The White Swan, Southampton

Riverside location. A large knocked-through place but the interior designers have done well by creating a myriad of individual discrete eating and drinking spaces to make it feel smaller. Relatively homely feel too, heavy fabric curtains etc. Monday quiz advertised. Three pumps - Doom Bar, GK IPA and a good drop of Ringwood Fortyniner, served-up by young and fairly motivated staff. As an MOR chain operation, this was a decent stop, in fairness. 6.5

It is easy to think that the White Swan, is a typical, bog-standard, chain-type food pub. (Given previous incursions, by the river, things have become a bit "water-proof", which can make it feel a little sterile). However, it is a good eatery, with some excellent fare, but better to avoid the really busy times, when there can be some delays. However, they have 2-3 real ales usually available, and the Forty-niner is invariably delicious. It is fair to say, that one or two of the younger, and less experienced staff, are a trifle unaccustomed to the ways of the ale, so the occasional top-up might be required, to the (nearly) finished article. But they are friendly, and happy to oblige. There is a 20p per pint discount, on production of a CAMRA membership card, on the already well-priced ales. What's more, you can't beat a bit of riverside!