The White Swan in Purbeck - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

Just had a delicious Sunday lunch. Portions were a good size, which you don't get in other palaces in Swanage. The quality was fantastic and presentation was spot on. Well done to the chef and staff A++

Dreadful, watered down OJ, cider undrinkable, warm bottles. RIP off price. Dirty ashtrays everywhere. I rarely review unless it's extremely good or bad... avoid it's a terrible pub.

Twice. Never again. The service is so bad. I’m literally sitting in the pub watching the owners behind the bar. Elderly couple come in and queue. 4/5 minutes a young beautiful lady comes in the guvnor goes straight to her and serves her. Disgusting. The wife/guvor literally looks at the older lady and waits for the barman to finish before serving her. We’ve tried it a couple of times. Obviously good if your local.

The food here was fantastic. Had to wait a while for it but it was definitely worth the wait. Would highly recommend. Nice beer garden. Friendly staff

Visited for lunch on a busy weekday. There was only one person serving behind the bar causing queues and delays. The food was terrible, a very burnt chicken burger which was inedible. Toilets were dirty and very smelly- they definitely need a deep clean! The best thing about the place is without doubt the beer garden which is a nice sun trap.

My husband and I visited this pub twice during our week’s holiday in Swanage. The service on both occasions was appalling. On our first visit we went into the beer garden and were told that someone would come and take our order shortly. We waited a while and when no one came, we went inside and sat at a table. After waiting too long we ordered a couple of drinks. There was no care for COVID social distancing or protocol. None of the staff were wearing masks and the staff stood way too close. Tables were also far too close together - I don’t know why we stayed! We went back outside as a family were brought to the table next to us which felt like it was in our space COVID or no COVID.We went again on another evening as many places on this particular evening were closed. The sign at the door says’table service only’, so we sat down. The staff literally ignored us - didn’t even acknowledge us. My husband eventually went to the bar to get served. Still no masks used by the staff and lack of care for their customers.On top of that, it’s scruffy and really unwelcoming. A bit of a locals pub with a ‘stranger go hime’ attitude.

The young staff were great. I noted that if there was a problem with the order, (they ran out of fish and chips) (they ran out of Gin??) they would send a youngster out to tell you. We just ordered starters as they obviously couldn’t keep up with the main meals, and drinks. The food arrived. Which was nice. No cutlery though. When I asked the older staff regarding the drinks. We got ‘tone’. Not good, I can stay home and get ‘tone’ I don’t need it when out. We weren’t the only ones having problems.

Shocking! Booked a table for 8pm. Arrived on time then waited 20minutes to be shown to a table whilst being ignored by staff. Asked for second round of drinks and advised by bar member she would be over shortly, she then went cleaning tables and completely ignored us therefore we left. Paying the bill... tried to charge us for several drinks we did not have. Could not leave quick enough!! Also god friendly... members of Staff rolled eyes at us for being dog in!!

My husband, son and I had a fabulous meal here. One of the best we’ve had whilst away for a week’s holiday. Staff very friendly and attentive. Fresh water for our dogs to, they even got a biscuit. Definitely recommend 😉😂🐶

Awful. We came in for a drink and a bit to eat. We waited 10 minutes for someone to even recognise us as customers. When our drinks came we asked for menus to order food. Another 25 minutes had passed before we managed to grab a member of staff to ask for our drinks bill as they did not seem interested in serving us. The pub garden was quiet. It seemed like the staff kept coming out with drinks ect going to the one table then ignoring all the other customers disappeared again. Ruined a beautiful day for us

I recently visited the white swan inn in swanage for a spot of dinner and I must say it was absolutely delicious, especially the goats cheese starter, It was cooked perfectly and garnished very well.I then had a steak which was cooked exactally how I asked and it's hard to cook a steak rare to medium and rest it.The staff were lovely and attended to my every need.I will certainly be going back there to eat again, In fact I'm eating there next week.Top Marks!!!

