Black Swan Inn Reviews Summary

Food Quality

Pros:

• "The food was of a very high standard and they were very accommodating."
• "Very good pub grub at a decent price."
• "The raspberry and white brioche butter pudding was the best dessert I've had all year, heaven in a bowl."
• "The food is the standout though - it was absolutely delicious."
• "All our meals were beautifully cooked and presented."
• "Absolutely fantastic food!"
• "The food was truly delicious, best gravy ever!"

Cons:

• "Stopped here on the 6th for lunch. The food, I had a Beef roast, to be honest it was awful."
• "The food was great but was spoilt by way too much gravy!!"
• "The food was a mixture of successes and mis-fires."
• "For desert I had Apple cake which if I'm honest was a slight disappointment after the main."
• "The Yorkshire puds we believe we’re a bit stoggy."
• "The veg was mush and the salad garnish wilted on hot plates."
• "The food was mediocre, the wine simply not good."

Service

Pros:

• "Waiting staff were all excellent."
• "Friendly helpful staff, and service was super quick, despite them being busy."
• "All the staff are really nice, friendly and professional."
• "Very friendly staff and helpful. Nothing was too much trouble."
• "The service was very good- friendly and very quick."
• "Very speedy and attentative staff with attention to detail."
• "The service was incredible and the staff kind and thoughtful."

Cons:

• "Manager asked if everything was alright with the meal as they usually do in restaurants, but was then quite rude when we said it wasn't all perfect!"
• "The service somewhat muddled (water at the third time of asking, several drinks which we did not order on our bill)."
• "Waiting staff barely engaged, seemed impatient."
• "The staff however (male) I’m guessing manager not so much! He was quite dismissive Barely spoke."
• "Subdued service, barely audible behind face masks."
• "Extremely rude and very unpleasant landlady."
• "Very average customer service."

Ambiance and Setting

Pros:

• "Inside the pub is all dining, so when we arrived early and wanted to chill with a drink we sat outside as that was comfier than our dining table."
• "We had a table in the garden under the new canopy, with lovely lighting and heaters, the garden is looking fabulous."
• "A cozy traditional pub with fantastic food served by very friendly staff."
• "Absolutely stunning. Kind welcoming staff, comfortable environment with a friendly community. Food was divine."
• "It's a nice pub inside, olde world and rustic."
• "Lovely pub with a sun trap garden."
• "Beautiful garden bar even the walk from inside to the toilets is pretty."

Cons:

• "It was very busy and kept on having to turn tables away so booking is a must."
• "It had a very small minded atmosphere and I wasn't comfortable being myself."
• "Only slight downside was that were seated next to the bar so had people walking past during the meal."
• "Tables crowded into small space diners getting knocked by people passing."
• "The public bar area was quite crowded - not bad for a wet and blustery November evening and had a very friendly vibe."
• "The toilets were a little cold as you had to go outside to get to them and there is no heat but it suits the rustic atmosphere."
• "The tables were too crowded."

Special Dietary Options

Pros:

• "Fabulous pub with great food. Very clued up on their gluten free offerings, which for a coeliac like me - it’s priceless."
• "The only place in Swanage that does a truly gluten free menu."
• "Booking a suitable table and accommodating for dietary requirements (Gluten Free, Vegetarians and Vegans) was no problem."
• "The chef helped with my particular food requests regarding GF and dairy free needs."
• "The menu doesn't advise which options can be made vegan friendly but the staff were on hand to advise."
• "Gluten Free heaven for MrsO (Coeliac) - such a nice treat to have virtually all the menu from starters through to desserts available to her."
• "They cater for, and understand gluten intolerances."

Cons:

• "It was a shame they had run out of gluten-free fish and chips the night we went."