The Swan Reviews Summary

Atmosphere & Setting

Pros:

• "Whoever designed the interior has an amazing talent, it’s so unusual and pretty."
• "A charming pub near the centre of West Malling in Kent."
• "Walking through the door it felt like I was almost back in France!"
• "Even from the onset, walking into the 'Ski Chalet' themed area out the back of the restaurant, the atmosphere was lively and welcoming!"

Cons:

• "The only downside is there is no onsite parking facilities."
• "The floorboards are such that I was shaken throughout my meal."

Service

Pros:

• "The staff were incredible. The food was superb, service impeccable."
• "A big shout out to the waitresses, who kept our glasses filled, without us noticing and offered the most professional service I have seen for a while."
• "The service we had was spot on."
• "Thank you to all the staff at the Swan for a lovely family celebration we had on Sunday for my mother's 80th birthday."
• "Staff were lovely and service was very fast."
• "A special word for our amazing waiter, who was gorgeous, attentive and helpful every moment we were there."

Cons:

• "Waited over an hour for pancakes."
• "If I leave the comfort of my home on a Saturday morning and spend exorbitant amounts of cash on a special treat I shouldn’t feel like I’m playing cat and mouse with the servers."
• "The service was a bit slow but this was because they were so busy and not poor service."
• "The waitress was so rude after, hence my two stars."

Food Quality & Variety

Pros:

• "Starters were amazing (Duck salad and prawn cocktail)."
• "The food was exceptional with good choices."
• "Very impressed at the quality of ingredients, presentation, and of course the meal."
• "The food was amazing and delicious."
• "The treacle tart was outstanding."
• "Beautifully presented, amazing food & menu as well as non alcoholic/alcoholic beverages."

Cons:

• "When we started with the menu, I noticed that there were no vegetarian, let alone vegan, options for mains, which is very unusual for a restaurant these days."
• "Plates cold. Food cold. Lamb chewy and undercooked. Duck starter unpalatable."
• "Unfortunately, the food wasn't great, the lamb was tough and chewy to the point I almost choked."
• "The main dishes lamb chop and sirloin beef: both lack of character."

Price & Value

Pros:

• "For the standard of food, the prices are very reasonable."
• "Good value for such high-quality food."
• "With dessert, coffee and a drink - £40 a head including service charge. Would thoroughly recommend."

Cons:

• "It's expensive food and there was no car park."
• "I thought it was a bit pricey for what it was."
• "Then there was a service charge slapped on too."
• "Its expensive for a country pub with no parking."

General Experience & Recommendations

Pros:

• "I would recommend The Swan to anyone looking for high-quality dining in a casual, friendly atmosphere."
• "Definitely worth a visit!"
• "The live music was a nice addition and the keyboard player is very good."

Cons:

• "Disappointing. Won't be rushing back."
• "Sadly, I wouldn’t return based on this experience."
• "A bit more Irish Whisky would be nice."
• "Has bread to start, £1.8 pp - was served fridge-cold."