Cornish Mussels
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."

The Well

The Well

180 St John Street, London, United Kingdom

Cheese • British • Seafood • Chicken


"We enjoyed ourselves at The Well on an early Sunday evening. The waitress for some reason couldn't identify my Opentable reservation in their system, but once I showed her my confirmation email, she was absolutely fine about accepting it and granted us the offer. The staff were friendly and were very flexible as we were a group of three which suddenly grew to a group of five and it was no problem immediately moving us to a larger table. The wine options were good and I enjoyed a nice glass of red and my friends found the various white wines and rose very palatable. We were able to use our off food only offer on the specials menu as well as the main A La Carte menu. It was just a risotto dish that we were told we could not order. We would have found the prices quite expensive otherwise (although it probably reflects the location, being Clerkenwell) but the service and the quality of the cuisine is very good. Three of us totally enjoyed the hearty, generous half Chicken Sunday Roast. It came with so many delicious extras and trimmings and was prepared really well... the hake dish that my other two friends chose seemed to go down very well also, infact they allowed one friend to create a dish with the roast's vegetables. He was chuffed. All the puddings were a real delight too. My chocolate dessert was scrumptious with a delicious sauce. All in all a very good experience was had at The Well and we would certainly return there!"