White Swan, Sandhurst

This is a large, somewhat corporate feeling pub just off the main road through the village. A small front patio garden leads into the main bar area, which comprises a carpeted room with the servery opposite the entrance and large seating areas to either side. The bar has a tongue and groove panelled counter front painted in neutral shades with a matching bar back and a big pillar that breaks the counter at its corner. The left-hand seating space has a bit of a dining room feel to it, with lots of standard tables and chairs formally arranged in rows. Meanwhile, the right-hand space has tongue and groove wall panels and a large section of partitioning wall surrounded by slot machines, which shields the area from the bar. Tub chairs and a high banquette are the main seating options here, with a couple of TV screens showing live football and some fancy art prints on the walls. The pub extends to the rear down the right side, through a slightly raised space full of high tables and stools and more high banquettes. Decor includes a football photo mural to one side and a door leads out to a suntrap beer garden, whilst music was very quietly playing in the background throughout my time here. On handpull, a choice of Greene King IPA, Abbot Ale and Old Speckled Hen (£3.75 a pint) was not the most inspiring, although the latter was at least in decent enough condition. I found the service to be very surly, although a young barmaid who popped over to clear some glasses from my table, seemed a lot friendlier than the grump that served me at the bar. I think this isn't the worse pub in the world to have as your local, as it's a smart enough place to spend a bit of time, but it falls down on a few levels, such as the drab Greene King ale range, miserable service and corporate design. Another Sandhurst pub that was fine for a flying visit, but not somewhere I'd rush back to. Date of visit - 10th August 2024

A ‘Meet and Eat’ branded Greene King outlet. Surprisingly large inside given the general-looking exterior. Corporate décor as expected with a nice area to the left with leatherette padded banquettes. The right hand area is more open with two pool tables and access to a well-frequented smoking patio leading to a larger garden. Naff piped music and muted Sky Sports News. Generic pub grub though chef made an effort to pop out and enquire if his deep fat frying skills were up to scratch, so fair play. Two GK ales (IPA and Abbot); my Abbot was pretty good and competitively priced. Cloud WiFi available though the reception cut out randomly. A pretty average pub experience but no real minus points given what it is (I've been in a lot worse of these!).

Traditional-looking Greene King pub when viewed from the street, but inside it has been opened out and refurbished to form a large 'L'-shape bar with various seating areas. Quiet background music, silent sports TVs and plenty of food offers. Several patio tables out front. Just one of the two handpumps was working, offering an OK pint of IPA (£2.80).

White Swan page at a Greene King site - www.gkpubs.co.uk

White Swan page at a Greene King site - www.gkpubs.co.uk