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Image posted by Graham Coombs
Submitted on Monday, 29th January 2018
With picture contributions to 5083 other pubs
View all this pub's pictures (33 more images)
Detail Pages
The Swan Tavern, Leadenhall, EC3
EC3
EC3V 1LY
Served areas
Reviews of The Swan Tavern (Average Rating: 7 of 10) see review guidelines
Pub SignMan left this review about The Swan Tavern
This is a tiny pub tucked away down an inconspicuous alleyway, close to Leadenhall Market, comprising a very narrow, single room interior and a decent amount of courtyard seating as the alley opens out beyond the pub. Inside, a compact quarry stone floored room sports three quarter height dark wood panelling with fancy wallpaper above and a dark, anaglypta ceiling. The bar is down the left-hand side and has a dark wood counter and marble top, matching bar back and some pleasant, brass lined pot shelves. A series of partly leaded front windows don't let a lot of light in due to the fact that they look out to the darkest part of the alleyway. There's a small space to the rear which acts as the only real indoor seating area, with large mirrors on the walls and a few high stools lined up along marble drinking ledges. As with all Central London boozers, the majority of customers were either stood outside or sat at one of the few garden tables and chairs in the alleyway, which eventually opens out into a small courtyard.
The pub is operated by Fullers, so their beers dominate the handpulls, with options on this visit comprising Fullers London Pride, Gales Seafarers, Dark Star Outer Haze and a guest of Twickenham Naked Ladies. A very pleasant, perky barmaid poured me a great pint of the Outer Haze (£6.10), which was a new beer for me and in tip-top condition.
I thought this was a pretty quirky pub that's not exactly built for comfort, but felt like a good spot to dive into for post work pints thanks to well kept beer, a good atmosphere and warm service. I'm not sure I'd want an extended session here unless it came with an alleyway seat and good weather, but I'll doubtless be back, as I often pass this way and liked the pub's overall vibe.
Date of visit - 6th September 2023
On 1st January 2024
- rating: 7
[User has posted 3102 recommendations about 3102 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Rob Hunter left this review about The Swan Tavern
This is a small Fullers pub in an alley, as has been previously noted. Due to COVID it is currently restricted to outside seating only, with you entering the bar via one door, ordering and getting your drinks, and leaving via the other door. We were after somewhere to sit inside and escape the rain for a bit, so this one didn't fit the bill on this occasion, but I'd be interested in investigating it again at a later date if the opportunity arises.
On 19th August 2020
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 750 recommendations about 598 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Steve C left this review about The Swan Tavern
The Swan Tavern is a tiny Fullers pub which is basically a bar in an alley. There is a small seating area upstairs, but one should really stand in the alleyway for the full Swan experience. The toilets area located down a very steep flight of stairs, watch your step!
During my recent Wednesday afternoon visit the four hand pumps were drawing Fullers London Pride, Oliver’s Island and Seafarers alongside Adnams Mosiac. There is also a limited keg selection. This is a well-known London pub that is worth a look.
On 27th September 2019
- rating: 7
[User has posted 5179 recommendations about 5148 pubs]
View more reviews of The Swan Tavern (14)
Pubs Galore is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
- Official site of The Swan Tavern - www.swanec3.co.uk
- Swan Tavern pages at the Redcar Pubs site - www.redcarpubs.com
- Randomness Guide to London - Swan entry
- Facebook - The Swan
- CAMRA WhatPub :: The Swan Tavern - whatpub.com
London Fenchurch Street, 0.46 miles, 8 min walk (show)
London Liverpool Street, 0.51 miles, 9 min walk (show)
Pub Details
Pub details supplied by members of this site to the best of their knowledge. Please check with pub directly before making a special trip.
- Accommodation : No last updated 08 August 2014 by john mcgraw
- Bar Billiards : No last updated 08 August 2014 by john mcgraw
- Beer Festivals : No last updated 08 August 2014 by john mcgraw
- Beer Garden : No last updated 08 August 2014 by john mcgraw
- Car Park : No last updated 08 August 2014 by john mcgraw
- Darts : Yes last updated 01 January 2024 by Pub SignMan
- Function Room : Yes last updated 01 January 2024 by Pub SignMan
- Hot Food : Yes last updated 01 January 2024 by Pub SignMan
- Jukebox : No last updated 19 July 2016 by Tris C
- Karaoke : No last updated 19 July 2016 by Tris C
- Live Music : No last updated 19 July 2016 by Tris C
- Live TV Sports : Yes last updated 19 July 2016 by Tris C
- Micropub : No last updated 19 July 2016 by Tris C
- Pinball : No last updated 19 July 2016 by Tris C
- Pool Table : No last updated 19 July 2016 by Tris C
- Quiz Night : No last updated 19 July 2016 by Tris C
- Real Ale : Yes last updated 29 January 2018 by Graham Coombs
- Real Cider : No last updated 08 August 2014 by john mcgraw
- Wheelchair Access : No last updated 08 August 2014 by john mcgraw