The White Swan, Whitechapel, E1

Not a bad little place (‘little’ being the operative word) that I popped into on a whim during my crawl of the City hinterlands. The Shepherds Neame beers were fine - three in total (I think) plus the Oranjeboom lager which is unsurprising given the small size of the place and its 'off the beaten track' quality. The interior was clean and orderly, with a slant towards the faux-Victorian in terms of nik-naks and stylings. The punters were mainly office workers, though less annoying than the City average stereotype. I found it relatively busy (although I was in there at the fag-end of Friday lunchtime) so getting a seat was tough. Note that this place (like a number of City pubs) is not open on weekends. Not a bad place - worth a stop if passing but it's hard to get too excited by it.

The original pub has clearly expanded into the modern building next door, effectively doubling its size. There was a mix of seating types, including a fair few high tables. Wood flooring and some wood panelling to the walls, decor includes B&W photos of the area and City and a series of pictures of some Scotsman messing around with golf clubs. There is a TV in the newer side, showing some news channel yesterday with subtitles, while background music played. I saw a sign advising of additional seating upstairs but I didn't take a look. Food looked to be good value basic fare such as sandwiches, burgers, soup and sausage and mash. Shepherd Neame beers, Spitfire, Kents Best and Whitstable were on. Cheery service and a bit of a buzz about the place but the pub certainly doesn't stand out from the crowd.

Randomness Guide to London - White Swan entry

Randomness Guide to London - White Swan entry

Was on my way from the Dispensary to the Hoop and Grapes and thought I’d pay a visit to the White Swan as I hadn’t been in before. Fairly inoffensive Shep Neame pub set up to service local office workers, especially as I noticed it is not open at the weekend. Internally two areas with a crème and burgundy colour scheme, leather seating in the right hand area and half wood panelled with window seating in the left. Three hand pumps on the main bar area with the usual SN brews of Master Brew, Spitfire and Early Bird, and the Early Bird was in good nick. Comfortable enough pub but nothing memorable about the place and can’t help agreeing with the previous comment about it being largely characterless. Won’t be bothering to detour again when in the area and I’ll leave this one for the local workers.

This is a Shepherd Neame pub, with the usual range on offer – plus a porter, which you don't see everywhere. The service was fine. A not unpleasant, although unusual, smell of coffee pervaded the pub. I also found this pub to be smart and clean, but rather characterless, and more like a wine bar or hotel bar than a pub. I have no gripe with the place; it does do some decent beer after all. It's just that I prefer somewhere a little less clinical. But don't let me put you off - I have been to many worse places in the City.

Basic, ok Sheps pub near Aldgate. Beer is ok, though as you may expect rather Southern in distribution.

Typically Shep's. Worth breezing through if you're in the area.