The Swan at Hay, Hereford

Visited 13/07/24 The Swan is a classy hotel, last visited for a stay about 10 years ago. There are two hotel bars - though can't believe that is because there is much demand as both times i have stayed there i think i was the only customer (wife excepted) and they were end of the evening nightcap type situations. This time a late afternoon visit as a non- staying thirsty punter. The 1812 Bar is comprised of two rooms with carpets and comfy sofas and bar (keg only) along one wall. There is a log burner which felt like it should be lit as it was a pretty cold July afternoon. The other bar is the Market Bar, which is a rectangular room with bar at one end, carpeted with TV on bar. Some large booth tables down the side by the door, with three or four other tables with nice leather dining chairs. The Market Bar had two hand pumps offering the two Wye Valley Brewery stalwarts of HPA and Butty Bach. I had a pint of the latter, and it was in good nick. Keg was Peroni, Grolsch and Flagon Cider from Robinsons and which were the beers available in the 1812 Bar also. After not having seen Grolsch in a pub for quite a while, suddenly seem to be bumping into it frequently in quite divers places! Whilst there is a lot to like about the venue, the bars in this hotel feel a bit clinical and soulless. Saying that decent cask, notched to average for me.

Facebook page of The Swan at Hay - www.facebook.com

Official site of The Swan at Hay - www.swanathay.co.uk

Facebook page of The Swan at Hay - www.facebook.com

Official site of The Swan at Hay - www.swanathay.co.uk

Hotel with a bar open to the public. Much like Soupy below I wandered through to the back room where I was the only customer! There was one other person in the bar. Wye Valley HPA and Butty Bach on offer. I went for the HPA at £4.80 (high for the area but Hotel prices I expect!) A one time visit for me with much better options in the town.