The Swan is connected to The City like a living organism; it breathes and bellows when money is being made but tucks its head in and shuts up shop when bankers and the like are off to bed.

The Venue
Located in Ship Tavern Passage amongst the new builds of the area, The Swan is dwarfed by the modernity that surrounds it. Despite this, the quaint antiquity of the tiny place means that everything seems to fit around it and while money may change things, The Swan will always remain tied to this spot by history alone.

Inside, the old pub has all the usual signs of a normal bar - the floor is made of wood and stone to match the partially bricked walls and there are a few stools sprinkled about the place. Space is at a premium and seating is strictly limited and once inside the pub you’re pretty much on top of the bar itself. There is a TV that appears to play terrestrial television shows throughout the day and this is the first inkling you get of the domestic feel to the place. On the level above, suspicions are confirmed and there might as well be bare wires poking out of the wall from where the TV set was dramatically ripped out to placate the baying mob that wanted it below. There are a few high tables and stools to mention up here but the authentic lounge feel requires most attention.

The carpet and decor have all the chintz of a fifties household and the mantelpiece is begging for the photos of grandchildren to be put back. It may sound strange but up above there is a sense of peace and tranquillity that doesn’t exist below and a group could easily get lost in it for hours.

The Atmosphere
The Swan buzzes during the day when all is go but it has no prolonged punch into the night, and like so many places in the Square Mile it dies after dark. Last orders are at 8.30pm and closing time is 9pm. It’s safe to say that it lives for the after work crowd and thrives on the lunchtime pickings as suited drinkers try to cram their entertainment into time frames that only just handle the intensity.

People spill into Ship Tavern Passage with pints in hand and it will always be one more for the road. The service is friendly and polite on the surface with a lot more on offer for the regular as stories and tales of the area are certainly locked behind the landlord’s lips. Younger groups seem to favour the second floor for privacy and space but while it has the comfort, the atmosphere will need to be added by you.

The Drink
There is a good ale selection including Discovery, London Pride and Chiswick among others. On the shelves the standard selection of branded spirits stands against the tests of time, ever popular. Peroni is a treat on draught and there is also a choice of Fosters and San Miguel.

The Last Word
The Swan Tavern enjoys quality over quantity in terms of its opening times and the experience that it offers within. It is a simple yet refined place to enjoy a pint.

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