The Old Swan Uppers, Maidenhead

A traditional looking pub located in between the two halves of Cookham, it’s painted a slightly unusual blue-grey colour perhaps, but other than that it looked quite inviting and is GBG listed. Internally it’s a roughly U-shape with the bar counter at the centre, although it does extend back on the right-hand side in what is apparently a restaurant area. In fact, some punters were prevented from going in there as they were only drinking, which seemed a bit pedantic I thought considering it was mid-afternoon and there were only a couple of diners there. Décor wise it’s quite traditional and olde worlde, with some very old looking beams on the ceiling, as well as similarly aged supporting posts and these were adorned with plenty of horse brasses. The flooring was old flagstones whilst the walls were mostly a deep salmon colour, with khaki green wood panelling on the lower part and also cladding the bar counter. Large exposed brickwork chimney breasts were at either end, with wood burning stoves in the hearth, as well as a couple of old bread ovens, and farming implements on the mantelpiece. The left hand leg of the U looked a cosy spot, but unfortunately this seemed to have been taken over by a few punters and as many dogs, who had spread themselves out around the whole area, including quite a rotund gentleman strategically positioned to block the entranceway. Beers on tap were London Pride along with Selkie and Rebellion IPA from the local Marlow Brewery, whilst a fourth pump appeared unused. The solitary cider was Strongbow, unfortunately. Overall, I really liked it in here and would certainly visit again if in the area.

Traditional village pub with a remodelled U-shaped interior that still retains some character with exposed timbers, etc. With three of the four handpumps in use, I found the regular London Pride and local Rebellion IPA along with the seasonal Winter Royal (£5.30) from the latter brewery. With a friendly welcome from the barman and a good-natured atmosphere all round, this is quite an appealing alternative to the posher establishments nearby.

Very much in the olde English style in the front bar, rather less so in the rear restaurant area. Five pulls with regional Brewers wares, Brains, Fullers, St Austell and Wells among them plus Butcombe bitter. Fairly average condition and still under £4 a pint. Nice decor of beams from elsewhere and brass. It's also the nearest pub to Cookham railway station.