereo f this place. It is warm with friendly staff and customers. It is place for a good afternoon drink or a group of friends as it immediately makes you feel comfortable. Although a little overpriced the food s good and the Sunday Roast and wine list here is excellent. Maybe not a Saturday night place but top marks all the same
areeves - 10 Apr 2008 11:42
Tucked away the far side of the Green, the White Swan seems to concentrate on food a bit more than beer, say. But it has the grace of not getting too crowded and the staff are friendly. There is also an outside area even if there is a railway line just up the embankment from it.
rainlight - 14 Jan 2008 21:29
Two of us went here last night for dinner. The Pride and Bombadier were good (rather than exceptional). I enjoyed the food although it is definitely at the top end of what you would expect to pay. But what I like about this pub is that there's none of the find-yourself-a-table-leave-your-card-behind-the-bar-if-you-want-to-run-a-tab nonsense that seems very common, at least in this part of the world. The waitress and manager declined to take my card up front, found us a table, took our order, asked if we wanted more drinks when they were empty, brought them to us and made sure we were happy with the food. This all contributed to a pleasant experience and let the two of us get on with what we needed to discuss. And that's why I'll be back.
Rushie - 5 Sep 2007 11:49
Very surprised to see the reviews below - My views of the Swan is of very good food with excellent service. Biased as it is one of my favourite pubs, but only biased due to the above. Have been frequent visitor for last year and if anything the food has improved and it is always a nice relaxing friendly time.
CharlesS - 9 Aug 2007 11:24
We ate at the White Swan last night. I have to say that the experience was rather disappointing, starting when the mains came before the starters which had to be sent back.

When the starters eventually arrived they were on the whole very nice, the same can�t be said for their fish pie which glutinous, bland and totally uninspired. The Tesco microwave fish pie far outshines their �10+ effort and I would have much rather have had that. The six tiny chips you get with it were nice though.

The waitress was unapologetic about screwing up the starter order, however the manager was really nice and rearranged the meal. The Speckled Hen was served freezing cold and when asked if they had any real ale that was at the proper temperature the waitress responded �that�s the temperature of our beer, if you don�t like it drink something else�.

I think I�ll take her up on her advice and drink somewhere else in future. It�s a shame because we�ve eaten in there a few times in the past and it�s been lovely.

sp303 - 6 Jul 2007 12:02
The new barmaid, Sam, is fantastic, totally gorgeous and great service. :-)
I_Love_Rugby - 3 Jul 2007 18:33
A nicely turned out pub with a decent pint of London Pride (which isn't hard to find in Richmond, admittedly).

Unfortunately, the food leaves a lot to be desired: overpriced and giving high expectations, it turned out to be bland and prepared with little care or attention.

When we complained about the low quality of the food, we were told by a fairly aggressive manager that "we got what we ordered".

On the plus side, our waitress was very friendly and efficient. And we were offered a free drink and desert as a good will gesture.

I'd happily drink there again, but won't be eating any of their uninspired creations!
omnium - 3 Jul 2007 17:57
A very reasonable message from Richard deserves a reasonable reply and I will therefore endeavour to provide one. On the evening discussed I was a member of a group of 8 celebrating an event and it is quite true that the majority of them highly enjoyed the occasion and found no major flaw with the food or establishment. I however did and was moved to comment via this forum. If this has served to focus some attention on an area that needs improvement then I will have achieved something but perhaps not in the way that Richard might find reasonable or fair. I did find the bar service to be what I felt was somewhat flippant but this might have been a misinterpretation of over-mateyness. The waiting staff, although seemingly not uderstanding the problem, was very pleasant. The duty manager did his best to try to smooth things over and at no time was anyone less than friendly. So, from many a view point, not that bad. The acid test, would I go back again. For a beer, probably. An attractive place with pretty well kept ale. For a meal, probably not. My friends might disagree with me but, in my honest opinion, for what is in reality pretty basic pub fayre priced at the upper end of the scale, things ought to be better in terms of overall quality and truly basic errors should not, under any circumstances, be made.
Ken_Mall - 28 Jun 2007 16:21

An odd place to describe.

Appears nice enough; good decoration, and clean.

The food menu looks interesting, but it may be difficult for the casual visitor to get a table.

The oddness comes from the attitude of both the staff and the customers; outwardly friendly, but lacking in sincerity, perhaps due to some of the customers having too much money, but generally convivial.

