The Swan Inn

This was our 3rd visit to The Swan Inn and sadly the last one, ruined our last day of holiday. We both ordered ribeye steak which on previous visits had always been excellent quality. Today they were both tough, mine was overcooked and had an unpleasant sweet taste to it, my husband's was undercooked, we had requested both steaks medium. We sent both back and were offered the menu again to choose an alternative. I really wish I had said we will just pay for the drinks but unfortunately we ordered haddock and chips which was just ok, very little flavour and my husband ordered the crab. My husband said the crab was really strong tasting and again not acceptable. He didn't eat it, we didn't complain as by this point the afternoon was ruined. This was a complete waste of money.

Booked a table here for a family dinner on the basis of reviews/website (and because it was conveniently located for us) - none of us had visited before. And we had a wonderful time! The food and drink options are truly excellent. Some of the best fish/seafood cookery I have had in a long time. The bouillabaisse is scrumptious - sadly I couldn't finish it (and kicked myself for eating my least favourite parts first) but that was only because it was a very big portion. The only bum note was the creme caramel, which had an odd texture, as if it had been thickened with cornflour, and the thinnest layer of caramel imaginable, which felt disproportionate as the custard was quite deep. There were no complaints about anything else and most plates were cleared and glasses emptied! The staff were doing a great job on a busy weekend in this old pub which is slightly cramped in places if you're trying to move about, though very comfortable and pleasant once you're seated. The toilets are upstairs - I didn't ask whether they have an accessible toilet downstairs but, again, it's an old building. We had such a good time that we were all talking about visiting again (and I was fantasising about the bedrooms...) And this review was not requested by any of the staff, as is (annoyingly, tediously) so often the case now. Happy to endorse this excellent gastropub which I recommend highly and would love to visit again.

We’ve just eaten at The Swan. We are not regulars but have dined there in the past as we live in Hayfield. The atmosphere is warm, wine and beer good. My husband’s fish meal was enjoyable but very expensive and lacking in vegetables. I had the chick pea and aubergine samba. It was very tasty but the rice wasn’t cooked properly and rather congealed so I didn’t eat it. When I told the server upon collection of the plates, she said she would inform the kitchen. That was it. I have worked in hospitality myself and it is normal to offer some recompense…complimentary hot drinks or suchlike. But not here. Disappointing.