"As regular diners at the across the road Corner House, this reincarnation of The Swan (hence the very nice swan themed stained glass windows) still has a way to go. It's picked up some of the regular drinkers off The Alexandra (Sunday diners like us included), since chef Darren and host Chris departed for The Little Ship in Portland. We'd never visited The Swan before (and we are locals) due to its rep as being mainly for regular drinkers, so, having picked up a discount flyer to promote its new ownership as the New Amsterdam, we wanted to try it out.First impression was was this a Goth hang out? It is very self consciously DARK inside! Having advertised food, it doesn't yet at time of writing do Sunday roasts. As we were trying it midweek with a view to taking friends there on a Sunday, that idea went out. But, in case the old traditional scoff was good, we opted for a starter of drinks and olives, Bitterballen, then fish and chips. Very pleasant young man (Joel) served us. The White Zinfandel and Peroni were just fine, olives were pitted, nicely marinated, and there were loads of them! The Bitterballen our first were very tasty. I could eat double the serving as a mains. The fish and chips were a tad disappointing as the batter was a little greasy and mine was hard as a brick at one end. Chips were okay, not fab, but plentiful.If you're indoors, as we were on a rainy day, you cannot see outside. There HAVE to be lights, and apparently the old candles in bottles isn't just for decoration! Bearing in mind that the decor seems to be based on the Addams Family mansion, l'd say this will be a boring experience for people with young children, as they can see nothing of interest. It's not got any interesting or unusual features (sorry, but a bit of brick doesn't do it for me), and for sitting out watching traffic I'd opt for the Corner House or the Cow and Oak near the Steyne!If the pub aims for mainly drinkers, l think it will meet that remit, although the spacious Corner House absorbs both just gluggers as well as diners in a light, family and dog oriented out and indoor space.The prop has no plans to install a tv, which means it won't be showing sport, as per The Alex, and thankfully has no slots, games rooms, or other distractions.If you like your interiors to feel darkly enclosing, New Amsterdam will suit. Overall, it's not our style, but it doesn't mean it won't suit other folk. But l wouldn't take your kids with you, or go if you mind feeling very much indoors."
Fishburger
