The Swan, Great Chart

Contrary to the otehr viewers opinions, I believe that a diverse clientele from a range of social backgrounds is an important part of the local pub. Ok, occasionally it can get a little loud, but I think the Landlord and Landlady do a really good job of organising events at the pub that everyone can join in with.

They recently had a Halloween evening for children as well as the adults, a fantastic Caribbean evening last Autumn and a whole host of other, well attended events. They also have a well attended raffle on a Sunday, with the proceeds going to a local organisation for older people.

The crowd might often be loud, but I always find them to be friendly and never feel threatened or awkward.

The food is nothing if not good pub fair, with good quality local produced used when possible, good portions and always served with a smile.

The beer is fine, with the Harvey's being particularly good and much better value than a lot of other country pubs in the area at �2.60 per pint. Their wine and Whisky is also good and very reasonably priced.

My girlfriend and I have lived in nearby Singleton for a year now and we enjoy our visits to The Swan, as we are always made to feel welcome by the bar staff and Karen the Landlady in particular.

As for the above comment about the 'people from the rough council estate', I find it slightly offensive that you would categorise everyone from council estates in the same pigeon hole. As I said before, to me, a pub is at it's best when frequented by all sorts of people from all sorts of backgrounds and if you try, you might find that you actually get on with some of 'them'.

I'm soon to be moving away from Ashford and, although I'll not miss the townitself, I will miss the Swan

10 Feb 2009 16:30