Stopped here for lunch as the place up the road was fully booked. The locals and the staff were welcoming, the menu looked good and actually the food was nice enough. It took a while to get all our drinks but our main issue was that the staff constantly leant over our table rather than delivering items to the end and letting us pick them up. When I went to pay the bill I ended up doing the COVID dance as the staff member kept stepping into my space while I tried to pay. I'd probably go back but only after we get a vaccine.

We went here by mistake! We hoped for some of their cider festival local cider and purbeck pie, but sadly we booked the nearby Ship Inn by mistake! We turned up and we're greeted by friendly staff (and a black cat!) but soon realised we were supposed to be next door, where we had booked. We felt obliged to move on but wish we had stayed. Another day.....

Few years since we went there last and amazed at how it has detriorated. In real need of refurbishment. Coupled with poor service from the barmaid and terrible excuse for Sunday 'Roast' made it an unhappy experience. Should have read previous reviews!!

TERRIBLE - AVOID!!! Awful food - my son had burger and chips and found some chicken in his chips!Microwaved food or cooked in burnt oil. Burger was tasteless Chips were over cooked/ burnt tastingChef was drunkBar staff were friendly. Disgraceful place should be closed down

Lovely little pub. Really friendly attentive staff who were always on hand. Amazing home cooked pie as well! Thank you all for looking after us on our short break to Swanage 😊

Top quality pub quiz, lovely warm welcome, friendly staff who are very accommodating. Would recommend!

Absolutely discusted with the welcome we received, manager zoe was so rude to myself and my husband who is disabled. My husband was trying to check in and write details down but was struggling to see, so walked over to me where I had been directed to sit and wait to be served. Before we could place our drinks order she came running over to us shouting saying im not going to serve you because you have not signed in, I tried to explain about my husband and she snatched the pen and paper out of my hand and was told to leave. I have never in my life been treated like that, her approach,rudeness,manner, ect ect was unacceptable. She should not be running a pub, she clearly does not know how to talk to people and has no compassion for anyone disabled.

We had breakfast here twice during our stay in Swanage. The breakfasts were such good value, large portions and cooked fresh. We were lucky with the weather and were able to enjoy both breakfasts in their beer garden at the back of the property. Staff were very friendly and welcoming. Wish we had booked here for dinner too as saw some of the meals come out when we went back for a pre-dinner drink and it looked great!

Really enjoyed the steak and ale pie and the burger accompanied by the quick and friendly service (and the bad joke).

Can’t review the food as we didn’t stay to eat!! We had booked a table for 7.30 pm and sat down at a grubby table with dirty menus at 7.45 pm. We didn’t feel at all safe as we were so close to the next table that our backs were practically touching. We were then told we had to order from the bar, which once again made us feel very unsafe as it was almost impossible to avoid touching other customers. The final straw was being told that they had run out of mashed potato to serve with the liver and bacon (only chips available) and that there was at least an hours wait for food. On hearing from the people seated behind us that they had been waiting for nearly two hours we decided to walk out. The staff were rude and totally unapologetic!

Just stayed and it was great - a clean lovely triple room for £40! The pub area was nice, food great and bless em even got up and made me breakfast at 730 despite not normally starting till 9.

Went here with my partner for lunch, the service was good and when ordering I was greeted and spoken to very well. My partner and I both agreed the food was very good. The White Swan is a very traditional pub offering a great selection of local drinks and the food is lovely.

Visited with my 2 year old daughter as a treat, ordered chicken nuggets for her and a burger for myself. Waited 45 minutes, during which was told a few times it would only be a few minutes. Lots of large orders coming out from the kitchen for customers who came in after me. When the food finally arrived it wasn't worth it. Burger order was wrong and looked a mess. When I questioned the staff I was actually told to 'smile, its christmas' and also given the choice of, and I quote, 'redo the burger, have my money back or do one' not impressed with the staff. And will be having my money back. Don't bother wasting your money here.

