The Swan  

A 16th century building that was formerly a bishop's residence.

Quite an assuming pub at the bottom of the hill, its car park is to the right. This is a huge gravel affair, though it doesn't take many cars to fill it up.

You enter via the car park through a narrow doorway - not good for the disabled, which is a shame as this pub is a real gem inside. Not quite the White Lion at Barthomley as it has seen much 'sympathetic' restoration, but it still has that olde worlde barn feel to it.

There are two bars, though only the second, larger one has hand pumps. The first one you get to is behind the door with a heavily beamed bar ceiling. Old exposed beams are still evident as well. Note the stable door type hatch in the bar back wall. The floor is bare boards and the plaster is level with the wall beams. A long pew against one wall is complimented by a single round table and chairs. A central wood burning stove has access to the room behind. Here there are different style church pews and old tables.

From here you walk through into the main bar where you will see an amazing walk in fireplace that will accommodate all but the tallest of people - a real fire happens here in winter. This dominates the room and faces the bar with the hand pumps.

There are three ales on here usually plus the ubiquitous Adnams on taps coming out of the wall behind. All are served without sparkler by default and were in good condition. On at the time of visit were Robinson's Cumbria Way, Young's Special, Adnams Bitter and one other. Prices were a little steep at £2.90 a pint, but the quality was excellent.

Food is served here both lunch and evening and is of the bistro kind. Though if you like that sort of food, then it is wonderful. Just remember, no one can carry that sort of cash on them to pay for it.

Don't get me wrong, I love the pub, but this is one place where they don't have to charge high prices to stay in business.

For the summer there is a long garden that has accommodated wedding parties in the past, but is also part shaded. All in all I would come again in a heartbeat.

Toilets are at the rear of the pub down a long corridor where you can see pictures of the pub's plans, and are clean and tidy.

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