Swan London in Southwark

I was there for lunch yesterday. Since I was on the terrace, they told me to order with my smartphone via QR code. I opened the menu which does not describe the dishes you order. We ordered olives, French fries and two beetroot burgers. Since it is not specified in the menu, being written "hamburger", we thought it was beef stuffed with beets... instead it was an unpleasant beetroot patty. Without complaining, believing that the mistake could still be ours, we called the waiter and asked if there were any meat burgers: he told us that the only meat burger available was chicken. So we ordered two chicken burgers... and they brought us two sandwiches with fried chicken breast. I am a foreigner and I apologize, but even the English dictionary explains that "hamburger" is minced meat, preferably beef! To top it off, while they were bringing us chicken sandwiches, a local gentleman was telling all the customers sitting on the terrace to leave because a demonstration was about to start at the Shakespeare Theatre. We spent £100 and didn't eat. Shame on you! If you don't put descriptions on the menu, the dishes should correspond to the meaning of their name!

Anushan was an amazing server, he was outstanding, funny, and very helpful. The food was amazing we enjoyed our afternoon tea. Definitely recommend the view is also amazing as well

It was my perfect Afternoon Tea😍🥰😍Thank you guys 😘💝delicious😋my perfect birthday, I‘m happy I have chosen you for the tea tradition😍😍😍

Charming and authentic afternoon tea!

Amazing brunch or dinner and gorgeous views! Perfect for a romantic date

We went there to celebrate a birthday. What a wonderful stay. Amazing food. Amazing tea. Super nice and friendly staff incl a nice birthday surprise

We had a memorable meal at The Swan, overlooking the Thames. The cod was amazing - firm and succulent. Riyas was a superb host, doing everything he could to make our visit special.

We had a lovely afternoon tea at the Swan. Delicious food and drink, and great service from Riyas, who made sure it was extra special for my birthday!

Beautiful views with horrible service and average food. Our waiter forgot to bring our second course… leaving us for over an hour between courses. We opted to skip third course to avoid waiting that long again and then imagine waiting for the bill! No apology was made when we had to ask for our second course to be brought out. My sirloin was to be medium rare and it was beyond medium to my standards. Chef had sneakily flipped it over hoping I wouldn’t notice the overdone side. But if you’re just looking for a view, and not fine dining, you’ll be happy here.

Just don’t brother lol, very empty

We had a splendid evening at the Swan. We enjoyed the 2-Course-Set-Menu and ordered a dessert from the main menu. Special thanks to Riyas, who took care of all our needs and dietary restrictions. We will definitely dine with you again.

We had such a great time dining at the swan last night. Our waiter was Henry and he was outstanding, he really made the experience for us… the food and drink were outstanding as well.

Afternoon Tea overlooking the Thames. Doesn't get much better than that!

I had the Romeo and Juliet inspired afternoon tea at the Swan in London after our tour at the Globe. The food was lovely, even though it was rather pricey. The staff are great. If you want an authentic English experience, I definitely recommend.

Great spot to grab a pint or snack before heading to The Globe right next door. It does get really busy! If you grab a seat there’s a QR code so you can order/pay in advance which was perfect for us as we had less than an hour before catching a play

Good restaurant with a typically English menu. The servers are attentive. It is located right next to the Shakespeare Theater and on the banks of the Thames.