Had lunch on 27th Dec. Waited 40 mins for an overpriced load of rubbish. Cold plates, cindered burger, tiny portion of three bean chilli. Tired and worn out place and that’s not just the decor.

Great place to sit with the dog while mrs goes shopping always a good selection of ciders to sample. Must be good place, many local bar flies frequent the place all seem to own the place

I asked for the ploughman’s salad from the lunch menu in the evening. The chef was happy to oblige and I have to say it was delicious!! Thank you x we will definitely be back next time we are in Swanage. Highly recommend this pub and they have good bands on too. Bar staff are really friendly and drinks prices are average.

The White Swan is a pub. Nothing really stands out, positively or negatively. They do serve some good beers at The White Swan. Only downside is the huge flashing slot machine that has a very prominent place in the pub.

Myself and my folks have been here lots and have never been disappointed! Lovely food and even the smaller dishes are huge!! The staff are friendly and make you feel like a regular in the way you feel at home!!

A few underage drinkers but as long as the landlord is making his money he isn't worried. Seems to be the "in" place to score and use whatever substances you want to aswell

Had a couple of meals. The quality was good Pub Fayre but the service in the restaurant abysmally slow, and no better at the bar where thay can't even serve people in order. It wasn't even bust at the time, only 3 tables and 1 table in use the 2 times I was there.

We wanted an early evening light meal so chose the seafood chowder. This was a mistake, it took nearly an hour to arrive! It was watery, tasteless and seemed to be made using a supermarket fish-mix, a very small one!! Never again.

A quick day trip to Swanage (3 adults and 2 teenagers) during a hot summers day and we were looking forward to a nice pub lunch.... yep! here it comes :-(

Value for money accommodation, excellent meals and friendly welcoming staff. Well situated in the lively hub of Swanage, close to the sea and the peir. I would highly recommend.

Not many dinner options in Swanage but avoid this one - long wait, badly cooked food, filthy carpets, loud and uncouth locals in the bar. Not recommended

Very friendly staff but the All Day Roast was the worse we have ever eaten - we left most of it. Three meats were served. Two were inedible- tough and not cooked properly. Plate was hot. Shame the food wasn’t. Swimming in a tasteless gravy.

Friendly staff, nice food, reasonable prices and a pool table, definitely worth a visit if you’re in Swanage!

Food, Terrible. Service Terrible. Atmosphere and Ambiance, Terrible.Horrendous,and HORRIBLE,Pub. Would,not Enter,under any Circumstances.ABSOLUTE,HELLHOLE.

We have just visited the White Swan and had a wonderful time, the staff were so friendly and the food was delicious. Try for yourself, a proper English pub.

Visiting Swanage pier to see the memorial plaques on the Pier and popped in for lunch. Delicious seafood chowder soup, huge chunks of fish and tasted perfect. 4 stars as waited a long time for food to arrive and portion size could have been a bit larger.

It is a lovely enclosed garden to enjoy late lunch in the sun. Prices are reasonable, and the meal good. The service was very good.

We have ate in here several times but yesterday was not the day to eat we ordered the ploughmans at £9.50 It arrived 1 slither of cheddar 4by2inches 2 slithers of brie they were 5by2inches 1 small slice of ham 1 pickle onion 1 teaspoon of pickle bread and a small salad on the side No butter which we asked for and was given 1 small pat each which had obviously just come out of the freezer as solid and had a weird colour when asked if everything was ok i started to say this is not really good for the money and they just walked away Sorry we will just have to find an alternative place to eat on our many visits to Swanage

This pub looks much nicer from outside but saying that the staff are very friendly and the food was fine. The place could really do with a refurb and could be cleaner (tables weren't very clean when we sat down) - there's a difference in being old fashioned and being scruffy. But, as we say, food was fine and a good choice.

Never again worst breakfast ever!! Raw everything and cold beans, toast was also cold, complained and sent back arrived back after microwave went ping!

