Swan Inn Stratford St Mary in Babergh

Recently ate at the Swan in Stratford and unfortunately became very unwell the day after. Management take no responsibility or even offer any sort of apology for poor preparation of the food even when it was very clear they caused the issue. 7 out of 9 of us ate the same food and all suffered because of it. Did not feel like a valued customer and considering the group I visited with spent £450 on starters, mains, deserts and a couple of drinks, I would not regard this as value for money. Suffered all week with severe stomach cramps and diarrhoea. No vomiting which suggests the food was either reheated or left out too long before serving. I can see other customers also complained about having warm food so they were clearly not on the ball on the day of the visit. I would strongly advise against eating here and if you do, I’d suggest bringing your own fly spray as flies were everywhere on the day we visited.

A really disappointing roast dinner, and not cheap either. I had the beef which I would warn you arrived extremely rare - fine if that’s your sort of thing. However that being said, myself and my partner both ended up extremely unwell for a few days afterwards. If you decide to go here, I recommend just for a drink and definitely not to eat!

Eight of us went for catch-up, and seven of us, in a stroke of genius, opt for the beef. What could go wrong, right? Well, turns out, everything. By midnight, we weren’t swapping stories of old times—we were swapping positions at the porcelain throne, serenading the loo with a symphony of regret. Food poisoning? Nah, mate, just a "coincidence," says the pub. Seven out of eight of us, felled like dominoes after a single shared meal, and they reckon it’s the universe playing a prank. The ambiance? Top-tier fly sanctuary. A buzzing cloud of little winged critics circled our plates, probably giving the beef a Michelin star for "most likely to ruin your week." You’d think with that many flies, they’d have a bouncer at the door—or at least a swatter behind the bar. Nope. Just us, the beef, and our new insect overlords. And the staff? They went full Sherlock Holmes—minus the deduction skills. No apology, no “sorry you had to purge your insides out” instead, they doubled down insisting it couldn’t possibly be their food. Must’ve all caught a rogue stomach bug from hugging too hard. Genius-level deflection, really—worthy of a comedy sketch if it weren’t so tragic. So, if you fancy an afternoon of gastric roulette, a side of flies, and a masterclass in denial, The Swan’s your spot. Bring your mates, order the beef, and see who’s left standing. One star—because at least the flies seemed to enjoy it!

We was going to milsom’s but decided to give the swan a try as it looked very nice , we got a table in the older part of the pub and was pleased at first , food arrived in approximately 5 minutes of ordering, we ordered two beef roasts, food was cold and had clearly been prepared much earlier . We also had to move to a different table as we were literally surrounded by flies which kept landing on the flood . The food was of poor quality and no where near worth the price !

Lovely atmosphere due to welcoming staff. Food is great, we ordered fish and chips. The only criticism would be the portion of mushy peas is too small, in a tiny ramekin and chips could also be slighter larger portion, please take note as this menu choice is a pub staple. Good selection of wine and beers.

Fantastic pub - perfect combination of modern and traditional - there’s a cosy fireplace area as well as newer area with huge windows. Warm welcome, great wine list and beer selection, top notch food too. A rewarding destination after a long walk!

Nice location, lovely open fire and friendly ( but very busy ) staff. Decent size mains (Sunday lunch) but overall, pretty tasteless. My wife’s beef was pink ( nice) yet chewy, my belly pork had little flavour and thought it was ,only in Chinese restaurants where there’s no crackling served with this cut of roast meat? Glad we tried it out but wouldn’t rush back - perhaps a mid week visit would see a better result……

They have done a great job here. It's modern but they have kept the old feel. Above all it has a really great selection of beer! (Assuming you like beer....)

Love this place. The refurb has just added to just how wonderful this place is. Food wise you can expect a carefully selected menu, with each dish matched with wine and beer, and the food is absolutely delicious. For the beer enthusiasts - 16 draught keg lines including selections from the U.K., Belgium and the US, including at least one draught AF lager (Budvar). Four cask beers and one of the most extensive bottle lists you’ll see in the U.K. Service is something else, the staff are always welcoming and friendly and offer a wealth of experience and knowledge about what they offer. Whether it’s an old country pub feel in front of the fire out the back or a more modern feel at the front, I highly recommend this place. Public transport is an issue, but it’s well worth the visit. Child and dog friendly. Very much looking forward to enjoying beers in the garden in the summer 😎

Well the rugby was on, and so plenty of atmosphere but we had dinner and it was very good indeed.

We enjoyed a meal to celebrate our 14th wedding anniversary and the staff were so attentive. The meal was exquisite and I would highly recommend this venue.

Lovely and lively Christmas Eve drinks with friends.👍🏻

The Swan is my happy place! Staff make you feel valued and remember you drink preferences! The beers are amazing and we will continue to be regulars!

