The Black Swan, Alnwick

A fascinating old building, extending back down several levels, with some impressive roofing to the rear. The front room is a little more constrained, with a low ceiling and an excess of black paint, but does have some splendid stained glass windows. The tidy tables, candles and reserved signs make it all a bit restauranty, but it gets slightly pubbier behind, including a courtyard area right at the back. The bar in the middle had Sharp's Atlantic and First In Last Out Reivers on handpump.

Visited earlier this week. Three hand pulls at the bar offering two beers by Firebrick, with the third pump unclipped. I had a half of the Firebrick Pagan Queen which was £1.55 for a half. It was perfectly drinkable without being anything special. The pub has a real fire in the front room (not in use at the time of my visit), food is served and menus are on the tables. There is a sign up asking you to wait to be seated, but as the pub was almost empty and I was just there for a drink I just went straight to the bar. I think I would have looked rather foolish stood at the front of the pub waiting for the barman to tell me I could sit down. The front area has worn banquette seating. Beyond the bar there are steps going down to a lower level with more seating and a separate entrance/exit, presumably to the street behind. Presumably accommodation is available as there was a door labelled Bedrooms. I couldn't help but notice a slight smell of farts partly covered up by air freshener. However the toilets themselves were fine and fresh, so I don't think dodgy blames can be blamed. Nice to try but not one I would go out of my way to visit again.

A more traditional pub than the nearby Dirty Bottles, with the pub sign incorporated into a first floor bay window. There are two hand pumps on the bar, with a choice of Black Sheep Bitter and the almost local Blaydon Brick Cowen. I went for the latter which was ok but nothing special. Another Alnwick pub that was good without being highly recommended. Date of visit: 12th March 2018