Really nice place, enjoyed it with my family

Serious Physical Injury Due to Negligence – Public Safety Breach Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, all businesses operating in public spaces within the United Kingdom have a legal duty to ensure the safety of the public. This duty has been clearly breached by this establishment, resulting in a serious personal injury. While walking on a pedestrian pathway, I was struck on the leg by a blue barrier located in the restaurant’s outdoor area. This barrier, containing a weighted metal base, had not been secured and was allowed to move freely. Due to wind, it was displaced into the public walkway and caused an open wound to my leg. Photographic evidence of the injury and the scene is available. This incident amounts to negligence, and the restaurant may also be liable under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957, which requires businesses to take reasonable steps to ensure that visitors and even passers-by are not exposed to risk. The failure to anchor or remove a heavy object from a publicly accessible area is a breach of this duty and a threat to public safety. When I reported the incident to the staff, no formal apology was given. The situation was handled in a dismissive manner, with only superficial first aid offered. Furthermore, the accident report form was inaccurately and incompletely filled out, failing to reflect the full extent of the incident. Legal consequences that may arise from this incident include: • Personal Injury Claim: The victim is entitled to pursue compensation for physical and potential psychological harm caused by the negligence. • Regulatory Sanctions: The business may be subject to investigation and penalties by local authorities or the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). • Public Liability Exposure: This could lead to further legal and reputational consequences if the hazard is not rectified and similar incidents occur. I intend to file an official complaint with the relevant regulatory bodies and to seek legal advice to initiate a formal claim. I urge the public to be cautious, and I call on the establishment to take immediate action to review and rectify its safety protocols.

Celebrated my birthday here with 7 friends. All lovely. A great experience. Sunday roast wad excellent.

Great night - had Ryias hosting who gave us the perfect evening. Very memorable!

Our first visit to the Globe since it didn’t exist on our previous trips a number of decades ago. We were fortunate to get tables on two separate visits (lunch & pre-show dinner). The food was always exceptional and the service staff was warm & friendly. Thank you for memorable experiences.

A live “band” last Thursday night. Two girls doing some covers. That’s fine - but if they’re acoustic, why not leave it at that? They had their own massive speakers and just in case you couldn’t hear it they’d been plugged in to the main speakers as well. I’m all for music and atmosphere etc but everyone was leaving because no one could hear anyone say anything. If you want to listen to music go to a gig, in the pub people want to chat and have some background stuff. The restaurant upstairs was serving tap water from a branded mineral water bottle - and charging for it. Do it from a jug with ice in it if you’re charging £50 for a steak. Hurried service. When did sides become £7?

Lovely views. Unfortunately, slow service and mediocre food.

it combines great ambiance, attentive service, and beautifully presented dishes.

Came in for a few drinks to celebrate a friend’s birthday and was blown away by the warm welcome and outstanding service from Valentina (Tina). She made the experience truly memorable—10/10! I’ll definitely be coming back. Jennifer Alejandra x

Came for breakfast and Sunday's Brunch. Excellent!

Everything is a wonderfully wonderful establishment, everything is at the highest level V.C.

Great experience, workers were very understanding and had great communication

Bustling restaurant by The Globe theater where the food is OK and the staff is friendly and responsive.

We were at Swan London for Classic Teatime today, and it exceeded our expectations. The service was exceptionally attentive. We felt very comfortable. The food was excellent, from the sandwiches to the truly amazing scones to the deliciouses special petit fours. Tea can be reordered. There was a birthday surprise for my husband. We would love to come back anytime when we will be in London again. A big compliment from us and many thanks, T+T from Hamburg

Great service , beautiful atmosphere Will surely come again

Nice place to visit and enjoy

Very good overall for Globe visitors, staff on top of busy customer volume.

Had a fantastic time at Swan London! The location is unbeatable—right next to the Globe Theatre with stunning views of the Thames and St. Paul’s. We went for the Romeo & Juliet-themed afternoon tea, and it was delightful. The staff were attentive and made sure we had everything we needed. A bit on the pricey side, but for the experience and setting, it’s worth it. Perfect spot for a special occasion or to treat yourself.

Great atmosphere and quality food. Staff treated us well and we didn't have any problems at all

Short visit but nice popular pub by the Thames

I can say this restaurant is the best place I’ve ever eaten. Everything down to the design of the restaurant was perfect. That’s for the amazing service 🙌🙌

Excellent costumer service and delicious food 😋

If you're looking for a place that delivers on both flavor and service, Swan London is a must-visit! From the moment you step inside, you're greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The staff is incredibly friendly and attentive, making you feel right at home. The menu is diverse, offering something for everyone, whether you're in the mood for a hearty meal or something light and fresh. The ingredients are always top-notch, and you can really taste the quality in every bite. I highly recommend trying their Roasted Fillet of Gloucesterold, which is an absolute standout. The flavors are perfectly balanced, and it’s clear that they put a lot of thought into the preparation. What really sets this place apart, though, is the attention to detail. Every dish is presented beautifully, and the portions are generous, leaving you feeling satisfied without being overwhelmed. And don’t even get me started on their desert — it’s the perfect way to end a meal. Overall, Swan London is a hidden gem. Whether you're a local or just passing through, this is the kind of place you’ll want to return to again and again. I can’t recommend it enough!