Ok meal and poor lone waitress running around on whilst the daughter of the owner stood at the bar punctuating her loud conversation with every other word beginning with F. I don’t really want to hear that whilst eating especially that he can’t afford to pay a brewery so his deliveries have stopped. Big mouth and a big ego. Good managers help out when needed. Won’t be back.

It was pouring with rain so we ran in here for lunch. It’s a fairly grotty pub, but the food was ok. The menu stated ‘Salads’ with no description. The Chef asked me what I’d like so I suggested a Caesar Salad. He made me a nice chicken salad and my partner chose Scampi and Chips.

Very helpfull staff couldnt do enough to help.

Popped in here for lunch as had only ever drank in here, so thought we’d give it a whirl

Un pub en la calle centrica donde el resto de locales estaban llenos con un precio adecuado para la comida pero que no destaca por nada. No fue horrible pero tampoco algo para recordar.

Stopped at the White Swan for an early evening meal. Very warm and friendly welcome. Food was delicious. One to remember if we come to Swanage again.

Our order was taken quickly and the food came promptly but the beers were forgotten which the waitress did notice and they then came without further ado.

Pleasant enough real pub with live music on Saturday afternoon. Friendly staff coped well with crowded bar. The fish chowder was excellent with reasonable house red wine. Gents loo could do with a make over.

Visited the White Swan on multiple evenings recently after work so fairly late (between 9pm-close). Outstanding service from Ben and Minnie behind the bar who offered a pair of friendly faces and great humour for all customers, well priced beverages of a wide variety. I enjoyed many a game of pool upon my visit and greatly appreciated the jukebox! 10/10 would recommend for an evening with friends/catch up!

Stopped for a beer that was fine, but then decided to eat. Poor service, small portions and overpriced. Would not recommend or revisit

Tatty pub that needs redecorating.

We met friends here for a drinks, found it to be a popular friendly pub, we were only popped in for drinks as we had a dinner booking elsewhere. But they seemed fairly busy with the food, so will try to eat here on our next visit to Swanage.

Do not mistake this place for The Black Swan, which is just up the road. My partner and I visited on a Saturday evening recently as they advertised vegetarian food, though the landlord didn't seem to know what the vegetarian option was when we asked. He said, "I dunno, it's on the menu," which we'd already read, and it wasn't. He rudely cut across his young barman, who was politely trying to tell us what the vegetarian dish was. Thank god someone knew.

Wish I'd looked on trip adviser first. The worst food experience I've ever had, frozen food, how could you go wrong! Burnt fish and burnt pie, small adult portion, I had to ask if it was child's portion. Peas not cooked, food not as ordered peas instead of beans, staff didn't care it was obvious. A long wait, poor presentation actually no presentation at all, thrown on a plate and thrown in front of you, disgusting, I felt so strongly about it I joined trip adviser. It wasn't even busy, don't go there. Didn't deserve any rating.

We booked a table at this highly recommended pub restaurant. When we arrived, we stood and waited to be seated for several minutes, during which time the waiter walked past us three times, each time ignoring us. The fourth time, we stopped him, and explained that we had a table booked in our name. In a very offhand manner, he suggested we sit wherever we liked. We chose a table near the door, at the end, as it was a very warm evening. We never saw the waiter again. A group of people came in and sat at a table a little way away from us. A waitress took their drinks order, and came back with their drinks: at that point we decided to leave and go somewhere else.

This is possibly the worst food I have ever eaten. I ordered the baked crab off the “specials” board, it turned up looking like a bowl of vomit and smelt like raw sewage to which I almost added my own vomit as I gagged. The chips were flat and obviously had come from the local Iceland or budget frozen food shop. When I brought this the the landlords attention, after confirming that yes this was crab, he offered to get me another portion!! Needless to say I turned this kind offer down and added that I would not be paying for the meal. The three other freinds I had with me had similarly disappointing meal and felt ill the next day.

