Located by the water’s edge, The Swan in Walton-on-Thames has reopened following an extensive top-to-toe refurbishment that brings new energy and new menus to this much-loved local.
A riverside pub for all seasons, be welcomed into cosy surrounds where roaring fireplaces and a pint at the bar awaits. Great care has been taken to blend the pub’s heritage with contemporary touches, from striking timber detailing and embossed leather seating to ornate glass and brass light pendants mixed with deep hues of greens, blues and gold. Outside, the river terrace sees new seating areas set within a landscaped garden of archways and plantings, whilst two heated garden huts, complete with plush seating, can accommodate groups of up to 25 standing.
When it comes to food, The Swan delivers pub cooking at its best with elevated yet comforting dishes that celebrate the best of seasonal produce. Putting the spotlight on British suppliers from across the counties, provenance and quality is at the heart of the menu, with beef sourced from the West Country, venison from Oxfordshire, and mussels straight from the Cornish coast in Fowey.
Whether popping in for a drink and a chat, dining with friends or looking for a quick bite, there is a dish for every occasion. Choose from small plates such as Ox cheek croquettes with a house-made fig ketchup; fresh-out-the-oven Sausage rolls; and a Scotch egg for every season, from game to the classic pork, apple and leek, whilst lunchtime specials feature doorstop ciabattas filled to the brim with the likes of Bavette steak or Nantwich cheddar.
As for the mains, expect hearty plates of Venison wellington with a plum and green peppercorn jus; a hand-raised Braised beef shin shortcrust pie served with creamy mashed potatoes and plenty of gravy; and autumnal Heritage squash gnocchi. Sides are equally indulgent with Truffled mashed potatoes, Red onion bhajis and a Crab and ‘nduja mac & cheese, whilst for sharing platters; think Confit garlic and rosemary camembert with ciabatta; and Ox cheek nachos, piled high with fresh salsa, coriander and yoghurt.
Sundays are for roasting and The Swan offers a line-up of perfectly cooked cuts, from beef to chicken, paired with an abundance of roasties, seasonal vegetables and rich gravy, plus larger-than-life Yorkshire puddings.
Behind the bar, you’ll find a selection of casks, IPAs and pale ales, along with a wine list spotlighting bottles from across the globe, plus a concise selection of cocktails with a wintery twist such as a Sour Cherry Cuba Libre, Maple Old Fashioned and a Cherry Bakewell Martini of amaretto, cranberry, pineapple and Montzi Sour Cherry Aperitivo.
Ready for the festive season, get set to eat, drink and be merry with The Swan’s three-course Christmas party menu, offering three courses for £39 per person across December, available for group bookings to enjoy in either of the pub’s two private dining rooms: The Kern Suite (space for 40) and Swan Room (space for 22 guests). On the big day itself, let the pub take away the stress of cooking with its three-course feast, crafted to perfection with all the trimmings including a Crown of English turkey and Gressingham duck wellington, all from £95 per person.
With an action-packed calendar of events on offer, from quizzes to brunch with Santa, Christmas carols and wreath-making with local creator Sarah Parker (aka @sarahinsurrey), The Swan promises to be a community hub as well as a dining destination.
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