Black Pudding Scotch Egg
The White Swan

The White Swan

108 Fetter Lane, City of London,Westminster, United Kingdom

Fish • Meat • Steak • Cheese


"In the middle of a busy week, I decided to be a little naughty by jumping off the work for a few hours. A quick text to my friend and a finished customer meeting later, I was on my way to a lazy lunch. We had heard about the recent White Swan at Chancery Lane. Mr. Flavour and I were once regular and could not wait to see the new version. Unfortunately for him, he was gone in business, letting the ladies explore in his absence. This former irrigation hole was historically a popular hunt for the Fleet Street press brigade before turning into a Posh pub and dining room. Now again opened as a pub and cophouse, the locals are already coming in the queue. At the entrance we served the delicious flavors from the dining room on the upper floor. However, rule number one of boozy lunch dictates a freky G T must be consumed before eating one. Gin is something the white swan has in abundance! Our sophisticated bartender led us to a Hendrick's gin, served long and chilled with a cucumber band. That's the point! The new chophouse theme was certainly well preserved. The white tablecloths and wallpapers are replaced by trendy exposed brickwork and deep stained wooden tables. This beautiful room is available for private rentals and would be a great place to impress your friends or colleagues. The menu consists of pub favorites, cuts of British finest meat and fresh fish from South Coast Day boats and British fishing ports. If Mr. Flavour had been here, he would have made a hive for the 45-day White Park Sirloin with Béarnaise and big chips. We believed something easier. The salad baked Celeriac, Blue Monday cheese and Kale salad with chestnuts was divine and flavored with a beautiful earthy seasonality. My friend ordered Iron Age “Pick and brawn”, Pickles and English Senf, who came in the form of a terrine. I couldn't resist helping me to a greedy disaster. The Albarinho was certainly a suitable partner for the fish nets to follow. Fluffy fish cakes with peas tomato relish were mouth-watering crispy and burst with horror. I had never ordered Gurnard before and his fleshy texture was beautifully complemented with braided fennel. The big chips were absolutely smashed and made us dessert without room. As much as I enjoy a maid lunch, it's time like this when I miss my pretty man and his inexorable appetite. A quick espresso later I was returned to the office with a spring in my step and a very satisfied belly. I can't wait to introduce my customers to this wonderful new venue, available 7 days a week."

Garden Room Cafe

Garden Room Cafe

Mansion Lane, Leeds, United Kingdom

Tea • Soup • Steak • Coffee


"I can see why the previous reviews are so poor. I visited here with my family this afternoon after booking for Saturday Brunch. I never leave reviews but I am so appalled at the service. On arrival we were struggling to open the doors as...the second was bolted. The staff watched my partner struggle to bring a pram in. When we arrived the staff just stared at us then asked were we ok. We were late for our table and they let us know that. It was teaming raining this morning and I had a newborn and 2 young children with me. So you can appreciate its hard to get out. The lady serving at the till was very rude. She wasn’t pleasant and when we asked for a children’s menu she was abrupt. If children are not welcome they should state this on the website. On the menu it stated ‘stackable pancakes’ and when arrived they were 2 small scotch like pancakes. The food was cold as if it had just been heated up rather than freshly cooked. And to make matters worse there was a long grey hair in my food. When I went to speak to the desk the woman didn’t apologise she just said she would get me another one. There was no apology or offer of compensation. When we were leaving again they had bolted the door so we couldn’t get through and stood around instead of holding the door. Considering the price of such small portions of food you would think the service would be immaculate. The staff sounded like they should be well mannered but every single member seemed like they just didn’t want to be there. Maybe you need to look at how the team are treated or the team working behind the scenes as there is clearly something not right."