As long as you're happy to try different beers then this is the pub for you. Pace yourself and enjoy what they have to offer. The food is a cut above the usual, no frozen reheated food.

Food is good but certainly not a gastro pub. The beers on the other hand - simply amazing. Don't expect Stella or Fosters, but a massive range of British and European beers, draught and bottles, light and dark, from the sane to the insane (10% strength or more !). In the summer, the outside setting is stunning.

Great pub for a pint and snacks or for a lunch/dinner. Superb range of local and more well known beers. Lovely staff and dog friendly.

Amazing selection of beers (24 pumps plus bottles) and really knowledge and friendly staff. Looking forward to the kitchen to be up and running.

Been here a few times. Great atmosphere and selection of beers/ales. Food is generally very good and most staff are lovely and helpful... Except one, the maturer lady, who we consistently find to be quite rude or dismissive and looks like she's judging you constantly... And not just us it seems if you read the other comments on this place. A shame as she tarnishes the experience.

Wow... I've driven past this place on numerous occasions en route to and from work and never even noticed it. Today, I visited with a pal for Sunday lunch. What an exquisite hidden gem this place is. It's an absolutely amazing place. Massive. Up to date. Spacious. Relaxed. Caters for all. It's not cheap, granted. However, the experience is definitely worth it. The food, roast beef, and trimmings on this occasion. Big portions are excellently crafted and promptly served by knowledgeable, polite, and friendly staff. Vast selection at the bar, which is also complemented by equally knowledgeable polite friendly and attentive staff. Cosy indoor area with log burner and comfortable seating. Larger area at the bar with numerous tables very spacious and relaxed feel. Outside is a carpark for around 50 cars (approximately) with hedges blocking the majority of the car park from view there is a grassed area with lots of outdoor tables of differing sizes with seating. A very pleasant hidden gem. I may well make this "my go-to place" based on today's visit. Thoroughly enjoyable experience. Thank you to one and all at "The Swan @ Stratford St Mary." I am looking forward to my next visit already.

Incredible place. Staff are so friendly. Food beautiful. Beers and wines beyond reproach. Nice emphasis on beautiful wood! What's not to like?

I wanted to share this review as we had the strangest experience today here. Simply lovely BBQ food, the people serving were great, we were having a lovely time but then we were challenged by the same staff member three or four times who simply wouldn't believe that we had indeed paid for our food and drinks. Finally he actually worked out with his staff that we had paid. He didn't apologise, I think he sent someone else too. Very random, very rude, spoiled something which in all other respects was great.

Wow. Simple and plainly just wow. This place is wonderful in every aspect. All the staff were so friendly and welcoming and honestly couldn’t do enough for you. We didn’t get her name, but the owners sister, who was an absolute fountain of knowledge with everything the place offered, she reeled off all the Gluten Free Beers for my husband who has coeliacs and then proceeded to go through the entire menu, telling us what he could and couldn’t have because it contained gluten. She also informed us they have a completely separate fryer, especially for people with coeliacs and will make GF batter if he wanted the fish and chips. I honestly don’t think in the 7 years we have been together, any places has ever been this on it with gluten free thing. The food was incredible. We both had the burger and chips for our main and he had the sweet potatoes bhaji which were also, amazing. This place is a secret haven and must if you want great food and a beautiful location. We’ve already decided to go back soon

Been here a few times to eat and drink. Lovely surroundings, nice seating area. However, on 2 separate occasions now, the older lady who either works there or owns the place has been rude. I find her attitude towards a paying customer brutish. If this pub wants to survive I would recommend they retire that lady to back of house. I shall not be returning anytime soon, shame because all other staff are very welcoming and polite.

Amazing food! Best fish and chips ever had!! Need to book as very popular and service was a bit slow and hard to get their attention

Do you want to feel good old racism? Swann Inn is the perfect place! Servers start judging you as soon as you step in the door, and if you don't look British enough in their eyes, they will say they’re fully booked, or they give you the farthest corner possible so no other racist customer can see you. I have been welcomed in the worst way possible by the old server women in chief suits, and I have never felt this uncomfortable in any place in my entire life! ( I have lived in the United States for eight years—imagine that!!! ) Anyone who wants to feel old British racism feels free to go to that place; you will feel like you were in the 17th century!

Shocking service. Had to get menu myself as no one came to table. Ordered drinks at bar and asked about food. No one came to table so went to bar again and eventually get told nothing on the menu apart from nibbles. Last time I’ll drive to this place

Come here to meet the ultimate Karen and pay London prices for the pleasure. Horrible, stuffy woman in here, gets kicks out of ruining your day.