My husband, mother and myself visited this great place on Saturday 28th and had a fabulous experience. Very clean, friendly staff and the food was excellent. Mother and husband had fish and chips which was perfectly cooked and they were very happy with and I had the ploughmans and we have never seen anything like it, mixed salad, pickled onions, gherkins, cherry tomatoes, slices of apple and ramekin of sweet pickle slab of cheddar cheese, wedge of Brie, slab of pate and brown roll and butter portions. So appealing a lady approached our table and wanted to know what I was eating so she could order it herself. Excellent value, excellent service, great place.

My wife and i went to Swanage with my mother-in-law for a nice day out on saturday 28/7/18, we came across this gem of a pub and stopped for some lunch, the mother-in-law and i had fish and chips while my wife had the ploughmans lunch, our fish and chips were fantastic, lovely large fish with delicious chips and garden peas, served with a slice of lemon and tartar sauce, our massive surprise was when the wife's ploughmans came to the table, it was absolutely fabulous, there was salad, a thick slice of cooked ham, pate, a wedge of brie cheese, a big piece of cheshire cheese, cherry tomates, gherkins, wedges of apple, sweet pickle, i have probably missed out stuff because this was the most amazing ploughmans lunch i have ever seen, my wife thoroughly enjoyed it, i had some too which was fabulous, i will definitely be having it next time. the pub itself was spotlessly clean, the staff were friendly, a very enjoyable lunch.

Simon the landlord is the most hateful person to ever run a pub. He verbally abuses his staff and customers anything on his radar and should not be let loose.

Popped in for a drink on a Saturday afternoon. As it was Bank Holiday and the Pirate Festival it was quite busy with sever Jack Sparrows scattered about. Bit of a sprawling pub with nice restaurant area. Beer garden is a good size.

Only called in for a drink. Large bar area and good range of drinks. We didn't eat here so can't comment on food.

I booked to stay here in July, using the Booking.com website. Two days after booking I received an email to say the venue wanted to cancel my reservation. I phoned to discuss and was told they had realised they could sell the rooms for twice the price I had booked them for. I reluctantly agreed to cancel but feel it is unacceptable for them to have pressured me into doing so for their profit. Very poor.

We've visited Swanage many times before and we always go for fish and chips at the seaside. Sadly we changed our minds and went to The White Swan for dinner. We paid £36 for 2 pints and two main meals and the quality of the food served was just awful. There was absolutely no creativity in cooking and I would personally be ashamed serving your meat platter as there was absolutely nothing special about it. If I wish to eat sliced salami I'd have bought it from the supermarket. Stop ripping people off because of your location. We will not return and other people should avoid this place until it improves. I wish that we'd read reviews about this place before we came in.

We went in as a group of friends for a meal, the food came out on cold plates, peas were all cold, chips were all cold, food generally a very low standard. One of us immediately sent his back only to have it returned straight from the microwave gravy and all. The waiter didn’t come over to check on us until we had already eaten what we were going to. We asked to speak to the manager who had an extremely bad confrontational attitude. I would strongly advise thinking twice before eating here.

We went in here on Sunday, for a late lunch. The inside looks welcoming and is in the Centre of Swanage. Our orders were taken and paid for at the bar. Ten minutes after having taken the order, the barmaid informed my husband that they hadn’t got any steak to go with his mixed grill - a key requirement I would say to a mixed grill and he was offered either an extra piece of gammon or chicken. That should have been the cue to leave but having paid he said he would have an extra piece of gammon. My friend and I ordered the turkey Sunday roast (10.99) - when it came it was barely warm and swimming in gravy (I like gravy but ideally hot and not drowning my dinner). The supposedly roast potatoes looked as though they had been roasted to death - nothing left of them, and the veg was frozen peas, carrots and some white cabbage. The worse meal I have ever eaten. My husband’s mixed grill (18.99) looked and tasted awful, a piece of chicken, a cremated sausage, 2 small pieces of well done gammon and a piece of thick ‘tubie’ liver - irk and some chips. If we hadn’t been with friends and concerned with spoiling the occasion for them I would have sent mine back, but I didn’t fancy it being reheated in a microwave. Avoid here for food at all cost. Also some of the vinyl seats are split with the stuffing coming out but customers are still expected to sit on them. Such a shame considering the perfect location.

