The Swan, Hanham, Bristol

Official site of Swan Inn - www.theswanhanham.co.uk

Official site of Swan Inn - www.theswanhanham.co.uk

From the outside this appears to be a fairly non-descript pub in a residential street. There was a max exodus of youths in baseball caps as we arrived, so we weren’t quite sure what to expect. Inside it was a complete contrast though - busy and popular with a friendly ambience and a good mix of age groups. The pub is essentially all one room, except for the skittle alley, although it’s segregated by a few partitions, alcoves, etc. This works well, creating a few distinct areas but keeping the jovial atmosphere of a busy pub. The walls are a sandy colour plaster, somewhat reminiscent of a Moroccan restaurant and there are a few old beams on the ceiling. The first alcove as you get in is more of a public bar, with a plasma screen showing the football. Fortunately the volume was on at a low level and did not intrude on the rest of the pub, despite the semi open plan nature. The rest of the pub is a mixture of bench seating around the perimeter and regular tables and chairs. There is what appears to be a wood burning stove, but on closer inspection this seems to be an electric unit for visual effect only. The pub is mostly carpeted, with some curiously shiny floor tiles adjoining the bar area. Food was advertised outside the pub, but the only evidence was a few filled rolls behind the bar. There seems to be a good selection of sports teams in residence, with boards up advertising skittles and pontoon fixtures among others. The landlady was friendly and helpful. Beers on tap were Doom Bar, Gem, and Courage Best. Ciders were Blackthorn and Stowford Press. This seems to be a great community local, and it was great to see it packed with drinkers, even on a Sunday lunchtime with no food being offered.