The White Swan, Twickenham

I don't feel the need to tell the world my name, would you like to tell us yours? That way we can be sure you are not a "crony" of the owners.
I also don't want to burn my bridges completely, by being barred, because if my freinds are there, then I will still drink there occasionally.

22 Jun 2010 20:51

The White Swan, Twickenham

In case anyone is interested, "fatangfatang" is not a disgruntled ex-employee, but a bona-fide regular of 15 years.
And, I have to say, I was delighted when i found the White Swan balcony was reserved on Saturday night for a children's party - I'm sure "kenbabs" will agree that this enlightened approach to traditional pub life should be rolled out throughout the country, and every pub should have a cr�che and childcare facilities for mums who wish to enjoy a quick snifter.
More of this approach would put an end to those sad old whingers who used to visit these places , and make it a nice place for nice people.

20 Jun 2010 23:51

The White Swan, Twickenham

Last Saturday, the White Swan on Twickenham riverside, re-opened after
refurbishment. I'm sure the new owners will be very pleased to have
added this pub to the list of of generic, bland, soulless, gastro-pubs
that pervade the country, but it's a shame that a unique historic pub
with over 200 years of character has been lost for ever. The arrogance
of the new owners - rich lawyers -, overheard laughingly dismissing
the fears of the locals - "we don't care what they think, it's our pub
now" adds insult to injury.
No doubt many people will love it - it has been done very "tastefully"
of course, just like every other gastro-pub - but now above the
fireplace, there are blackboards advertising today's specials where
there used to be a large antique picture of the historic riverside.
Where there were pictures of locals enjoying events going back to the
seventies, there are now oldey-worldey irrelevant pictures bought from
the "kit-out-your-pub theme shop".
I'm sure the new owners, their wives and friends from St. Margarets
couldn't care less about the history, now that they have a pet project
to boast about.
English heritage would not allow them to change the outside
appearance, but it's a shame they had no power to stop the vandalism
inside.
No doubt many failing pubs with no particular heritage need to make
this kind of "rejuvenation" but the Swan was totally unique; sadly now
it looks like a clone of the bland, fake chains that litter the
country. Whether the new look will add to the huge swell of summer
customers and/or rugby day visitors who have always enjoyed the pub is
highly dubious. It certainly won't be the cosy, warm pub it was in
winter.
The pub won the Evening Standard "Pub of the year" award in 1997. Now
it's the equivalent of a Starbucks I can't imagine that being
repeated.
Does it really matter? To many of us it was a time-capsule - an
unchanging bubble of familiarity and a social hub in a world where
everything else gradually changes. Sadly, those with a bit of money to
throw around have swept that away for ever.
Sadly, I, a regular of 15 years or so, and most of the other locals
will now be drinking in the Fox- the last real pub in Twickenham.

15 Jun 2010 12:31