I would give the place a second chance.

Magellan - 21 Jun 2007 14:31
Dear Ken

I agree your starter was unacceptable but we tried to do everything to correct this, immediately removing the price of your meal from the menu, offering you a free drink as well as another starter of your choice, all of which you refused. The fryer was not an excuse but an explanation that we felt you deserved. Indeed the waitress, manager and Head Chef all apologised immediately for this.

We try to get things right at the Swan and on the odd occassion we don't we hold our hands up but I do feel that service being described as flippant is harsh. I phoned the Head of the booking (it was for 8 people) the day after to apologise once more but he said that they had a fantastic time, the waitress had looked after them brilliantly and that he would definitely be coming back.

Once again any meal that is served wrong is unacceptable and we are truly sorry that this occurred to yourself and if you would like to discuss things then please feel free to contact me on 020 8940 0959

Regards

Richard
Fluid - 5 Jun 2007 15:32
Simply a great little pub. Have eaten there many times and always to a high standard. Staff are always friendly and lightning quick. But please spend a few quid on doing up the garden.
kowalski1 - 23 May 2007 16:21
Beer ok but service rather flippant, perhaps a reaction to the generally low i.q of the braying customers. What was really astonishing was the food- an absolute shambles. Deep fried white bait that was actually microwaved- when pointed this out to the uncomprehending staff was finally informed that the deep fat fryer had switched itself off halfway through cooking! Mmm, that's ok then! Disgraceful!
Ken_Mall - 14 May 2007 13:44
Good place that has friendly staff and management and excellent food. Can be a bit cramped inside but the Garden is a plus in the summer as a bit of sun trap and get caught out staying far too long. Nice to have a place that can aombine atmosphere and relaxation. Sundays here can be a nightmare, far far too busy but the rest of the time great
CharlesS - 26 Apr 2007 15:11
Word of warning to management- still my favourite place in Richmond but it has to be careful. It has been getting busier and busier and it's charm is it's relaxed, friendly personal service. Easter weekend was mayhem, I happened to see one poor waiter being derided by a decision with "I'm the wealthiest man in Richmond" while a crowd of young Harry's and Charlies roared down Champagne with Daddies money on the otherside. Still normally great but couple of times just too busy.
KatrinaD - 11 Apr 2007 14:50
What can I say a Class Establishment in a Quaint Street, Which serves the best food in Richmond.
Had a meal in there today and its probabaly the best one ive had since i left mums.
I can highly reccomend the pork fillet stuffed with cheddar and spinach wrapped in parma ham on creamed leeks absoulutely divine.
The service was great and the atmosphere brilliant,
Will be going back next week when back in town,on the weekend as i hear its quite a lively and friendly local with some characters like the professor behind the bar.
anonymous - 5 Apr 2007 00:41
Have to agree with TeeJay that I prefer this White Swan from the Twickenham one. Negative is that sometimes it can be deserted whilst other times it is packed. Case in point went there 2 Tuesdays ago and couldn't get a table as so busy but last week only about 10 people in the place. However it is my favoutite in Richmond with good food, beer, staff and customers.
KatrinaD - 22 Aug 2006 11:02
Had a rendezvous with an old friend Dr Kronenbourg here the other day at 16.64 hours precisely..! He's so prompt. Had no problem getting served at that time of day, the office workers had not arrived yet, and no tourists had managed to find it that afternoon!
The barman assured me it got busy later in the day, and at weekends. I thoroughly recommend the White Swan, Richmond (NOT to be confused with the White Swan on the riverside at Twickenham, a couple of miles down river, opposite Ham House. These 2 pubs are often mixed up! I prefer the Richmond one)! TJ
TeeJay - 22 Aug 2006 00:06
I had eaten at this pub a couple of times so decided to book it for my birthday sunday roast. I booked a table for 3, little did I know a surprise was being organised and in fact my sister had upped the booking to 10 (and 11 at the last minute). We arrived late, and had wait even longer for the final couple of people to turn up, even so the staff were extremely patient, friendly and really very accommodating. The food, as always, was excellent and not stupidly over-priced considering the area. All 11 starters, then mains, came out of the kitchen hot, on time and together. Several of my group commented on how much they enjoyed their meals and that they would return to the pub again. I don't drink beer so can't comment on that, but I love the pub, I would certainly recommend it and I have every intention of returning. They really did help to make my very special day even more so. I find that the staff are upfront and honest with the service they provide and if there's a reason why they cant do something for you, they will take the trouble to explain why, rather than just saying 'no'. Well done the White Swan.
kateanderson - 15 Aug 2006 17:39
If you want to eat at the weekends, it's best to book, but the food is damn fine, and the location couldn't be better - just off the green, and a winding short walk to the river. Just isolated enough to be well away from the Edwards-O'Neills mob as well.
bethm - 26 Jul 2006 10:50
A 'must' pub.. if you can find it..! Hidden off the beaten track, down a lane on the far side of Richmond Green, which leads down to the river. A cosy little pub. Empty some days, because only the locals know its there! Once frequented by King Henry VIII who used to live nearby..!!(Maybe thats why they ran out of food..)! Seriously folks, a good little boozer, especially before or after long walks along the river, which is about 150yds away (just far enough not to be troubled by the frequent high tides)!
If you want a quiet drink, here's the place. We had to stand outside on the pavement last Wed.(12/7/06) at 8pm, because all the tables in their small back garden (yard!) were taken (it was a sunny day). TJ
TeeJay - 18 Jul 2006 16:21
This would be a great little boozer if it wasn't for the incredibly rude staff and the disgustingly dirty glasses.
ASHERS - 4 Jul 2006 09:40
Not impressed on last visit. The food was not as good as previously and now seems seriously overpriced, as is the winelist.

