Ye Olde Swan, Bampton

Facebook page of Ye Olde Swan - www.facebook.com

Facebook page of Ye Olde Swan - www.facebook.com

First Pub review of 2021 :-) Perfect spot by the Thames, with a large garden, where they have installed an outside bar and an outside kitchen. Plenty of staff milling around - so service was prompt but not necessarily effecient. The beer: A choice of Doombar or Otter. Unfortunately served in plastic glasses - which I felt was unnecessary. The food: Expensive. I ordered a steak and it was served with just fries, on a paper plate and get this - with a wooden knife and fork. I asked the waitress if she could get me a steak knife - and get this. She said No! I asked her to fetch the manager or someone who could make a reasonable decision and she said she would and then buggered off! I'm sure these are teething problems but left me feeling that I didnt receive value for money. They need to rethink the disposable serving ware.

A delightful, stone building on the Thames with a spectacular riverside garden. Other than that, I agree with the reviewers below and as i tried the Ramsbury Red Velvet first I’ve scored the place one lower. At least I had something to go on the chips - had I been eating.

Located at a honey spot site on the banks of the Upper Thames,it will get mobbed in fine weather with families who want pub grub meals and so it proved on our visit.The garden was packed but the interior quiet,the Oxfordshire stone is exposed in much of the interior ,while beyond a dining area to the right is a charming small snug.The bar has an open fire ,but a suit of armour left a tacky feel.The etched glass and other signs for the Old Forge Brewery proved a misnomer,none of their beer was available . The five handpumps only offered Otter Ale and Ramsbury Red Velvet.On ordering this red ale it soon became clear to be pure vinegar ,to which the dippy barmaid initially said that the Red Velvet was an acquired taste ! Encouraged to try it for herself ,she proved to be a spitter and did at least take the pints back and reverse the clip.Her suggestion of bottled Ramsbury Gold was taken up,but the glasses given out were seriously marked and dirty ,at which point the firm impression was left that this pub is poorly run,it's tacky and dirty and will be avoided at all costs in future.We got a cab for Faringdon.

Official site of Ye Olde Swan - www.yeoldeswan.co.uk

Official site of Ye Olde Swan - www.yeoldeswan.co.uk