The Swan
Lewes Road, Forest Row, East Sussex RH18 5ER, 01342 822318
Reviewed by Virginia Schultz
www.swanforestrow.co.uk

Years ago, in ancient times as one of my grandchildren might say, when I first visited the UK, restaurants in London could not compare with Paris or even New York and I often ate better food in a pub than one could find in restaurants connected to the Dorchester or the Ritz Hotel. How things have changed in the past twenty-some years and eating out is now a pleasure ...except to your pocket book.

But pubs are still delightful and The Swan is one of my favorites in the Sussex area. Their beer battered Haddock (£12.95) with homemade (thick) chips (I skip the mushy peas) is a favorite and their 28 day aged 10 oz sirloin steak (£22.95) cooked medium rare is as good as I’ve had in far more expensive restaurants. My eight year old grandson usually has Smokey BBQ ribs (£15.50) while his twin sister, a far fussier eater, prefers the thin cut Margarita pizza (kids menu). Perhaps I should say grandmother prefers the thinner crust while she wishes it was thicker. The kids menu I might add is £5.95 and includes a scoop of ice cream. Their steamed mussels (small £6.50 to large £12.50) is a favorite of my grandson, that is when he doesn’t have the ribs.

Dogs are allowed and Tate, the Westie, sits under the table waiting for some tidbit to fall. In warm weather one can sit outside either front or back, and with global warming the opportunity seems to happen more now than in the past. I might add the onion rings (£2.50) are perfectly deep fried and their English cheese board selection (mature cheddar, Cornish Brie, Shropshire blue, £6.50) is served the way cheese should be served. Not as if it came straight from the refrigerator. All above from 11am to 3pm.

If I have a glass of wine, I prefer a rosé because too often I find the red not to my palate.

Oh, yes, the service is impeccable, and our waiter never forgets to bring a bowl of water for Tate, the Westie.

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