Stafford
The Swan

The Swan

Whiston, Penkridge, Stafford, United Kingdom

Pub • Fish • British • Vegetarian


"Lancaster Gate £5.55 Amstel The Swan Hyde Park, a busy historic pub ready to quench the the thirst of many a Hyde Park visitor. . The Swan was the busiest pub I had visited on my crawl across the North end of Hyde Park, this is probably due to its location and that it also sits on the ever busy Bayswater Road. There has been a pub on this site since 1721 and it is said that this was the last place criminals had their last drink on the way to be hung at the Tyburn Tree just down the road at now Marble Arch. The box seat to get when you visit here is the patio space out the front as this space was the busiest and had a buzzy atmosphere. I was with my sister and my brother in law on this crawl and they remarked that this pub was very much geared up to cater for the many visitors to the area. Inside you can see that a lot of thought has gone in to the presentation of this pub with the various murals, wood panelling and the many pictures across the walls. Overall, this pub felt like a nice environment to spend some your time in. There is a elegant dining room upstairs which leads to a balcony overlooking Hyde Park, this was hired out on the day of visiting. The service was swift enough and we didn’t have to wait long to be served and £5.55 for a pint was average for the area. . The Swan Hyde Park is a decent boozer with some nice features which is set in a great location. . Information correct on visiting 13/11/21"

Black Lake Inn

Black Lake Inn

Hilderstone Road, ST3 7, Stafford, United Kingdom

Steak • Vegan • British • Steakhouse


"We visited for a birthday (Sunday 3rd Sept) after being recommended here by a colleague. We arrived around 5 minutes early ... There was no one available to show us where to be seated at the front of the building so I had to pop my head around the bar to acknowledge someone to come over. A lady came to us who was friendly and pleasant and showed us to our table which was right next to the kitchen and looked like it was set up for a table of 8 not 5. Although a little disappointed with where we were sat, the drinks were ordered which came quickly and we were given menus for both the Sunday lunch and the main menu. Lots of options on there however I personally opted for the pie. I have to say that I was a little disappointed when it came to find it was puff pastry, as this was not stated on the menu however at the same time perhaps I should have asked what pastry it was before ordering. I did eat it, although it was not the best. My partner had a steak which was a little tough in parts but mostly ok. The chips were probably the best part of all the meals. A waitress came over to us and started to clear plates away even though my mother in law was still chewing! Being sat where we were, staff were continually back and forth with food, empty plates etc., and the squeaky kitchen door was not the nicest of noises when trying to have a conversation. It was also noted that the radio was on instead of a play list of music so advertisements between songs was not the ideal ambience! Due to our table being booked for 8.15pm, we were one of the last remaining tables and my partner almost felt bad asking for a hot drinks menu to which she was advised they did not have. The response of what do you want was not the most pleasant ways of asking someone who is paying good money to eat and drink there. We ordered a number of hot drinks and one dessert the dessert was brought almost instantly and was eaten and the plate taken away before the hot drinks had even come to the table. The next minute, a gentlemen (possibly the manager) was set up with a laptop just behind us speaking with staff members (work related conversations) which made us feel that they had finished for the night and we were almost in their way. Glasses were being collected off our table although not completely finished however we finished our coffees and paid the £172.00 bill which to me was not worth it for the service we received. All in all, its not the worst place I 've visited, nor is it the best. We probably won 't rush to visit again, and if we do only maybe for a drink and bowl of chips! ... although I would request a seat elsewhere."