Warm, friendly and guaranteed to turn out something delicious, the kitchen at this smartened-up pub at the edge of Esher is owned by stellar chef José Pizarro, who took over from previous owner Claude Bosi in the spring of 2019.
The Swan Inn is the fourth restaurant in the acclaimed chef’s repertoire, and while it maintains its Surrey pub feel, the place has been given José’s Spanish stamp in the form of tasty tapas made using the best Spanish ingredients alongside locally sourced produce.
The à la carte menu includes the likes of croquetas, tortillas and jamón Ibérico, as well as pub classics which have been given a José twist, such as the Scotch egg with butifarra negra, and the prawn fritters with lemon allioli and coriander.
Elsewhere there are larger sharing dishes including pork belly and pumpkin paella, Estrella Damm fish and chips, and pork belly and chorizo hotpot. Vegetarians aren’t left out, thanks to additions such as pan con tomate, Padrón peppers, and grilled aubergine with Montenebro cheese, though none are marked as suitable for vegans.
Dessert-wise, diners can expect classic Spanish rice pudding served with cinnamon ice cream, a chocolate pot with candied orange zest and meringue, or a selection of Spanish cheeses. At the bar, there’s a selection of real ales and draft beers to choose from, while the wine list is predominantly Spanish. A good selection of gins and a tempting cocktail list fill in the gaps.
Early risers can enjoy breakfast at the Inn, while those looking to make a night of it – perhaps after a day at the races – can bunk down in one of six cosy rooms found in a converted barn next door. The Swan Inn’s outdoor kitchen allows for food to be cooked over open fires in the warmer months and served on the charming terrace.