Directions: From the tube turn left and head down the Quadrant, Richmond's main shopping precinct, carry on across at the lights on George Street. When you get to the point where the road bears to the left, Water Lane is practically directly opposite. Cross the street and go down Water Lane to the water and turn right. Go about 300 yards along the river and you'll see a sign on the bank for The White Swan. Turn right again and go about 40 yards - it's on the left.
Tucked away on a little lane between the Richmond Green and the river, this old (built 1777) pub is much more of a locals' place, than some of the neighbouring establishments. Being just off the beaten track means, that on days when the rest of Richmond is bursting at the seams, this place is a welcome oasis of calm. There are three decent beers on the hand pumps - Speccy, Pride and Bombardier and the wine list is good, but here at the White Swan there's a stronger emphasis on food. The menu looks a little pricey at first glance, but the quality is right up there. And the fact it's often fully booked at the weekend is testament to the quality - especially in view of all the surrounding competition in Richmond town. There are a couple of tables out front and a nice sheltered beer garden and conservatory at the rear for those rare fine days. The occasional rattle of trains on the embankment at the back, does little to disturb this haven of calm. When you add polite, friendly service and amiable locals you have the perfect recipe for a relaxing summer's afternoon.
reviewed: 27/09/2008
pub features:(click on an icon to see an explanation)
posted by Blue Jock - Wednesday 16th September, 2009, 11:28am
Lovely little pub this. It has many unusual features, including an electrical socket in the ceiling, one at a 90 degree angle off norm, a coffee machine in constant use but (weirdly and sadly) no smell of coffee and an upstairs function room which must have the qualities of Dr Who's Tardis......an apparently never-ending stream of wedding guests went up and were never seen again!
Beers are very well kept, there's plenty of bottled stuff and the food looked really REALLY good. If i hadn't filled up at the WHite Cross i'd have been happy doing so here!
Very nice boozer....well worth looking for.
click for directions to White Swan from wherever you are
function room for hire
beer garden
dogs welcome
