The Swan, Needham Market in Mid Suffolk

As a previous customer and recent employee to the swan I have nothing but positive thoughts to express. My co-workers are a joy to work with and offer support whenever needed as I’m knew to the role, alongside this The management creates a safe and welcoming environment for all their staff and customers. What makes it stand out for me is its inclusive nature with the variety of activities it offers aiding to its community and providing a fun and welcoming place for musicians to perform, quizz night and various seasonal events. If your looking for a fun, safe space to de-wined, eat or enjoy a few drinks the swan is for you😊

Us and our guests enjoyed all the food. And afters were great too. It was easy to talk as well which was good. Our friends thought the pub was very nice and look forward to coming again.

Lovely dog-friendly pub in Suffolk's Needham Market. Helpful and efficient staff in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Superb cuisine. The dog loved his meal too; I could have happily eaten it myself. Well done to all the staff.

Arsenal bottled to man city in the last minute. Does it any better than that?

Sunday lunch was good, service was excellent and very friendly. I thought there was an outside play area for children so that was my only small disappointment. But overall really pleased I had my first visit. Will definitely return as a local to Needham

Staff were absolutely brilliant, food was nice (son had sirloin which was fabulous) The whole place looked lovely great atmosphere

Great food, in a great local pub, unfortunately could not eat in the restaurant which was fully occupied for quiz night but the staff placed us in the bar area which was okay apart from from a few locals who were loud and swearing. The staff were very helpful, efficient and friendly, the fantastic and extremely good value. Would reccomend any to eat ther.

Called in at lunchtime, lovely hot food and real ales, will definitely use it again. Staff very efficient and helpful too.

really lovely pub and all the staff go out of their way to help you. really good food as well. never had a bad experience

Deceptively large village pub, good food reasonably priced.

Food was excellent, but they didn't tell us there is a cutoff time for the seniors menu when we ordered from it (it doesn't say anything on the actual menu) so an unnecessary discussion about cost ensued when it came time to pay Edit: I wasn't present for the conversation that took place over the seniors menu, so I will take up the issue raised with the person concerned

Nice little place to pop in for lunch, snacks, or dinner. Staff friendly, busy, food was good.

We ordered the swan platter to share and was very disappointed as wasn't enough for one let alone 2 people we ordered a plate of extra chips and was still feeling hungary after we left. Was was a shame as previous meals have been very good there.

Lovely meal as always in the swan. Staff always lovely & great value for money. Will be back again soon Great selection of beers

Unfortunately do not cater well for gluten allergy. However drinks were great and the ‘normal’ food menu was great as reviewed by my friends. Now the gluten free unfriendliness - I was only given an allergen booklet at the restaurant which wasn’t very helpful, and the gluten free menu which is only available online is very, very limited with things like the gluten free burgers coming as a ‘naked burger’ without a bun and without fries with a ‘bigger salad’. It’s a shame to have such little choice just because I am an allergy sufferer. I brought my own GF bun which made the meal 100x better and this would be a simple fix for the restaurant to provide to make the gluten free options more attractive and show that some effort is being made to be inclusive. Supermarket GF buns are easily freezable. It is also a shame the only side options for GF are a jacket potato, new potatoes or salad. There are many options, including oven chips or a separate fryer, which would help GF people like myself feel included as well as having a substantial meal when paying the same price as the alternative gluten containing option. I imagine the online GF menu has discouraged many people because the restaurant is just making meals GF by excluding ingredients instead of offering alternatives. I hope to see a more inclusive GF menu in the future as I’m sure it would offer a huge boost to your business.

Had such a great time at the beer festival and we are so lucky to have such a great local. Lovely staff, great atmosphere in the beer garden with the sun shining, what more could you want!

Came along for The Swans first beer and cider festival, and it is such a blast! So many options for drinks, and today there’s a BBQ going with hot dogs and burgers for £6… the portions are huge! They’ve had such a successful weekend they’ve sold out of cider entirely, which is so great to hear and not unexpected on a sunny summery August weekend! The staff are bloody lovely and so friendly, even on day 4 of the festival! Couldn’t recommend this place enough for food, drink and a proper laugh - Thank you guys!!