A shame as it is a lovely pub and the staff appear to have cheered up.
Bunting - 3 Jul 2006 20:41
Tries to be a bit hipper than it actually is, and charges the prices to match. Still, it's in a corner of Richmond on its own and has a niced relaxed atmosphere so is well worth popping into for a pint or two when walking between the river and the Green.
Matthew_of_Ham - 10 Jun 2006 18:29
Friendly and well hidden but a little soleless. Nice garden despite passing trains. My beer was a little warm but not the only pub in Richmond with that problem. Go to get away from the crowds and i have heard the food is good.
JohnnyL - 26 May 2006 18:01
Yes, I agree with you all, it's a nice place. Hidden away from all the overcrowded Richmond bars/pubs and a nice local atmosphere about the place but maintaining a good decor which local pubs don't usually bother with.
Come here to relax, not party.
algis100 - 26 May 2006 11:21
Great place, went here on a thursday night and had great time and fantastic food. Been a couple of times and the staff are always smiling which is a sign of a good place. Never had a bad time and better than most Richmond places.
ladyluc - 5 May 2006 09:56
Went here a couple of weeks ago for lunch with some friends. Waiting service was very friendly and efficient. We had burgers which were very tasty - bit messy, but tasted great! Good bottle of wine with our lunch as well, very enjoyable. Quite a few Harlequin supporters there for pre match drinks but they were mainly outside.
cathk - 26 Apr 2006 16:38
This truly is a lovely pub, bit off the beaten track and far away enough to not tempt the youngsters...a grown ups pub.
But please please please bring back the chocolate orange bread and butter pudding...
Lady - 26 Mar 2006 18:35
Lovly little pub, worth a visit prices are a bit high though.

