Swan

Reviews

• Sarah-Jade S.

  star star star star star 21 September 2026

  This charming pub situated directly next to Shakespeare's globe is perfect for a pint before or after a show.  My friend and I went for a drink in the late afternoon and enjoyed watching the boats moving along the Thames.  
  
  As a tourist, I would say this should definitely be on your must-visit list. It is also a great ending point to a lovely stroll along the river.  With this being quite touristy, I expected drinks to be on the pricier side but was happy to see that drinks were well-priced. Cocktails were also given a unique Shakespearean twist.

• Juvi G.

  star star star star star_border 14 September 2026

  First off, what a location! You get a gorgeous view of the city from its windows in certain parts of the pub, and the interior is beautifully lit to create an intimate setting, despite it being a touristy spot. It does get loud, though, so be prepared to shout out most of what you say to your friends/ family members.
  
  Being located right next to The Globe, you can definitely expect it to be crowded at most times during the day and evening; however, even on a Saturday evening it didn't take long for two of us to be seated in the corner room, which is a bit more secluded and quiet than the main dining area.
  
  The food is surprisingly good, and the menu offers enough that everyone in your party should be satisfied, kids included. I liked they're fried chicken sandwich and fries, which were made all the better by something we Americans know nothing about: Brown Sauce. It goes on everything. Yes, everything.
  
  The drinks weren't bad, either, but also nothing to stand up and shout about. You can just be sure that you won't be disgusted by anything that you order. The staff is also surprisingly friendly and attentive, and do their best to accommodate your requests. Prices aren't cheap but, sans drinks, you shouldn't be breaking the bank, either. There are worse places to dine in the area, and I would definitely recommend coming once, for the experience.

• Adam L.

  star star star star star_border 13 September 2026

  Located right next to The Globe, I figured this would be a tourist trap given its location but it was one of the only places open at 9pm on a Sunday night.
  
  I started with a G&T and ordered the soup for starters.  Both were well made and nicely presented.  The main course was the highlight of the meal though: A perfectly cooked sea bream, great flavor.
  
  The views are top notch (i was in the restaurant with only 2 other people so had my pick of tables) overlooking the Thames. Staff was top notch and never had to wait for anything.  Great stop and worth the visit for the historic location, great views, and good cocktails.

• Olga P.

  star star star_border star_border star_border 9 September 2026

  Came here because it was next door to the Globe to try their dinner pre-fix menu. The highlight of my meal was the sole filet but nothing really stood out. The recommended cocktail was more acidic than refreshing. Pricey for what the meal was.
  
  More stars off for the hostess. When we came in, the restaurant upstairs was 70% empty but she sat us in the only poor seat in the house away from the windows, saying everything else was reserved, which judging by the crowd that was trickling in (mostly tourists), it wasn't. Didn't appreciate her profiling and won't be back.

• Tracey A.

  star star star star star_border 1 September 2026

  If it's Saturday in Brazil you must eat Feijoida.
  
  If it's Sunday in the UK you must eat Sunday Roast.
  
  It might be a marketing gimmick, designed to get folks into restaurants on Sunday, but I couldn't help notice all of the special "Sunday Roast" menus I kept encountering.  Sure, twist my arm, I'll have a Sunday Roast.
  
  But where?
  
  A recent article in the European Standard (ES) listed "The Best Sunday Roasts in London" and though they were listed in no particular order I  made things easy, opting for the first one on their list:  The Swan at Shakespeare's Globe, the official name of this place.  
  
  The ES talked up places with puffy Yorkshires and top-quality, richly-flavored meat and even though this isn't the sort of fare I usually opt for I was up for the challenge.  
  
  The restaurant portion of The Swan sits upstairs from its loud and crowded pub (at least the night I visited).  Above, with Thames River views, it's quiet, serene even.  Tables along the window are the most desirable though half your party will be faced inward, away from the view.  
  
  Sunday Roast at The Swan is served in two courses (£29.50) or three (£32.50) and two will more than amply satisfy.  The menu has 3 roast options each served with all the trimmings.  
  
  Between two of us we tried the Dry Aged Rump of Beef and the Roast Free-Range Chicken (3rd option: Old Spot Roast Pork Belly).  As starters we opted for Hot Smoked Salmon (with pickled apple, sour cream, and horseradish) and Fresh Mozzarella (with heritage tomato, shallot, and caper salad).  With heritage tomatoes and pickled apples, if I'd considered only the starters I might have thought I was in California.  
  
  What I learned about Sunday Roast is this:  it's a whole lot of tryptophan-inducing comfort food.  What I learned about The Swan is that they do an excellent job at preparing and serving that food, never rushing you along.  I personally wasn't a fan of the cabbage in the side and was happy I chose the chicken over the beef but that said, this was just a very nice experience.  
  
  So treat yourself.  Head to The Swan for Sunday Roast then sit back and be served.  Fill your belly with that comfort food while gazing out upon the iconic bridges and buildings dotting the skyline around the Thames.  You're in no rush and neither is The Swan.  Drink it all in.  This meal in this location is the definition of satisfaction.