Waitress, in a chefs outfit walked towards us shaking her head (bad start). She told us she would have to ask the kitchen if we were able to eat, despite the entirety of the inside seating being empty. Only the outside seating was fully booked as it was a sunny day. The waitress was odd, and aggressive. She made us feel unwelcome and incredibly uncomfortable with her attitude of treating us like her ‘naughty grandchildren’ from the beginning till end, so even though she had returned and begrudgingly told us we could indeed eat, we decided to go elsewhere to eat. The waitress was incapable of basic maths and asked us to work out our own bill for our drinks. She also brought the bill to us without being prompt, we had only just been brought our drinks and had not mentioned that we would not be drinking another round. She was very rude. I would not recommend anyone to pay a visit here.

Great place to go. Staff where very helpful. Hopefully will try food soon.

Great selection of beers. I didn't eat but have booked to re-visit and will eat then, as the menu looks really nice.

You MUST visit. An incredible transformation with beautiful acts of restoration of this historic building. Food is incredible, a few more veggie options please. Wine list is excellent with some real Bin End gems. Pet and child friendly 👍 Most excellent staff, facilities and offering. Get visiting local people, before the crowds take over.

Good vibes, great beer, delicious food, lovely staff.

This place is relaxing with a wonderful ambience. A massive selection of beers on tap and the food is just🤤

Excellent Sunday Lunch, delicious food, outstanding customer service, and superb selection of beverages.

A lot of potential, ok for a drink, poor over priced food, very disappointing.

Stopped for a quick half while walking the Stour Valley Path. Very comfortable and cosy atmosphere. Excellent beer.

Delicious, relaxed lunch with friends today. Service was friendly and attentive. Large range of beers, wine and ciders available from knowledgeable staff.

Love the new way they have set up this pub. It's a great venue to catch up for a drink and a bite to eat.

This is a great pub. We went almost by chance but discovered that it's a real pub for beer lovers with a huge selection with cask, keg and Belgian beers. It's been recently remodelled and has a modern front/outdoor area but you can retreat into the ancient interior for drinks or dinner. Food was excellent, service was excellent, beer was excellent and slightly cheaper than the pubs in Debham.

Food not tried but looked excellent!!

Just visited the Swan Inn. They are serving food and it's excellent. Really helpful and friendly staff, great location and new building work is complete and great addition to the Inn. Would thoroughly recommend a visit

I’ve been meaning to go back to The Swan since it reopened and I am so glad I did. Such a lovely evening with friends last night, delicious food, great atmosphere and a huge selection of drinks. Will be booking to go again soon! Thank you for super service too.

Newly reopened, food (I only had sausage rolls) was very good and from what I saw the rest was up to the same quality nice friendly service , but really lacking any atmosphere, hopefully this will improve with time

Always a warm welcome from the friendly professional staff. Exceptional choice of beers on tap and by bottle. So pleased they retained the nook by the fire. Highly recommended.

Lovely village pub, beer garden, food nice

Venue and staff are absolutely wonderful .

The pub has had a full renovation and now a really lovely place to go for food and drink also to just relax The staff are so friendly and welcoming

WOW what a mix of old (very old 1560) and new, great choice of different beers wines and spirits and great staff. Bar snacks great and food coming soon!

What a fantastic experience. The pub has been recently refurbished, and I'd go as far as saying it's now the nicest pub for miles! Lovely friendly staff, too - will definitely be back.

This pub has recently re opened following an extensive refurbishment. The blend of old and new has been sympathetically achieved, with both the cosy old part and the large new modern bar area. The large patio area is fully stocked with chairs and tables for extensive al fresco enjoyment. Beware of the step between the two older seating areas as many are tripping up and down it, with one person in our party really hurting themselves . Staff are aware.

Newly refurbished to a high standard and really friendly staff.

Visited the Swan for the first time last week and was very impressed by the surroundings. I joined fellow Carol singers in the older part of the pub which was a little cramped but the new build is very spacious and airy. Only had a shandy but looking forward to when meals will be available. I live in the village so great place to walk to and socialise.

A Very nice quaint little village pub

This pub is being refurbished at the moment

Once again good food good value good service

Friendly pub with good beer and food. Own jetty on the river Stour if you fancy paddling up for a pub lunch. Will be top of my visiting list post covid!

Its a lovely place BUT Shut at the moment.

Rude, unfriendly service. Will not be coming back!

Another brilliant gem in the area and another amazing pub out of town. Beer, wine and spirit selection is first class. Great seating outside in the summer, warm and cozy in the small front bar by the fire during the winter. I hear good things about the food but haven't eaten here myself yet

Wonderful setting, lovely village pub!

Was just passing through the area , ok to have one drink not my cup of tea really sorry and a bit pricey

Great beer and great roast beef!!

