The Swan Tavern, Leadenhall, EC3

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This is a tiny pub tucked away down an inconspicuous alleyway, close to Leadenhall Market, comprising a very narrow, single room interior and a decent amount of courtyard seating as the alley opens out beyond the pub. Inside, a compact quarry stone floored room sports three quarter height dark wood panelling with fancy wallpaper above and a dark, anaglypta ceiling. The bar is down the left-hand side and has a dark wood counter and marble top, matching bar back and some pleasant, brass lined pot shelves. A series of partly leaded front windows don't let a lot of light in due to the fact that they look out to the darkest part of the alleyway. There's a small space to the rear which acts as the only real indoor seating area, with large mirrors on the walls and a few high stools lined up along marble drinking ledges. As with all Central London boozers, the majority of customers were either stood outside or sat at one of the few garden tables and chairs in the alleyway, which eventually opens out into a small courtyard.
The pub is operated by Fullers, so their beers dominate the handpulls, with options on this visit comprising Fullers London Pride, Gales Seafarers, Dark Star Outer Haze and a guest of Twickenham Naked Ladies. A very pleasant, perky barmaid poured me a great pint of the Outer Haze (£6.10), which was a new beer for me and in tip-top condition.
I thought this was a pretty quirky pub that's not exactly built for comfort, but felt like a good spot to dive into for post work pints thanks to well kept beer, a good atmosphere and warm service. I'm not sure I'd want an extended session here unless it came with an alleyway seat and good weather, but I'll doubtless be back, as I often pass this way and liked the pub's overall vibe.

Date of visit - 6th September 2023

On 1^st January 2024 - rating: 7
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