Ye Olde Swan, Thames Ditton

This is apparently a Greene King house, with the usual offerings available (OSH, GKIPA, Abbot), but with a GK ale I hadn’t seen before called “Phoenix”. This turned out to be a ruby red autumnal style ale, at 4.2% ABV, and not too bad at all, although it did perhaps predictably have that distinctive Greene King taste. A sign outside claims that this is a 13th Century inn. I have my doubts that any part of the current building is that old, but the current Grade I listed building certainly is very old, and perhaps even as old as the early 16th Century Hampton Court Palace that Cardinal Wolsey built over the river. It’s quite conceivable that there has been an inn on the site since the 13th Century, however. It is claimed that Henry VIII was a frequent visitor, presumably to quaff the odd flagon of meade to see him through his other various exertions. The current building has clearly been extended over the years. They’ve added a flat roofed extension at the rear, and it’s subsumed the two old house to the left of the pub and expanded into them as well. The pub interior is a maze of a series of interconnected drinking and eating area on different levels – perhaps as a result of the expansion into the adjoining properties – containing various nooks and crannies. At the far end is what looks like a separate dining area; at least when I was in all the tables were set for diners, but there was a sign saying that it was reserved for a private function, so maybe it is different at other times. At the back is a car park, with some picnic benches around the sides. A few steps down towards the river is a boardwalk, with more picnic benches at river level. There are excellent views along the river and over to Thames Ditton Island. The food is reasonably priced, and they do a “two meals for £9” deal. There is no doubt that this a historical old pub set in an area steeped in history. I have to say that notwithstanding the age of the building I found the interior a bit disappointing bearing in mind the incredible historical associations that are claimed for it, mainly the presence of the one armed bandits and games machines. I don’t like them in any case, but they do seem a bit out of place in a 13th Century Grade I listed building. In my view this is a destination pub for those wanting a half decent pint and a reasonably priced bite to eat in a superb riverside setting.