7 out of 10.
anonymous - 29 Dec 2005 16:33
Fantastic food - if you want to eat here on a weekend, book well in advance. A really nice place for a drink too.
pinot - 5 Dec 2005 16:42
Friendly pub serving several well kept real ales including London pride and bombadier
alewhale - 29 Nov 2005 23:09
This is a truly first rate pub. Out of the way of the rest of Richmond, so you get none of the Hounslow chavs ruining the Atmos - A very nice pub for a civilised drink.
TheGP - 10 Jul 2005 20:28
Used the Bank Holiday weekend as an excuse to go back to some of my old stamping grounds and popped into here. Used to be a bolt hole from the hurry-scurry of other Richmond pubs and, I'm VERY happy to say, hasn't changed it's character and warmth in my seven years absence. An absolute gem! I never give a 10 to ANY pub (out of sheer belligerence on my part, probably <vbg>) but if I could give this place 9.9, I would.
toffee_exile - 2 May 2005 08:27
Secluded and comfortable pub which does good Sunday lunches, but get there before 2 or they may have run out of food! That's how popular it is, not a reflection on the catering abilities as such!
beeronaut - 2 May 2005 06:10
Great place with lovely garden and a relaxed and fun atmosphere. Very friendly staff who know punters drinks and names but who seem to welcome new and regulars alike. Food is a little pricey but very very good. Top spot.
sazz - 12 Apr 2005 10:22
Civilised, attractive modern pub tucked away in a quiet back street near the Green. Comfortable and unsmoky. Upmarket crowd, good (though expensive) food and ale, well chosen rock music at a volume that encourages conversation. Definitely worth a visit for the atmosphere alone.
foxski - 28 Mar 2005 17:07
Great pub which does excellent food. Sunday lunches are always packed out and while it can be bit quiet in the week it's great for spotting celebs who come here to relax in a very friendly and informal atmosphere.
robyngrant - 7 Mar 2005 20:17
Lovely little place, tucked away so you won't find it unless you know where to look. Great garden in summer.
Cleversaz - 25 Jan 2005 14:48
Damn fine pub, the garden at the back is nice n tranquil.
Paul - 12 Nov 2004 22:09
I would rather keep this pub for myself. Get off your bum and find it!
Duncan - 8 Nov 2004 20:58
Nice atmosphere
Great Food
Very friendly staff
Gavin Russell - 3 Nov 2004 12:46
Fantastic food, good wine, nice decor and ambience. I really rate their cajun spicy sausages. Every bit as pricey as you would expect such a nice pub in Richmond to be.
Karen - 31 Oct 2004 13:35
Surprisingly good pub, hidden away from the ponces that frequent all the other riverside pubs.
A jukebox would be nice, but their selection of music was very good. Service was friendly also.

Just goes to show that not all Richmond pubs have to be a ripoff (see White Cross etc.)
TheGP - 4 Oct 2004 16:27
A gem of a pub. I visited the White Swan on Saturday afternoon and had a very relaxing afternoon in this pub. The barman did seem to struggle with an order of four drinks, but the pub was welcoming and although they did not have a jukebox the music was very good too. We didn't eat there, but I can tell by the care and attention paid to all the other areas of this pub the food would be superb. A top pub to relax in on a weekend afternoon.
mike2004 - 4 Oct 2004 15:25
Found this pub on suggestion of mates and it is excellent. The food is probably the best I have had in any Gastro Pub I've been too whilst the staff and punters are very friendly and allow for a relaxing time. As others have said good to be away from the centre of Richmond and you do feel you're miles away from the hustle and bustle of London but it can get very busy with every table booked on the Saturday night we went - still got a place in the garden out back and such a good time didn't carry on with our supposed pub crawl. Apparently Sunday lunches here are not to be missed and we'll certainly be back
Neil - 27 Jul 2004 14:29
Blinking awsome start to an all day session. Great beer and nice sun trap of a garden.
Pete Skipper - 22 Jul 2004 09:33
Slightly difficult to find - which at the time was annoying but on reaching the pub realised that this is a feature!! Very pleasant, excellent food and not overcrowded. Highly recommend it.
ian rozario - 17 May 2004 15:01
Lovely pub with conservatory and garden. It has only recently been cleaned up, repainted (although in keeping with the original feel) and the restaurant refurbished. The staff is very friendly, food fantastic and atmosphere relaxed - a great little find.
Jools - 22 Apr 2004 10:41
A quiet pub on the 'other' side of the green - next to where Richmond Palace used to be.

When you're in there, it really feels like a country pub - you could be miles away from London, which is a great plus. No music, and a very developed food side to the business.

I get the feeling there's a lot of good quality wine drunk here.
zorbathegeek - 5 Mar 2004 01:09
Nice pub, hidden away, but a great favourite with locals. Very close to the river, good food, good beer and friendly staff. Nice conservatory dining area and garden.
Jay - 14 Feb 2004 14:43
A rare thing - a pub which has actually been enhanced through refurbishment. The dark 'oak' panneling has been retained and the light blue paint is unusually complimentary. If they could only dispode of the imposing coffee bar...
Good for: afternoon supping
James - 26 Nov 2003 15:54
Cosy little pub, off the beaten track and away from the mad hustle and bustle. Inside a bit bland and could do with a lick of paint - nice to sit outside the back (if you can stand the planes and trains rumbling past).
Exquisite food and really friendly atmosphere and service with a smile - definitely worth a try.
Karen Tidmarsh - 1 Aug 2003 12:43

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