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Swan & Three Cygnets, Durham
Durham
DH1 3AG
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 6 of 10) see review guidelines
Strongers . left this review about Swan & Three Cygnets
The Swan & three Cygnets is a Sam Smiths pub found behind railings and picnic tables on the East side of Elvet Bridge over the River Wear. No technology is allowed, so my notes were brief as I no longer carry a pencil and paper, maybe I should. To the right of the entrance is a seating room with green banquettes, and the same colour banquettes are found under the front windows to the left. The bar is in the left rear where a serving counter up the right faces standing room to the left, it was good to see Old Brewery Bitter on cask, something I haven’t seen during my visits to Manchester SS pubs over the last few years. There seating across the rear of the bar area and sunken seating is found to the very left. The toilets are located downstairs where there’s a second bar that I assume doubles as a function room when open, which it wasn’t during a recent midweek late afternoon visit when the pub was comfortably busy with an old local and student crowd, probably drawn in by the low prices. The service was friendly and I enjoyed looking at the historical mining stuff on the walls while listening to clever people waffle on about Virginia Woolf. I’ll probably pop my head back in when next in the city.
On 6th February 2026
- rating: 7
[User has posted 6560 recommendations about 6522 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
hondo . left this review about Swan & Three Cygnets
Riverside Sam Smiths pub with a few different rooms and outdoor seating.
On 13th May 2024
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 3035 recommendations about 2965 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Will Larter left this review about Swan & Three Cygnets
An unusual building, with the main bar at street level next to the road leading over Elvet Bridge but a further bar downstairs (not open at the time of my visit on Tuesday afternoon) to save those sitting outside near the river from the trouble of climbing the stairs for more beer. These were all students at the time of my visit, with very few people upstairs apart from myself and the man of a similar age sitting at the next table, who had fallen asleep. A bit of background music might have kept him awake, or the clatter of a fruit machine, but being a Sam Smiths pub there are none of those distractions. Though I'd be willing to bet those students were on their phones, out of sight from the bar. The range of Sam's beers was less comprehensive than I expect, and even some of those that were meant to be on had failed to arrive, notably the stout. There are two hand pumps with Old Brewery served just a bit too cold. As usual, I started to detect faults with the beer as it warmed up, but it may well be my imagination. At just £1.50 for a half (cash only) I didn't consider complaining.
On 25th May 2022
- rating: 6
[User has posted 4674 recommendations about 4283 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Old Boots left this review about Swan & Three Cygnets
Much as described it’s a Sam Smith’s pub on the end of Elvet bridge next to the river. A multi-room layout although the décor is basic unlike many Sam’s pubs. Old photos and nice leather seating plus Britannia tables and a dark wood counter do not mitigate the white walls with once trendy grey below the dado, the bright lighting or the workmanlike floor. The toilets are in a chilly basement but the OBB is good and not too chilly. It’s cash only, and has a no dogs, no children policy so it’s not all bad.
On 24th January 2022
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 3937 recommendations about 3601 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Brainy Pool left this review about Swan & Three Cygnets
a comfortable, bright and pleasant Sams pub next to the river. A few rooms off the main bar and an extra bar downstairs that wasn’t in use. OBB was on good form and the service was friendly and efficient. All other customers were drinking alfresco, so inside was extremely quiet, some would say dull.
On 20th August 2021
- rating: 7
[User has posted 1181 recommendations about 1141 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Alan Winfield left this review about Swan & Three Cygnets
The Swan & Three Cygnets is a strange looking pub which is by the river Wear.
Once inside there is a small square shaped room to the front right which has bench seating,the main bar room is straight on and runs to the rear,this room is oblong shaped with the bar to the front right,the seating is comfy bench type and small stools,there is a separate lounge room down a couple of steps to the left,this room is carpeted and has comfy bench seating.
There were two handpumps on the bar,but both not in use,so i had a drink of Sovereign bitter which was a decent enough drink and also very cheap.
I have been in loads of Samuel Smiths pubs,this is one of the poorer ones i have been in.
Pub visited 19/3/2016
On 9th April 2016
- rating: 6
[User has posted 6113 recommendations about 6113 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Real Ale Ray left this review about Swan & Three Cygnets
Average sort of place, I've been in a few better Sam Smiths than this one. Have to say the place is bright and clean, service is good. I tried their lager, which was good. Just not a big fan of their ales.
On 13th August 2012
- rating: 5
[User has posted 3745 recommendations about 3745 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Best Pubs left this review about Swan & Three Cygnets
The outside seating area is a nice place to sit with a pint on a sunny day. Always worth a visit in passing but i prefur the colpits
pint quality - outstanding,
friendlyness - not the most friendly place in the world,
atmosphere - not too bad,could do with some music on,
cleanliness - excelent, .
toilets - not bad,
prices cheap pints £1.60-2.80
food - lunchtime menu,
drink served - all samuel smithes beers taddy lager,pure brewed lager, brewery bitter,reserve cider,ales, and many more.
serving time- quick.
All prices are a rough guide...
On 21st March 2012
- rating: 6
[User has posted 32 recommendations about 32 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
ROB Camra left this review about Swan & Three Cygnets
Very average Sam Smiths pub in a great location. It has outside seating areas at both the front and back. The back ones overlook the river. Sells OBB at very low prices, but because of this it gets full of students talking b*llocks. Lots of better places in Durham, but if you're price concious then this is the place for you.
On 10th June 2010
- rating: 4
[User has posted 3343 recommendations about 3253 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Guy Hannay-Wilson left this review about Swan & Three Cygnets
Decent outside seating, cracking location and suprising decent Sam Smiths Beer.
On 1st September 2008
- rating: 8
[User has posted 23 recommendations about 23 pubs]