The White Swan

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 17 reviews

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108 Fetter Lane,
City,
London,
EC4A 1ES

(020) 7242 9696

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The White Swan
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Reviewer LauraAndTim
04/04/2011
We have just had our engagement party at the White Swan and have to say that everything was very well organised and efficient in the run up to and on the night of the party. Everyone really enjoyed themselves and a lot of people commented on what a great venue the White Swan was. The party platters we ordered were excellent and came out when we had said we wanted them to. We took our own i-pods and plugged them into their sound system which was a great idea!

I would definitely recommend this venue for any sort of party.
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Reviewer overweight1
15/01/2010
Great venue, fantastic food, wonderful wine. A joy!
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Reviewer VictoriaS
18/11/2009
What a wonderfully sophisticated, yet comfortable pub/restaurant! I was taken here for a 'business lunch' (aka boozy) by a business partner, and we were looked after superbly. The food was of the highest quality and cooked to perfection, and of course the wines too. Very, very highly recommended.
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Reviewer MichelS
30/10/2009
This is nice little hidden away pub in the city.

Really warm and friendly place. Fantastic wine menu, and really great gastropub menu.

I frequent it quite often after work, and always have a great time.
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Reviewer Anonymous
16/10/2008
Having had good lunches here in the past, I had a disappointing experience today. The food was not top notch neither was the service and yet the bill for 2 main courses, 1 chips, 1 glass wine, 2 espressos came to £46. We asked whether the sausages were free range - the waitress didn't know (they aren't), she forgot vinegar/lemon (for fish and chips/fishcakes), didn't ask how things were until we'd finished (the fish batter was underdone and rather unpleasant). The bill took ages and we were pretty shocked to see the coffees were £2.50 each, there was a £5 (12.5%) service charge and a random £1 charge for charity. We commented on the excessive charges, and were told "people pay it and keep coming back." Not me.
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Reviewer Anonymous
17/09/2008
I've had my birthday party at the White Swan last weekend. The venue was just great as it was spacious and open till 3am! The staff were excellent at making amazing cocktails and they were very helpful throughout the night. Highly recomended for parties.
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Reviewer Nelli
15/09/2008
Great little pub tucked away in the city.
I have been for lunch downstairs in the main pub part many times with colleagues, quality food at reasonable prices in my book.
Was taken upstairs to the main dining room the other day which I also thoroughly enjoyed again quality food, reasonable prices and smart surroundings, I’ll be back.
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Reviewer Anonymous
11/09/2008
The White Swan is a gem in the middle of a city area so full of average places. I have eaten in both the dining room (which was all I expected it to be if not more!) and the pub area. Traditional fish and chips is an absolute winner in the pub but if you're in the dining room give the pork belly a go. Whether you are in for a quick lunch or a leisurely business meeting the staff are eqully attentive and friendly! Great list of wines too.
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Reviewer djckr
25/02/2008
Good points:
1)Dining Area is a MUST if you are looking to impress your guests.
2) Very friendly staff.
3) If you are able to make it for the 12pm sit down you get 2 course meal for £15

Not so good points:
1) Hilariously expensive- £69 for a 2 course LUNCH (obviously i didnt know about the 12pm sit down offer till AFTER I had been!)!! This included 2 bottles of water £7 and 2 bottles of Tiger Beer £6.40ish)!!

2) Staff are a bit pushy with the add ons (we declined the first offer of bread and 5 mins later another waitress came along and placed to slices on our side plates without asking!!) EXPECT TO SEE THOSE ON THE BILL!

To sum up- it is nice pub to visit, but an excellent place to go if someone else is paying!!
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Reviewer cliff.forsyth
23/01/2008
Hired whole pub for a party of 120 guests and everyone had a really great time. Excellent food, drink, and professional friendly staff. Thoroughly recommend this venue.
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Reviewer Rachel1976
15/01/2008
I went to The White Swan last week for the first time for a friends leaving drinks. I never knew it was there off High Holborn so close to the tube, but the place was heaving with a really friendly relaxed atmosphere and fast bar service especially considering how busy they were. Some friends ordering bar food and it looked amazing.. I will definately we trying the dining room upstairs next time. Highly recommend!
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Reviewer Mirta
06/03/2007
The White Swan is fabulous. I had my wedding reception there a few weeks ago. I had an amazing time. I never thought of having my celebration at a pub before but the restaurant and pub together is like two venues in one. Thank you to The White Swan!
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Reviewer Anonymous
12/04/2006
We always go to The White Swan for our office meetings, telling the boss it's because of the light in there, it's conducive to working. It's far more to do with the White Swan's lovely food and beer!
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Reviewer Anonymous
21/03/2005
I frequent The White Swan and find it to be a real gem. Absolutely perfect for a business lunch, a relaxed dinner or an uplifting drink. The food is sublime and the wine list is well chosen, with such an exceptionally extensive choice and incredibly about 25 wines by the glass. Personally, I adore the Savigny Les Beaune. I'm sad to hear that others have had less successful experiences of the place - I suggest they give it another try!
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Reviewer Anonymous
02/04/2004
At the White Swan it was my own fault for ordering 'Welsh Rarebit' - ridiculously small portion of stale toast topped by reasonable cheese and mustard flanked by 2 miniscule rashers of bacon. To be fair, my colleagues had burgers that looked reasonable, but as already posted, £9 is a bit steep for that.
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Reviewer Anonymous
19/02/2004
The White Swan is great. Bringing style at last to Chancery Lane. Recently refurbished, it maintains lots of its original character but is modern enough to have DJs, cocktails and great food.

I visited on Wednesday when it was absolutely packed but I still managed to get attentive service and for once, a crowded bar did not carry the usually high percentage of male octopus hands.

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13/02/2004
Go the The White Swan...if you like getting the wrong order/burnt food/waiting 40mins after your friends to eat/bar staff who can't speak English...


We went downstairs and had the bar menu on a Friday lunchtime and one of us was waiting for almost three quarters of an hour before her food came (correctly the second time), despite four or five plates of the same food going by.

When her burger arrived it was a small greasy over-egged and breadcrumb padded affair in a tough burnt ciabatta - that's 9 quid please...?!. The risotto was tasty but small and over salty. I dont know where this great chef was supposed to be but he wasnt there at lunchtime, thats for sure.

Go for a beer after work if you must, but don't bother with the bar food, it wasnt exactly packed Friday lunch, but then I think I know why....

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