108 Fetter Lane,
City,
London,
EC4A 1ES
0872 148 0438
The ViewLondon Review
Formerly the Mucky Duck - a popular haunt for journalists in The City - this pub and dining room was revamped and reopened in November 2003, emerging victorious as The White Swan.The VenueA five minute walk from Chancery Lane, with guests spilling out onto the street, you can’t miss this gastropub. If you're looking for a quiet night, do not be alarmed by the buzzing crowd in the pub below; once you walk upstairs the atmosphere mellows and you'll find yourself in a relaxed, elegant dining room.
Seductively lit by lamps and candles, reflected in the entirely mirrored ceiling, this is quite a find and in total contrast to the hustle and bustle of the pub below. Gentle, ambient music and crisp white linen set against dark wood create the feeling that you're somewhere special, and with space for about forty guests the restaurant makes for an intimate dining experience.
The AtmosphereWhether you book a table or walk in off the street, The White Swan dining room is a soothing retreat where you'll find couples taking advantage of the intimate atmosphere alongside groups of friends enjoying a meal together. You can expect to be greeted by friendly and polite staff who are more than willing to guide you through their menu and make suggestions.
The FoodThe menu at The White Swan is modern European and three courses will cost you about £30 a head. For starters, go for the grilled haloumi with crisp green beans, chicory and roast tomato salad, drizzled with a sumptuously sweet wild thyme and honey dressing; or, for a more savoury tongue, try the cullen skink - a smooth, smoky fish soup with pieces of haddock.
The mains include dishes like succulent duck with a creamy fondant potato surrounded by a flavoursome port jus; or chicken breast stuffed with a delicate herb mousse wrapped in parma ham, creating a wonderfully mixed texture with a crisp exterior and smooth filling, served with puy lentils, chorizo and warm cucumber.
Once you've experienced the first two courses, you will be excited to delve into the dessert menu - and so you should be. The roast fruits in Champagne syrup is recommended; warm and sweet but not sickly.
The DrinkThe White Swan carries an impressive wine list, with over 150 choices from all over the world. The house white is a pleasant Sauvignon Blanc, Haut Poitou and will cost you £16.50 for a bottle, but if you really want to splash the cash, you can pay up to £310 for a Chateau Latour Premier or make a selection from their Champagnes, which includes Cristal. In the pub downstairs, you can also enjoy the monthly changing guest beers.
The Last WordThe White Swan is a good reflection of the area it sits in, bringing together the bustling work crowd and sophisticated diners in perfect harmony.