Don’t venture into this place unless you want to waste your money.

Ate here today with friends, food was not good, we ordered two Sunday roast turkey, the three turkey slices looked like they had come from a packet ant the plate was smothered in tasteless gravy, the food and the plates were cold. My friend ordered a mixed grill at £18 and when we had paid he was informed that there was no steak left so was offered extra chicken or gammon! My steak and ale pie was just about edible and turned out to be the better meal. We should have left when the mixed grill could not be served, however, we were hungry and stayed, wrong choice, never again!

Popped in here for a late lunch before heading home from a mini-break in Dorset as the other eateries on the main high street were full. Pleased to find a free table at 2.15 and placed our food order. We were in a seaside village so the seafood chowder seemed a must, the local pork sausages onion gravy and mash sounded good and 2 'baby' burgers (not under the children's food) was ordered. The seafood chowder was solid, not liquid, and was full of sliced new potato and leeks, there was absolutely NO fish or seafood in it. The sausages were ok, but lacked flavour as did the onion gravy and mash and there was no evidence of any seasoning. The burgers arrived on a tiny plate with 6 chips each (obviously meant for a child) and instead of sliced tomato under the bun was halved cherry tomatoes which was odd and they just fell out. We also ordered a portion of cheesy chips which were just tasteless except for the old oil the chips had been cooked in. The landlord was pottering around and then sat down on the table next to us and was then presented by the chef a scruffy plate of noodles/chowmein which he proceeded to cover in mayonnaise. Well, that says it all. When the landlord doesn't understand food you really don't have a hope of keeping the chef up to standard.

The rooms are spacious clean bright and freshly decorated with everything you need to make your stay very comfortable.

Our family came to see us and we decided to walk around Swanage and then pop in to a local pub to have some food. Seems like we found the worst place on earth to eat, we have never tasted such a horrible tasteless food, absolutely disgusting, how could they managed to mess up such an easy to cook food, I don't know, and it wasn't cheap at all, what a waste of money! We were really embarrassed that we took our guests to such a horrible place.

In the 40 years we have been coming to Swanage we had never visited this pub. We found it a first class friendly pub with an excellent staff. Good tasty food with a good selection of beers and spirits.

Popped in for a quick drink one evening. Rudest landlord I have ever met. Shouting and swearing at his staff in front of all the customers. Unbelievable. How they didn't just walk out I don't know. Our first visit to Swanage and we will never go back in to this pub again. Plenty of other nice pubs to choose from.

We mistakenly visited this dubious hostelry yesterday out of hunger and curiosity and left feeling bitterly disappointed - 2 items of food were ordered, a fish pie and a so-called Vegan stew, while the fish pie was acceptable the stew certainly was not! A stew is supposed to be of a thick consistency, yes?, not so here, there were a few desultory chunks of unknown vegetables floating around in what appeared to be the water that they were cooked in! Not in the least appetising and certainly not worth the £10 paid. I would have complained to the Management but the whole place, staff and all, reeked of a 'DON'T CARE' attitude. Most certainly won't be going there again and would advise others to exercise caution.

We popped in for a drink on the Friday as they had a band playing. It was really busy and the restaurant was packed so we decided to go back the next evening as we Fancied a steak and the white swan had just that on their menu. We walked in Saturday evening at 8pm and the pub was empty, a few locals at the bar but not one person in the restaurant. I ask if the were still serving food and was told yes, so we sat down and ordered. I Ordered steak and hubby had mixed grill. The food Came out and the sausage on the mixed grill was really over done and the chicken was missing from the plate and also no tomato. My steak meal was missing the onion rings and mushrooms but had peas in their place. We complained and the waiter apologised and corrected this but the chicken was basically a coujon and my mushrooms were over cooked and shrivelled. The chips on both our plates were not cooked enough and the peppercorn sauce was so thin, just tasted like pepper and milk. The waiter didn’t even ask if everything was ok they just left us to it. We were the only people in the restaurant, if you can call it that and the food was over priced. Steak was nice shame about everything else. Felt ripped off☹️. Definitely will not be going there again