Went along today, to show The Swan support on the last day of their first ever 'Sips & Sounds' Festival. It was a really great day, a really good choice of guest ales and ciders, a really tasty barbecue and some superb live music from local bands. Everyone who attended looked to be having a really good time, old and young alike, enjoying the lovely weather and the atmosphere. Thank you Matt, Belle, Jonathan, the staff and everyone helping with the sound tech. You should all be proud of yourselves. I look forward to next years.

Went to the beer and cider festival yesterday, so this review is for that. Got the train from Ipswich especially for this event as we saw it was stocking Lilley's and Seacider. We turned up mid afternoon of the second day and they had sold out of all of it, bar 2 pints of rhubarb cider which we had. Very disappointing and disorganised not getting enough stock in

Spent most of the weekend at the beer festival (didn't sample any beers because I know what I like and I like what I know). Entertainment was really good, shame some of the acts didn't honour their obligations but, those who stepped up to fill the gaps did a sterling job. Could have done with one or two fewer original songs but, other than that really good. Must have been both hours and beers seen to pass all to quickly. A big shout out to the staff who are always good but seem to go the extra mile. You're very lucky to have such a good team around you although, that must say a lot about the management. Looking forward to next year.

Only gave 4 stars as we visited late on a Sunday and just had a couple of drinks in the garden. The restaurant looked inviting and we and our friends agreed that we would return for a meal when we are next in the area. We aresure that will seal the 5 star rating. Btw, barstaff were very friendly.

Great place for a drinks and chill out. Staff always friendly

Brilliant pub wasn't packed so hence 3 for atmosphere,but Staff were friendly and helpful. As for the food excellent choices,I opted for the Mix Grill, and I have to say it was the Best I've ever had. The food prices are not expensive. I recommend this pub,can't wait to come back again.

Will be back. A great menu and lots of choice with drink. Service was excellent. Ella was Excel ent, just perfect for us. Well done.

I hadn't been in the Swan for about 20 years. We went to a few quiz nights and got some food during the week. The place is clean and tidy, the staff seem nice, the food is good and there is parking close by.

Haven't been for over 20 years, was impressed. Outdoor covered seating and regular beer garden tables with walled garden. The pub was packed due to the regular weekly quiz night. Had the mixed grill, enjoyed

Ok food with reasonable prices.

Lovely place, beer garden is great. The food was lovely and always and always served with a smile

Everything superb apart from the price of pints of shandy They charge £5.15 for a pint of Stella also £5.15 for a pint of Stella shandy!!!!! How can this be correct when half the pint of shandy is post mix lemonade which only costs 10 pence to dispense half a pint of lemonade Come on be fair to the Shandy drinkers Ella was exceptional, friendly and knowledgeable and I'm sure she's not responsible for the pricing Sort it out management

Swan is a nice 👌 energetic place where you can leisurely have a fine dine with friends and family. Love this place.

Grew up in Needham, love the memories I have, or don't have of this place :)

Friendly service, nice food for the price and good to see the place do various events to keep stuff fresh!

Friendly atmosphere, lovely food and good staff. A very nice Sunday lunch experience all told. Will definitely come again.

Matt and Isobel do a fantastic job. Totally turned the pub around from the previous landlady. Now a destination pub highly recommend

Met couple friends for food. I had gammon egg and chips, was really nice good size! Really good value for money. Great service.

Had a lovely lunch here with a friend I haven't seen in a while. Its so nicely decorated and cozy inside. And the staff that served us were so polite and friendly. Can't wait to return

Mixed grills too hard to eat. We complained and got fresh food but still tough. Got a round of drinks on the house to make up for it. We won't be returning

Simple pub with an affordable menu. I was full from my lunch salad with ale after 10 km of hiking.

To be honest when we visited I was expecting hungry horse or wetherspoon food, glad to say the food far surpassed my expectations, don't get me wrong similar type menu/food on offer but better quality. We were served by 2 different people, one was trying hard and the other was very good. The only negative I can say about our experience was, no play area for children, the outside area has a small piece of grass which was closed when we visited. Overall though good experience and will revisit.