Sometimes, if you frequent often enough, it's easy to take somewhere for granted.. So after popping in for a new years meal i thought it time to mention that they've managed prove that Simplicity is the greatest sophistication... Many thanks to Simon, Jane and sfaff for welcoming us into their fine rustic pub for the last few years... Happy New Year

It was great. We had a fabulous evening accompanied by a superb claret. We felt very well looked after and the food was delicious.

Absolutely delicious Sunday Lunch, more expensive than most but quality shines through, highly recommended

Very friendly staff and fellow customers. Their vegetarian curry was exceptionally warming and filling. Delicious.

Brilliant beer choice. Superb sausage rolls.

Extremely friendly and welcoming pub

Lady serving in the restaurant was condescending to the point of being insulting. Very poor choice on menu. Younger staff friendly and helpful though.

Interesting menu with good outside seating.

Historic pub. Good selection of beer. Great food. Friendly staff. Really enjoyed it.

Just ate the mushroom pithivier... Outstanding thanks so much. ❤

Stuffy staff. overheard landlady warning other guests about a party including children that were due at 1/ 30pm That they may want to move indoors joking that they may run out of Chicken Nuggets. So naive our Children would not be ordering those. But the landlady still took their money. Please do not run down customers!!! In ear shot of others.👎👎👎👎

This is a classic English pub. I have been there three times. On the first two occasions the service was excellent. On the third, I found the manner of the landlady unhelpful. The younger staff were fine.

Stopped there for drinks this afternoon. I and my family really enjoyed the atmosphere and lovely service thanks the staff at Swan Inn St Mary.

This is a real gem and I cannot recommend this wonderful country pub highly enough. The staff, especially the landlady, were very attentive and exceptionally welcoming. We will definitely be going back!

Amazing team there. Very nice and friendly staff . Food was excellent, best burger or this year! Also a good assortment of beers

A wonderful find! I've had a fabulous dinner this evening at this quintessentially English inn. Simon behind the bar was wonderful making suggestions and recommendations. Wonderful kitchen team whose food was fantastic, well priced, fresh, totally scrumptious and served with a smile. I had a great evening - the Swan Inn is most definitely worth a visit; very attentive, caring and knowledgeable staff, wonderful cosy indoor space, glorious garden outside - my advice save room for dessert!

A lovely traditional country pub!!

What a lovely place to visit meet wonderful people and really enjoy a lovely meal

The food was excellent and staff were very keen to make our visit as enjoyable as possible.

Stopped in for a pint at the end of the walk, barman was very welcoming and recommended a few beers, went with the kriek boon and it was incredible. Lovely beer garden, friendly staff and beautiful backdrop, will definitely go again.

Cosy little pub, if you fancy a quiet one in the country this is the one.

1st time to the swan the service was 10/10 the same is to be said about the food was made to feel so welcome defo be going back

Lovely place. Rare roast beef was excellent. Service veey good too. All topped off with a suoerb pint of Trawlerboys real ale.

Only had a drink after canoeing on the Stour. Spoilt by the very abrupt speaking land lady. Beer lovely though

Lovely friendly pub. We had a lovely meal here with friends.

Super lunch, lovely fish cake with spinach and new potatoes, and a super vegetable curry....2 happy diners!

Very cosy with an amazing location and serves good beers

I give this 1 star due the rude service and a very limited menu. The drinks and food was nice. Just food was very small. And the land lady said she could do chips but didn't want to as they only have one fryer so theu couldnt be bothered. The landlady was very rude, grumpy and made me feel not welcome

Excellent beer grown and brewed on site, very pleasant surroundings and jolly good hosts, my son informs me that the food also is to die for and I fully intend to investigate next time I'm in that neck of the wood's, a truly worthwhile experience all round.

Enjoyed a lovely lunch time meal here i had most delicious beef stew We were made most welcome

Brilliant little pub, friendly owner and staff. Food is really tasty and the wine list is brilliant with good value to be found. Highly recommended!

Lovely food, very tasty and different. Good beer too.

Amazing food (we had one of the best roast beef dinners I have had in a while) and lovely relaxing atmosphere. Staff were friendly (made our 2 and 4 gear old welcome) and offered flexible menu choices for them. The dessert was overcooked a little and they were very apologetic about this and gave us another one swiftly. Will definitely be returning. Thankyou.

Nothing short of amazing. Beer, food, staff, locals, all top drawer.

Very warm welcome; dog friendly, good choice of real ales.

Jane and Simon thank you for a lovely evening

We started from here to canoe on the River Stour for a Santa Paddle. It was a reasonably large group and the pub opened early to accommodate us, which was very much appreciated on a cold December morning. A lovely fire was a lite in the bar area. On offer were some rather delicious sausage rolls, hot chocolate and coffee. The staff were cheerful and friendly. We will be going back for a meal soon.

One of the most lovely pubs in the area and I definitely recommend visiting. It has amazing food and the kindest service that we’re willing to make special arrangements for a vegan in our party.