Not already a member?
Join our community and
- Rate & review pubs
- Upload pictures
- Add events
JOIN for free NOW
Chat about:
Guess who I met today? with Brainypool
on the Pub Forum
Detail Pages
The Black Swan, Henley-In-Arden Town, Henley-in-Arden
Henley-in-Arden
B95 5AA
Pub Type
Punch TavernsReviews (Current Rating Average: 6 of 10) see review guidelines
Strongers . left this review about The Black Swan
The front of the Black Swan has exposed wooden beams across the ceiling and a wooden floor throughout, except for a tiled apron around the serving counter that runs across the rear wall while supporting premium and mainstream craft keg alongside five hand pumps that were drawing Hophead, Butcombe Original, Landlord and Butty Bach. This centrally located serving counter faces open plan seating that is split by two large supporting pillars, one of which encroaches onto the counter which in affect creates left and right-hand bars. To the left is a wood panelled area with a brown leather banquette up the left-hand wall and more seating in an inglenook in the rear wall that faces some open plan seating and the left-hand entrance. Up the right is an exposed brick wall with a television that hangs over a raised fireplace that houses a burner. The television was airing soundless pub adverts while some very low background music played. Stairs up the left-hand side of the bar lead to the toilets upstairs and a large dining area at the rear where some older customers were having lunch. I thought it was ok in here for a food led high street pub.
On 15th June 2026
- rating: 6
[User has posted 6673 recommendations about 6635 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Real Ale Ray left this review about The Black Swan
A very high brow interior, which has been tastefully refurbished and I especially liked the side room on the left of entrance with the burgundy buttoned back banquette seating and exposed beams. The rear conservatory was also very impressive.
Lunch service had just finished when we arrived and service at the bar was slow as the staff were more focused on clearing away wine glasses on the back servery.
Three ales on handpump Doom Bar, Tribute and Landlord.
On 8th March 2025
- rating: 5
[User has posted 3747 recommendations about 3747 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Blue Scrumpy left this review about The Black Swan
One of a number of pubs on Henley's High Street, the Black Swan has recently re-opened. It has been refurbished and now has a rather smart and upmarket interior.
The main bar area is at the front of the pub, with a much larger dining area/conservatory to the rear, overlooking the car park.
Whilst there are real ales, the range is fairly uninspiring, with Doom Bar, Tribute & Landlord. Good to see a pub re-opening, but this one seems to be aiming for diners, rather than drinkers. There are better pubs further along the street.
On 5th November 2023
- rating: 4
[User has posted 3511 recommendations about 3509 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Just a quick pint, then I'm off left this review about The Black Swan
Traditional pub, partly opened-out inside but still retaining some character in the slightly split-level 'T'-shaped arrangement of seating / dining areas. Having said that, food only seems to be available at Sunday lunchtime, and just Doom Bar (£3.40) was available from the four handpumps. Not sure what's happening here, but it gives the impression of struggling somewhat.
On 21st September 2019
- rating: 5
[User has posted 9165 recommendations about 9165 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Danny O'Revey left this review about The Black Swan
Excellent old pub on Henley High Street, lots of old beams and wood, open partioned areas, everything you would want to find in somewhere like this.
friendly, helpful staff, four real ales and a nice looking menu.
On 28th May 2012
- rating: 9
[User has posted 1611 recommendations about 1588 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Soup Dragon left this review about The Black Swan
A brick and whire rendered exterior, with a beer patio.
The interior is open plan, with the beam, wood panel and white wall look and some nice wooden seating. The floor is a mix of wood and carpet and there are old pictures dotted about on the walls. I agree with the other poster, it is more of a pub than some on the High St, with friendly service and a good, if more maturer clientele.
Beer; usual stuff, with Highgate MILD on keg. There were two handpulls, with Batemans XB bitter and Banks's MILD. The Batemans was fine, the Banks's MILD didnt seem to taste of Banks's.
I liked this place. More a place i would go with mates, rather than the Bluebell.
On 27th August 2009
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 3141 recommendations about 3136 pubs]