Lovely lunchtime meal at The Swan. The menu had lots of choice and food was delicious. Well done to the new owners 👍🏼

Couldn’t fault the mixed grill, excellent food

Most pleasant atmosphere, helpful and friendly staff, excellent food and service. Truly enjoyable experience. Highly recommended.

Great food, great atmosphere and superb service from Ella Brilliant value for money Food was faultless. Beef dripping gravy is amazing! We went on an impromptu visit. Great looking place and added bonus of an open mic night while we were there. Thank you

Good value food and a nice dining area in Central Needham

Had afternoon tea for Mother’s Day , food was perfect , presentation was great and service was excellent , would definitely recommend

My son took me to The Swan’s afternoon tea for Mother’s Day, I wasn’t sure what to expect as I have a gluten intolerance so my son pre ordered a gluten free afternoon tea. Well I was just blown away with the whole experience. From the moment we were shown to our seats nothing was too much trouble for the staff. We received our drinks quickly and were given time for my son to decide on what he wanted ( he isn’t into afternoon teas) He picked the southern fried burger. When our food was served the young lady told me the chef was bringing out my afternoon tea. He explained what was on my stand and wished me a good afternoon. The landlady came over after a while to check everything was okay with the gluten free selection. I was extremely happy with what o was served and came away gelling full and satisfied. The fact they have gone to the trouble to make sure I got a gluten free afternoon tea has certainly left me feeling looked after and not left out, as a lot of places wouldn’t go to the trouble. I most definitely recommend anyone wanting a great service and food to visit the swan. The staff all make you feel very welcome. Well done to Bel, Matt and the rest of the team, thank you for making some one with a gluten intolerance feel safe in knowing I won’t be glutened.

Service was pushy but not the waiters fault he was nice guy. Food was definitely not worth the money.. cold and basic don't think I'd be in a hurry to go back 😩

We were invited by friends of ours for some drinks at the Swan and then as we watched the food being carted out we absolutely HAD to have some aswell. We had the sticky pickle sausage roll and the sea bass ragu special, the fish was cooked perfectly and all accompaniments were delicious, we will absolutely be coming back again, the land lady and land lord were nothing but helpful all queries answered within minutes and a fantastic selection of draught beers and session ipas

Under new ownership. Don't n know how long but today's experience was good food pleasant staff and a good range of beers would definitely recommend trying.

Such a great place to relax and eat if you choose too. Atmosphere is epic to just chill and be yourself in a fantastic small town/village pub. Updated review, after eating here on Saturday evening I would say. BEST MEAL EVER. The menu is incredible and the quality is second to none. Six of us eating a six incredible meals.

Family of 14 decended on The Swan for a family sunday lunch and we were not disappointed in the slightest. Some went for the 3 courses, some for the 2 course lunch and all turned up on time and hot ( which is not an easy task when the restaurant is busy). I plumped for the mushroom pie with all the trimmings which was a feat to finish but gladly did so with the beef gravy. Matt and Isobel covered all the various allergies we had ( gluten free , nut and egg etc ) so one of our party brought their own gravy which chef heated through no problem. The two servers ( Santeah and Andrew ) did a sterling job and were very attentive to our need and kept the drinks topped up at all times. Well done all round and we will certainly be back for more.

Our running club held a Food Bank Run at the Swan. Several of us had lunch which was well received. The service was excellent, food good and beer lovely. Food is exceptionally good value.

Very good food, nice atmosphere and fabulous service. Extensive menu, that is incredibly good value. Will certainly return.

If you never been here definitely worth a visit food was amazing and excellent value for money excellent service from the young man (didn’t get his name ) this was my 1st visit will definitely be coming back

Super friendly staff, excellent service, food was tasty, hot and very quick service, will definitely be back again. Can’t wait to try out the great garden in the summer.

Excellent experience with our friends...friendly staff, nice ambiance and great value for money...we will return for sure.