This is an amazing restaurant and I couldn't recommend it more

Wonderful place great atmosphere and lovely staff 😀 would definitely visit again definitely 5/5 star

First time exploring afternoon tea at Swan London and I really enjoyed the experience. Venue was lovely, view was gorgeous over the Bankside river and the service was very good. Selection of food was good and I really liked the strawberry mocktail on the menu. Highly recommend and reasonably priced. You won’t be disappointed!

Very good food and service from the staff. Heavenly atmosphere with good vibes.

Many thanks to Kumar for probably the best front of house staff i have ever had to pleasure of being served by. He is truly a top level staff member. Please pass on our thanks. The food was incredible, massive flavours and very simply put together. An impressive wine list and overall an amazing night. What a way to celebrate my wife's birthday. Thank you.

Fab food quality service, would definitely come again

Had a lovely dinner. Great food at very fair prices. Our server Ian was great and recommended us two dishes that we loved.

Hotel absolutly amazing! Food delicous, outstanding service & cool & comfortable atmosphere

Very calm environment, unique decorations and polite people :)

I had the pleasure of visiting The Swan in London for afternoon tea with a friend, and it was truly one of the highlights of our trip— honestly, probably our favorite experience in the city. We were seated on the top floor with a table right in front of the window, offering a stunning view of the Thames. The food was excellent, and I especially loved the theater-themed presentation. As someone who is lactose-intolerant, I really appreciated that they offered both vegan and vegetarian options. Everything was delicious, and the attention to detail made the experience even more special. The staff were fantastic, and our server, Jay, took wonderful care of us, ensuring we had an amazing time. I especially loved the tea, and he was kind enough to give me a couple of tea bags to take home—a small but thoughtful gesture that made the experience even more memorable. Overall, it was an outstanding experience that I’ve already recommended to colleagues and friends who visit London more frequently than I do. If you’re looking for a special afternoon tea with great food, exceptional service, and a beautiful view, The Swan is an absolute must!

Wonderful views of the City & St Paul's as the sun set. The food is consistently excellent and we were so well looked after by the very attentive Henry. This is one of the best restaurants in close proximity to the City and London sights.

lovely place to enjoy great food and drinks

Great local in the middle of town.

I really love this place. BUT my last visit the service / staff were totally hopeless. I really hope this changes back to what it was before.

The most delicious and tasty restaurant. This is the first time in my life that I have tasted such a delicious food.

We stopped for a quick drink and snack during a long walk. Hubby had a beer (always a winner for him) and I had a blackberry alcohol free cocktail - it was too syrupy for my liking but refreshing enough. A cheese plate was shared and we enjoyed the 3 cheeses and accompaniments very much.

Went there for a farewell dinner with friends. We enjoyed the friendly service from attentive staff that were able to advise on food and drinks. Delicious starters and main course, combined with an excellent choice of red wine. Highly recommended

Great experience, great food, you cant go wrong here

Lovely restaurant! It was a great location, close by to lots of tourist attractions but a nice quiet and peaceful place to take a break and get a bite to eat. Staff was very helpful and welcoming. The Cauliflower soup was amazing, I haven’t stopped thinking about it since! The fish was nice fish, well cooked but lacked flavor. Highly recommend and will be back!

terrible customer service and scammers dont recommend.

