The Swan Inn, Esher

Our last stop in Claygate was this gastropub overlooking an old cricket green. We made a beeline for a sheltered area to the side of the pub, as tables at the front were a bit too close to the road for enjoyment. However, the side area was apparently fully reserved for diners, leaving the tables at the front as the only option. We managed to find one in the sun and ordered a couple of the solitary real ale - Brightwater Little Nipper, which was tasty enough for a 3.1% beer. Inside is nicely laid out with a half-circular bar. Toilets were clean and modern. I did find the place a little on the pretentious side though. A 7.5% service charge was a little unexpected extra that they have clearly added to deal with their extra costs due to Covid. Given the choice, I'd much rather go the bar and get served myself rather than have drinks brought to me. But then, that is neither the customer nor the proprietor's fault.

Official site of The Swan Inn - josepizarro.com

Official site of The Swan Inn - josepizarro.com

A nice-looking Edwardian pub in a fairly rural and well-heeled bit of suburbia. The inside has been refurbished accordingly and it is very much a locals' pub, it's just that the locals are rather more up-market than some. The uncluttered open-plan interior has 'tasteful' decor based on pale green. The painted bar is the central feature, in a sea of polished floor with leather banquettes and a selection of tables round the edges. Either end is set out for dining, with an authentic Spanish tapas-type menu appearing to be very popular. Outside there are patio areas to the front and rear, including a large covered section. Two handpumps offered the local Brightwater Daisy Gold and the not-so-local Brakspears Gold, both in good order but surely a wasted opportunity to offer a different beer style? Pleasant enough though.

Pride & Hogs Back T.E.A. in passable but not perfect condition. Half the pub is dressed as a restaurant (incl white linen!) and half as rustic woody bar, albeit with window blinds throughout. This is another pub that oddly believes that the future lies in Thai food, otherwise sarnies or paninis. It looked pretty good value, but is it just me that finds ‘traditional english pub' & ‘thai food served here' an impossible juxtaposition? Sound track had the ups of Roxy's Hard Rain & downs of someone's Superfreak.

A single L-shaped room with the bar in the inside corner, arches either side of a brick fireplace lead to an area with the tables set for dining. Nobody was though during my lunchtime visit, in fact I was the only customer which for me takes the edge off a bit. Mostly traditional seating but with one high table, wood flooring throughout, decor includes pictures of the pub, a caricature of The Beatles, Nipper the HMV dog, a few mirrors, an ironic cartoon of punks and urban warriors queueing to buy T-shirts saying "Destroy Capitalism" plus a few cricket related items (the cricket green is opposite). The log fire was welcome on a chilly day with snow in the air and brightened the place up a bit although the large windows let in lots of daylight. Well appointed, clean and tidy, there are some winter hanging baskets outside where there is a pleasant seating area but which is unlikely to see any use on a day like today. Food is served but I didn't spot a menu, lemon sole on a specials board with trimmings for £16, ambitious I thought. Four handpumps, three in use, Pride, Gale's/Fullers Seafarers and Old Rosie cider. Accommodation available in "Boutique Rooms". An ok spot for a quick pint I thought, just nothing too exceptional.