The White Swan, Covent Garden, WC2

A Nicholson's pub that had been experiencing delivery problems, evidenced by the eight hand pumps on the bar featuring only two ciders and one real ale: Northern Monk Eternal IPA 4.1%. It is quite small for one of this chain, and fairly busy at lunchtime. I had to climb through two storeys of quite a substantial building to reach the toilets - those unable to achieve such feats will find themselves out of luck: there are no wheelchair accessible toilets. Although my beer - the only cask ale on offer - was in good condition, it was of that style of modern beer that I normally avoid, tasting overwhelmingly of lemon. I've been in many better Nicholson's pubs than this, not to mention better supplied.

Official site of The White Swan - www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk

This is a grade II-listed building, dating from the 17th century; indeed, much of the timber toward the front room does indeed look old, but I can’t work out if this was originally a pub prior to joy it was as a branch of O’Neill’s. It does though seem that this was coaching in and Hoare’s house, which closed in 1934; an impressive Hoare & Co mirror can be seen in the hall. Otherwise, it’s a typical ‘Victorian’ Nicholson’s affair with all that entails, though the panelling to the rear looks more modern, the floor is along with the pine bar back. Customers were few in number, which isn’t unexpected on a Sunday evening. There were eight pumps with little to excite, being Rosie Pig, Old Rosie, Proper Job ‘coming soon’, Landlord, Ghost Ship, Doom, Pride and Nicholson’s Pale Ale at £2.70 a half and good. This place is ok for a drink, but the Harp is round the corner and for those with weak knees, the lavs are on the third floor.

Official site of The White Swan - www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk

Now a Nicholsons.... An unexpected pint of Orkney Dark Island. Decent too. Not many in as we got close to the ungodly hour of 10:50. A typical LDN pub experience that didnt stand out in any way, despite being a GBG entry. Visit blogged at http://bit.ly/2kkezym

A traditional and attractive looking pub, it is perhaps slightly less appealing inside than might be suggested from the outside appearance. It has an old wood strip floor and a black painted ceiling, along with some dark wood panelling on the walls at the front of the pub, but other than that there was little of any note. The door at the front of the pub had Saloon Bar etched in to the glass. A plasma screen was showing a sports channel whilst the music was playing perhaps just a tad too loudly for easy conversation. First impressions on the beer front looked promising with plenty of beer mats tacked on to the wall behind the bar and a bank of eight hand pumps. However, closer inspection revealed that no less than five of these had either run out or were coming soon, leaving just Truman’s Runner, London Pride and Pedigree. The solitary cider was a rather disappointing Aspall’s Suffolk, although there was also a hot mulled option.

Small Nicholsons pub near market. Dark & moody on the inside with a room to the street that thins to the back as it passes the bar. Dark & light wood panels, its a smart Nicholsons offering with usual menu & 7 real ales.