I was gifted a three-course dinner for two at the Swan and we had a very pleasant experience. The entrées (both mackerel rillette) and mains (venison stew and fish + lentils) were very delicious. We would come back for the savoury meals alone. The dessert (tart of the day, which I think may have been a frangipane tart) was just okay. Our waiter, Riyas, was very friendly and attentive to our needs/requests. My partner and I have been living in the UK for six months and we have arrived a the conclusion that it is better to cook your own food because it seems no matter where you dine you either get underwhelming food for the price you pay or bad service (or both). Our dining experience at the Swan was a bit of "faith restored" moment as far as dining in the UK goes.

Wonderful place great atmosphere and lovely staff 😀 would stay again definitely 5/5 star

Couldn’t have asked for a better experience for my first afternoon tea. Our server, Jay, was wonderful and kind, the food and tea were delicious and the view of the Thames was exceptional! 10/10 would go here again!

My husband, mother-in-law, and two daughters (ages 12 and 7) stopped in for some drinks and snacks after a walking tour on our first day in London. We were able to snag an outside table which gave us an up close and personal view of the globe. Every server we encountered here was incredibly kind and accommodating. One server in particular was especially engaging and funny, he had us laughing each time he came to check on our table. The food and drinks were superb and the atmosphere was everything we were hoping for in our first restaurant experience in London.

We came here for tea, and as an American who has never experienced afternoon tea before, I was blown out of the water. You’re taken up to the top floor to the tea room, and it’s a nice quiet atmosphere compared to the noisy restaurant below. It also overlooks the river too which I loved. They really nailed the theme, which was Romeo & Juliette in a western style, and offered a variety of options: classic, vegetarian & (in this case) Cowboy, which seemed to be a bit more of a filler lunch. Our server, Jay, explained each option and we ultimately went for a classic tea. I didn’t think it would be a lot of food but I was so wrong! It definitely tricks you. We also went for the green tea which I really enjoyed, and splurged a little for some champagne. It is a bit pricey at £40 per person (champagne not included) but honestly, I think it’s worth it for the price and the experience. I mean, even the plates matched the theme!

An amazing venue and the place to be

My son and his girlfriend booked an afternoon tea for 6. Service was excellent! Vlad ensured that everything arrived promptly. Choices of tea and different types of platter too! Vlad offered extra sandwiches, too, if needed! Couldn't fault the service! A lovely afternoon!

extremely good lovely staff and great food🫶🏽

Lovely staff lovely service lovely good relaxing before the show at the globe

Lovely afternoon tea with great views overlooking Thames. Enjoyed the scones and desserts that weren't too sweet. Staff very friendly and price was affordable. Budget friendly afternoon tea.

Lovely atmosphere amazing staff would recommend 100% amazing experience all together

Romeo and Juliet themed afternoon tea and it was delicious. The food was great and extras were available if desired. The staff were brilliant. They were so attentive and were on hand to give recommendations re different drinks and tea options. Would definitely reccomend.

We hired the private dining room upstairs in the restaurant to celebrate a big birthday. The views over the river were breathtaking. The food was delicious. The best part of our experience was the service. Henry took such good care of us over the four hours we were there. He was incredibly attentive and polite. He anticipated our needs, went out of his way to accommodate them. He really helped make my mother's birthday celebration special. I've noticed over the past couple of years, hospitality service standards have really fallen. I felt compelled to write this review as the service we received at The Swan was outstanding. A rare gem.

Beautiful restaurant with the view of the Thames river. Service was excellent from the receptionist to our server.

Lovely afternoon tea! View is beautiful, service is quick but not rushed, Vlad was great! Food is lovely, good value for money (we even got a refill of sandwiches). Definitely recommend.

This was my first afternoon tea in England and it was wonderful! I had made a reservation, but was able to come a little early. They quickly accommodated me with no issues. The staff was very attentive and the food was excellent!

Service second to none amazing view

An absolutely fantastic restaurant with mouthwatering food and a stunning view! The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, making the experience even more special. A perfect taste of London!

Excellent Restaurant! Great atmosphere, food is terrific and service Excellent. London UK. Caught the Shakespeare play afterwards at Shakespeare Globe. Great time!+

Loved having a nice quiet drink overlooking the river. Brooke the waitress was exceptionally polite and helpful, we would thoroughly recommend this place!

