The Swan Inn, Loughborough

Old coaching inn with the pub accessed through the archway also leading to the elongated part-patio / part-grassed rear beer garden that stretches down to the river. The bar is located to the right of the entrance via a simple lounge, and there are several other areas little bigger than snugs. Five handpumps on the counter, serving Black Sheep's, Abbot, Brunswick Rocket, Lister's Tail Wagger and Round Corner's Market Pale (£4.20). Also has a micro-brewery in one of the outbuildings, although I'm not sure that this is currently in operation.

Official site of Swan Inn - www.theswaninn.online

Official site of Swan Inn - www.theswaninn.online

Traditional multi-roomed village inn over two levels with a spacious and well-maintained grass garden to the rear. Rustic interior with low ceilings and what looked like original beams, which kept the warmth from the log fire in nicely. Flagstone floor in the small public bar, parquet in lounge/restaurant. Music was of the jazz/swing variety which fitted the ambience rather nicely. Not an overly foody place but nonetheless popular for eating with a pleasant smell of proper cooking pervading. Five ales, Black Sheep, Theakston XB, OSH plus two festive brews and my Moorhouse was in decent shape. A selection of papers for punters to peruse. Bogs are a dash across the old carriage entrance. A really nice little place that’s worth getting the (surprisingly frequent) bus out of Leicester for.