Very nice friendly pub ! Was served by lindsey who was very friendly And welcoming. Haven't tried the food yet but a lovely atmosphere, clean and presentable also. Will be back

Despite being a nice venue with friendly staff, out party of 15 were very underwhelmed with our Sunday Lunch. Over cooked dry meat, minuscule portion of veg accompanied by a cauliflower cheese mush. We had deserts (which were ok) but despite this we certainly didn’t leave feeling full. We preordered so no excuse that we were a big table and after being invited to give feedback via email directly (which I did) they didn’t bother to reply? We booked based on the positive reviews which I now have to question ? Sorry guys but you had a chance to explain but now deserve this poor review, have to word with your chef.

Lovely food great service good beer and dog friendly staff were very pleasant

Excellent food and great service from Lindsey. Started coming here weekly for lunch now and really glad we found this place!

Always exceptional service. Santea always very polite and professional … so nice to have such a lovely hospitable pub on my doorstep! The cheese and bacon burgers are amazing I’ve had way too many! Food always piping hot and all staff are lovely. Well done at the Swan

Popped in for an after school hot chocolate yummy and to check out of the menu looks like great value

I'm not local but I visit my elderly grandma and take her to lunch here. She always enjoys the visit and the food and venue are faultless! I myself am a slightly harder audience to please but can't speak highly enough about this wonderful venue. Staff as good are above and beyond brilliant . I wish this was on my door step as it's such a wholesome and wonderful place. I had the pleasure of meeting Matt the manager recently and he is a credit to the establishment and doing a fine job. Will be returning on my next visit and well done to the team for doing such a great job .

Amazing! We came for the quiz night and it did not disappoint. The food was fantastic and incredibly well priced. The staff were attentive and very welcoming. Matt and Bell who ran the quiz did a fantastic job at keeping everyone engaged and made it interesting for long term quizers and newbies like us. Would highly recommend. Best evening we have had in a long time. Thank you!

A brilliant pub. Excellent pub top tier service and brilliant service. Would definitelyreturn without a doubt.

We come here almost weekly and they impress us every time. The beer is very well kept! The ales change weekly which is very nice to see in a greene king held pub.

We have visited The Swan on 3 Occasions. 1st visit was great value for money. We had the 2 courses, starter and main. Was very surprised how great it tasted. 2nd visit, starters were great, the main (Beef Roast) was poor. Today was our 3rd...

What a wonderful pub so warm and welcoming me and my wife and family and friend attended the open mic night last Wednesday and it was booming such a wonderful time to hear such entertainment on all kinds of levels it was so friendly 10/10 will do it again.

We went to see a friend for a drink for his 86 th birthday… and decided to eat aswell… ordered food and was an hour before it arrived ( my daughter was on lunch break so by time food came she didn’t have long before...

We watched an open mic at this venue. Was a really lovely evening with a great ambience. The interior was decorated with beautiful beams giving it a wonderful warm and homely feel. The bar staff were friendly too 👍😁

Nice cosy place to stop, we only had a drink so can't say much about it but would definitely stop again.

This pub honestly never fails me and my family, I bring the kids as it’s a very kid friendly pub, you can bring your dog into the bar area, the food is always great, the staff are very attentive.

Great place for get together. Lovely atmosphere. Good service

Went to wreath making here with my daughter. Such a lovely pub with a great atmosphere.

Great spot for some good pub food. Great tasting and excellent value. Will be returning for more in 2024.

I love visiting the swan, the staff are always fantastic and welcoming and the atmosphere is great! I really recommend popping in for a drink and something to eat!

Popped in for an unplanned quick bite to eat on the way to a Xmas event. We arrived at a lovely pub with a great atmosphere full of local drinks & dines. Fantasticly helpful & friendly staff. We will definitely be heading back again Jacob

30 plus people for Xmas Dinner. Allowed in early out of the cold great idea thank you. Staff really friendly and helpful good job. My food hot honey burger followed by honeycomb, browny sundae was yummy thank you however the Chris dinner was a little...