I was looking forward to seafood chowder, a tasteless bowl of milk with potatoes, leeks and tiny prawns,not fit to eat,

I went with a woman friend, 2 single beds, B & B. We were not expecting too much, due to previous reviews. Wonderful location hence the booking when nothing else available. We were pleased to see the ill-equipped tiny room SEEMED clean. Flimsy small towels. Beds oddly placed as should I believe, have been a "single". Breakfast- No cereal or fruit available. Any amount of cooked English breakfast or Omelette was on Menu. We each ordered "Plenty of Mushrooms and Tomatoes" 1 on Brown Toast the other Fried Bread. Tomatoes were burned Black on top almost cold on bottom. Mushrooms were dried up shriveled pieces. On complaining the Landlord said "They are only black on the top, they're ok underneath"! All replaced and ok. At check-out time I pulled out bed from wall to see ingrained thick dust and other clutter where wall meets floor. We'd never go again. (Oh, Mocha coffee on menu- Landlord said no-one knew what it was! Latte ordered - was hot milk with Instant stirred in-VILE!)

We selected this pub by chance and can see no real reason to return. Very average food at best with very expensive beer.

Food not tasty. My partner asked for pepper sauce to go with his steak (which they said they would make one up for his steak.) But it was like a white milk sauce (Luckily he didnt pour it on his steak. His steak was ok though. (Without the hair that was on the plate.) I had chicken with blue cheese sauce? Not great...

Took my family back to our holiday apartment after a visit to the cinema and decided to pop into town for a couple of pints. Entered the pub at 9.45 and was greeted by two half wits playing pool who glared at me (oh, scary). Ordered a pint of ESB and was charged £5. A joke price in a joke pub. Over the years I have visited 100's of pubs and this is up there with the worst.

We didn't eat here (opting for fish and chips instead) but the food that others ordered did look very good. We have a pint and a glass of wine in the sun whilst the kids popped into the amusement arcade across the road. Very enjoyable.

We've been to the White Swan every year for ages, it was a friendly pub with lots of locals and very reasonably priced food and drink. This time it was practically empty and we soon found out why. £5 a pint for Fullers ESB is more than we pay in the centre of London. Rip-off. Avoid.

My wife and were looking for somewhere to eat Friday night and chose The White Swan. My blue cheese chicken breast was lovely but my wife's chilli (chefs special) was lacking in everything - chilli, tomato and beans. Wasn't unpleasant but did not look or taste like a chilli.Price was average but I don't think we'll eat here again

Used this pub several times over the past two years but o,m,g if you want a good meal and friendly service go elsewhere ,I had to wait at least 5 minutes just to be served , the staff was on the wrong side of the bar laughing and talking to regulars and paying more attention to a child in a pushchair before being noticed , decided to put this to one side and have a bite to eat , another big mistake ,2 plough man lunches ,bread rolls was stale and poor quality pre packed ham they are not bothered about passing tourist trade give them a wide berth , will not be visiting this pub again

We parked up and walked back having seen the chalkboard with what was on offer, crab, mussels etc. When we arrived the place was not as it appears on the outside, not particularly pleasant but we 'were there now' All the aforementioned was off the menu, sold out. At just after midday? Really? Was it available in the first place? Childrens menu was 'smaller portions' at £7.50 - expensive. So me and my two daughters shared a full fish and chips and scampi. Scampi straight out of Iceland's freezer chest no doubt, but a good size of Cod. Tasty, albeit very greasy. Peas like bullets and chips very soggy. Other half had the 'special' Handmade chicken burger. Frozen burger and defrosted bun that disintegrated into pieces. £12.50Place is an absolute rip off, not one greeting throughout with staff totally lacking in any form of customer service skills. Avoid

Staff decent but seemed stretched. Veg sausages low quality, peas excellent and mash fines. Some others in my group had poor meals but some decent. but I can only grade mine. Took large group of us. Food on pricey side for what I got.

