The Swan, Braintree

This is an interesting old building, one of several in the old part of Braintree. On Saturdays a market stall selling plants stands right in front of the pub, which either enhances or detracts from its appearance, according to taste. Inside it's a bare boards sort of place, with settles and tables arranged in booths and a smart wooden bar with small carved roundels and those ever-useful additions, hooks. There were two sets of two hand pumps, with two beers repeated on each: Sharps Doom Bar and St Austell Tribute. I'm not a big fan of either, but the Doom Bar was in good condition, although a little more expensive for a basic bitter than either the Independent or the White Hart nearby. There was some 1970s pop music being played a little too loudly for my taste, but it was nevertheless quite pleasant here. There was a piano in the far side of the long room, which has the appearance of a stage, confirmed by the posters on the walls advertising live music here on various dates. I was here on a Saturday afternoon, when it was fairly quiet, but I'll bet it gets pretty lively later.