My partner and I came here for Valentine’s Day dinner, and it exceeded all our expectations. It’s such a great feeling when you splurge on a special night out and the food completely blows you away. Everything impressed us — from the incredible meal to the restaurant’s ambiance, perfect location, and top-notch service. It all came together for an unforgettable dining experience.

It's a new restaurant and the food is delicious there.

We had afternoon tea, which was very filling and mostly very enjoyable. The vegan scones were a bit dry and crumbly and the rose sable was far too sweet, but apart from that it was very good.

food was decent, but service was immaculate. kudos to the team, in particular riyas.

Another very enjoyable meal in this lovely restaurant. We were very well looked after by Henry. The service was excellent - efficient, friendly, discreet, helpful and informative. Henry took great care to make sure we had a very enjoyable birthday celebration.

The service was a little slow but everything was excellent!

Had the set tea menu. Food was delicious, including lovely warm scones, and we were offered more. Service was excellent too.

Enjoyed a wonderful coffee with an incredible view at Swan London. Situated at the iconic Shakespeare's Globe by the River Thames, this spot offers enviable views of the Thames and St Paul’s Cathedral. A truly memorable experience!

If you want to know what Hospitality is all about.. you must to visit this restaurant! From the moment we stepped in to the end was an incredible experience! Food and service was out of this world! They make you fill more than special! Kevin and team are doing an incredible job! Well done !!👏

Beautiful place with great atmosphere, excellent service from Edgar. He was extremely kind with my kids and exchanged my son’s burger (he didn’t like the sauce)

The restaurant on the 1st floor serves delicious choices!

Food was just amazing...london does beat US on few items..must visit the place..right across beautiful views...

Thanks to Vlad we had such a lovely evening spending one of my friends birthday. The food was amazing and the vibe that Vlad was bringing was absolutely stunning, AMAZING everyone had fun and we enjoyed everything. We will be back!

Today I enjoyed the afternoon tea in this beautiful place. Our table was in front of a window so we had a lovely view of the river and the skyscrapers of the City. The shakesperean menu was full of delicacies, the scones were especially nice. Jay, who attended us, was very hospitable and kind.

The gentleman's afternoon tea was wonderful! Not ones for sweet things, we ordered the gentleman's option and loved it all... the fish and chips were especially delicious! Each and every staff member we encountered were welcoming, friendly and helpful. The river view was an added bonus and we will definitely be visiting again for an afternoon tea well priced and well delivered. Thank you team Swan!

Kevin and team are absolute legends. The food was amazing (scallops, sea bass, crab, mackerel) The wine pairing was great and Kevin made us feel so welcome and me and my friends had a great time. Absolute gem and would highly recommend. The Bar downstairs was amazing too.. staff are all so so amazing!!

We’re visiting London from the states and decided on High Tea at The Swan. It was a fun and relaxing, the food and tea was stunning. Henry was our waiter. he was so attentive and helpful with making our selection of teas, I ended up choosing the “Wild Encounter” it was delicious.

Thank you all for making my mum's birthday so special! Service was excellent, the team there are lovely, friendly and all round super engaging. The afternoon tea was amazing, sandwiches were soft and tasty, cakes not sickly and the scones.. incredible. Definitely would recommend and will come again!

We had reserved a theatre dinner after a performance at the Globe, and were welcomed by Kevin when we arrived. He was extremely attentive and asked us if it was a special occasion. As it was my husband’s birthday, after a delicious 2 course meal of salmon/venison stew followed by trifle, he surprised us with a plaque of sweets/fruit and chocolate sauce spelling out Happy Birthday plus Prosecco. The service, banter and food were excellent.

Wonderful spot for afternoon tea overlooking the river Thames.

Having walked past here for over a decade, I'd always written it off as a tourist place. I could not have been more wrong, lovely experience, very tasty food with lovely service. Wish I'd made a trip here before now. Thank you.