We ordered the 'chef's special fish chowder' which was some leeks cooked in milk with a few tiny defrosted shrimps. It was tasteless and didn't even look nice. I was really looking forward to seafood chowder in a seaside resort. Just as well I don't work for Trades Descriptions! The kids had nachos which turned out to be a packet of Doritos decanted onto a plate with some cheap pre-grated mild melted cheese on top. Yuk. The vegetarian in our midst had beetroot and tomato soup. It tasted like tomato ketchup heated up in the microwave. We felt so strongly about how bad our lunch was that we stood outside and told people not to go in.

Friendly staff, good food, splendid fish cakes with quick serviceManaged to fit a large party at short notice. Good value for money

Come to Swanage just to sit outside this pub and watch the world go by. Excellently placed, and good value for money. Friendly staff and locals too. Will be back.

Had lunch with the family, bit scruffy in the pub, needs a good clean up. Food just ok, had the tiger prawns, they were overly fishy smelling. Quite pricey for pub food. Service was fine. Didn't bother going back during our 10 day holiday.

I just can't believe our stop we was welcomed by friendly staff and paid for our room before been shown to where we was staying, room was snug but didn't expect anything else and was clean - pet hate though was water in the kettle and half used toilet roll on stand but I get it, but when your paying £100 FOR ONE NIGHT!! I expect to have some respect which was...NONE! We booked this room before leaving for home Saturday morning there was a band in from 9pm fair enough however I would expect it finishing at 11pm-11:30pm the band went on well past 12am, then folks in the beer garden was loud and disruptive so the window had to be closed the room was so warm I couldn't sleep (a fan would of resolved this issue) I was left crying on the edge of my bed at 4am due to the people in the flats behind partying (I know it's nothing to do with the pub however been that warm and couldn't have the window open) was such an awful stay left really disappointed such a same for such a central location, noise was expected due to the central area but the band going on till that time was ridiculous!!! Nevermind would imagine to be great in the winter though breakfast was nice before leaving to come home. Thank you for our stay however not worth the £100 for all the upset and unsettled night.

Terrible prices, 1st time I've paid £5 for a pint !!! Food was less than medioca and again, horrendous expensive at £8.95 for a sandwich... toilets were terrible with a broken loo seat, no soap and a hand dryer that was pathetic... I just don't understand how they manage to stay open.. I guess just with tourists ... won't be returning!!!

Went to this pub a couple of times. Very friendly, plenty of seating, nice real ale and a good variety of food. Not expecting Spanish tapas but it is what we had and it was very nice.

Another hot day saw us opting to sit in the Garden at the top of the outdoor area. Unfortunately we were joined by inconsiderate smokers .. don’t these people understand basic manners? Sure you might want to smoke but have the decency to let people eat first! Pub note ... must try harderI was taken aback at the price of £10 exactly for two pints of Lager and the gentleman inside the Pub letting his dog drink from a dogs bowl on one of the tables, the food was reasonably priced though and OK – nothing special, but no complaints.

during the day or evening you wont find a better place for value and wide ranging dishes. good drinks as well. .

Called in here on a day trip to Swanage for an evening meal. A little shabby spit and sawdust type pub. My partner ordered steak piddle pie and I had chicken with blue cheese sauce. Came out very quickly and nicely presented. Food was hot. Plenty of chicken, about 3 fillets with melted blue cheese on the top with chips and peas, I think. Tasted very nice. My partner said his pie was hot with veg in, and mashed potato with an ale type gravy. We were pleasantly surprised!

Customers beware there is a 50 pence charge on every card transaction. I asked if it was ok to use a card. They forgot to mention the charge. The nachos was the worse I have ever seen. Just a pile of crisps and pre brought sauces.