I prebooked a table for the 3 of us on Sunday evening and two of us had the festive turkey dinner and my other friend had gammon, eggs and chips with peas. The service was good and the place was clean. It was noted that our turkey festive dinners were very tasty but not hot only just warm upon when they were given to us from the waiter. (I'm not sure if they were left on the side in the kitchen for awhile). Anyhow, later the waiter did ask if everything was alright and we did point this out to him, but he did not say anything or we hear anymore. My friends gammon, eggs and chips with peas looked nice and she did say this was hot. The dessert was lovely. We will call in again in the future next year to have another go, as it was a nice pub and clean with friendly staff. Please bear in mind the food serving times on a Sunday is only until 6pm.

A wonderful and professional establishment in the heart of Suffolk. I was warmly greeted by the welcoming staff, would thoroughly recommend a visit.

At he the swan for Needham Christmas street fayre. Such a lovely atmosphere. I ordered the Christmas turkey dinner which was delicious and treated myself to to the cherry cheesecake.

We’ve just participated in a wreath making workshop with a festive meal included and I can’t praise Ysobel and the team enough. We had an amazing evening with friendly and attentive hosts. The wreath workshop was excellent and the steak was cooked to perfection. Highly...

Large group of us attended ( pre booked) For a gathering . Couldn’t fault the food or service . Was the perfect place to have dinner and enjoy a casual gathering . The Staff were as lovely and attentive as they always are in The...

My husband booked surprise birthday meal along with my friend and my daughter. Lovely food and nice surprise cake came along with it, see you soon again. Would like some more vegan options.

Staff were lovely. Food was good enough. Was quiet as it was Monday.

So I popped into The Swan on a Sunday afternoon on the off chance of a gluten free roast dinner. I will be honest and wasn’t expecting one as hadn’t booked and pre warned them. So imagine my absolute delight when the kitchen manager( Johnny)...

Went for breakfast this morning after remembrance service. It’s was absolutely lovely!!! Would 100% recommend. Great service and even better with the fire going to keep nice and toasty

went looking for dog friendly pub to eat in while passing through, dogs allowed in bar area so gave it a shot , very friendly old but modern pub, lovely and quiet in the bar area, good food choices, compliments to the chef as meals...

Meal and service was spot on. Two of us had a special and they were different and tasty. As was everything else that was ordered . Always a lovely setting with the fire on , made for a cosy evening for a birthday celebration.

Really impressed with the lasagne hard to find a good one. The young lady managing the bar, despite being under pressure, was polite and helpful. Made my day better. Thank you.

Great service . Asked if they offered biscuits with coffee and they didn’t but has ordered some before we ordered our second drink. Great customer service, thank you!

There was a big group of us today for a Birthday meal. The food was very tasty and could not be faulted. Considering there was another big group compliments to the chef and lovely friendly staff. Meals were good value. Never been to the pub...

Really enjoyable Sunday lunch, non intrusive live music, good food and excellent service. The young staff were friendly, helpful and professional. Will definitely return. Thank you

The food was excellent ( Sunday roast & desert) and the service from the staff was Awesome, very friendly and helpful. Would Definitely recommend you

Met my sister there for a meal. Food was really lovely, atmosphere was nice, lovely staff . Had to put your registration in a machine at the bar for parking on site. It's clean ,

Booked a table for 8 people (in person) received a phone call to say we had to pre-book food as we were a party larger than 6, thought this strange. On arrival had to find own table as not greeted by any staff. Had to chase drinks order, food arrived in good time but was disappointing, mashed potato with steak&ale pie was grey in colour and broccoli hard and cold. Presentation poor. My guest who had ordered Tacos rated food 3/10. Peas on the 2 orders of scampi had obviously been warmed up and were many shades of green. Restaurant area very noisy with unruly children playing football. Would I visit again NO.

Went with my brother on comedy night ( we did not realise it was on). We had a great night . Food good and service friendly. Great atmosphere.

Really decent pub food and a lovely pub with great service. Always friendly!

Lovely coffee, excellent steak sandwich cooked rare as requested. Juicy and lovely salad too. Garden bliss.

Early doors so fairly quiet. Food was very nice, would visit again if in the area.