The Swan, W2

Not sure what to make of this pub. Nice decor, dark wood and dark red wallpaper. Has an upstairs area that can be booked. As with all Fullers pubs, there own ales are kings. The staff are friendly. I can't think of anything to fault it. One good touch, it has an outside seating area at the front and a large TV inside the front window facing out, probably very popular during sporting occasions. Food seemed to be served all day, well at least up to 4.30 when I was there.

I first visited here about 25 years ago but found it a little disappointing on this visit. The location on Bayswater Road makes it something of a tourist trap. Inside it's vanilla old pub but with rather poor beer and service.

Fuller's pub overlooking the northern side of Hyde Park. Attractive exterior which includes a balcony and picked glass Victorian style street lamps. V-shaped interior, island bar and an elevated rear room. A fair bit of character including wood panelling, over-painted burgundy embossed wallpaper and a rear skylight. Four pumps with all in use; ESB (good), Pride, Front Row (flat lining and taken back but not off) and Olivers Island (slightly below-par). Expect OTT Fuller’s pricing. Overall, better than the usual Fuller's and worth putting it on the long-list of Zone 1 boozers you should tick off.

The interior of the Swan consists of seating and standing room at the front of the pub and more seating down the right hand side. The bar is L shaped with a glass serving cabinet to the left. I counted four hand pumps that were drawing Fuller’s beers and some standard draught offerings. During my visit on a recent Thursday evening this pub was packed inside and was busy in the front picnic lined beer garden. Many were wearing dinner jackets so there must have been a do in one of the surrounding hotels. I like the Fullers experience so I would have no problem returning.

This old coaching inn on the north side of Hyde Park is now a Fullers house. The unusual frontage provides an impressive balcony covering most of the front patio seating. The interior has been partially opened out to leave a split-level island bar. Also has an upstairs dining area. Traditional furniture and decor throughout. The of four handpumps in operation, with Pride, Seafarers and ESB (£4.05) available. Worth a visit if in the area.

Official site of the Swan with menu and event details - swanbayswater.co.uk

Official site of the Swan with menu and event details - swanbayswater.co.uk