We love the Southbank. The whole long winding stretch of bankside that curves through the city gives us all the feels. Walking away from St Paul’s over the Millennium Bridge towards Swan, Shakespeare’s Globe, seeing the city light up in all directions is always a treat.
Swan obviously got the memo and continues the theme with sparkly fairy lights outside and an incredible view from the dining room. Better yet, up here you don’t need to dodge cyclists or selfie sticks, because despite its location, Swan just isn’t touristy – a mini-miracle.
Last time we visited was a few years back for a Sunday Roast. Since then it’s had a major refurb and Allan Pickett (from Piquet fame) has moved in and given the menu a little spruce up.
Fond of pickling and preserving, Allan has added some of his homemade preserves and compotes to certain dishes, foraged in Kent by his mother. Signature dishes from the main menu include starters such as Hand-dived marinated scallops, and Granny Smith apple with squid ink mayonnaise, which Allan tells us is his favourite dish on the menu.
Mushroom lovers will rejoice at the brioche, topped with meaty wild mushrooms and topped with a perfectly fried Braddock white duck egg.
Our highlight of the mains has to be the Cornish fish stew. The vibrant saffron yellow bisque was full of flavour, and punctuated with Norfolk potatoes and garlic mayonnaise.
A rhubarb crumble tart with vanilla ice cream was a delicious way to welcome spring & finish our meal.
Hopefully you’re starting to get a picture of the type of food to expect – it’s hearty, it’s British, it’s uncomplicated. Your only job here is to admire the view & let the super friendly team do the rest.
