Pub in Paddington

Swan

66 Bayswater Road, Paddington, W2 3PH
Closest station: Lancaster Gate, about 2 min walk

4.3out of 5 on Google, from 3,967 ratings

Details last checked October 2024. Things may have changed since.

Swan, Paddington

About Swan

18th-century coaching inn with terrace and balcony bar, over the road from Hyde Park.

Once a coaching inn dating from 1721, and facing onto Hyde Park across Bayswater Road, this is the only surviving relic of the Flora Gardens, later known as Victoria Gardens. It is one of many pubs claiming to be the one where condemned prisoners took their last drink on the route from Newgate Prison to the gallows at Tyburn Tree (unlikely as both sites were much further east!). Rebuilt in the mid nineteenth century and grade II listed, it was last refurbished in March 2018.

The interior is partly wood-panelled with an ornate rear skylight and a raised eating area, with a more formal restaurant area upstairs, leading to a terrace overlooking Kensington Gardens. There is a botanical/avian/historical theme to the decor.

The food offering includes breakfasts, sandwiches, a kids menu, and Sunday roasts.

Description from WhatPub, CAMRA’s pub guide, with a summary from Google Maps.

Features

  • Dog Friendly
  • Outdoor Seating: Patio
  • Real Fire
  • Live Music
  • Sports TV: Certain events such as Six Nations
  • Family Friendly
  • Quiet
  • Serves Food
  • Restaurant
  • Real Ale
  • Function Room: 80 in balcony bar
  • Disabled Access: Inc toilet on ground floor
  • Accessible Restroom
  • WiFi: O2
  • Reservable
  • Good for Groups
  • Separate Bar
  • Smoking
  • Accepts Credit Cards
  • Accepts Debit Cards
  • Accepts NFC

Opening times

Monday
9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM – 11:00 PM

As listed in October 2024. Hours change, and bank holidays differ: check with the pub.

Good to know

Operator
Fuller's
Price
2 out of 4 (Google’s price level)
Phone
020 7262 5204

Photos

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Photos from Google Maps contributors, stored when the pub was last checked.

Google rating and reviews

4.3out of 5 on Google, from 3,967 ratings

  • 3 out of 5Joe Corron Google, May 2024

    First time trying here was just as they were kicking everyone out at 11.00pm. Went back the next day for drink on their terrace with our doggies. Tried some of their small plates which were ok. That night went back at 10.15pm. They had turned the coffee machine off. Next morning went for breakfast as we had checked out of a nearby hotel. Had the full english. Wasn't too impressed. Smallest piece of bacon. Poached eggs were solid with overdone black pudding.The other was underdone. Oh well,we will know for next time. Our doggies liked it though. Upstairs is lovely. We only went here because…

  • 5 out of 5Kim Mackieon Google, May 2024

    This is an accessible pub with a great selection of 15 beers on tap. There is a large outdoor area with tables (and heaters), a level entrance into the building, seating inside and a large washroom on the main floor next to the bar. You need to go to the bar to pick up your drinks, so no complaining about the server😉. Service at the bar was quick. We came back a couple of nights when we were staying in the Paddington area. Sorry, didn’t eat here so can’t comment on the food. Highly recommended for the selection of beers and accessible, level entrance toilet.

  • 4 out of 5Sam Fosteron Google, June 2024

    The food and dining which was great. Both had the Steak and Ale pie which was delicious and the menu had a wide range of options for most people. The service was a little below par and some of the waiters seemed quite stressed and rushed. But overall a great experience.

  • 5 out of 5Nicholas Limon Google, May 2024

    Passed this place as I was staying at a hotel nearby. Had the fish and chips, the steak, baitfish for appetiser, a glass of martini and a beer. The fish was good and fresh. A very generous portion and tasty. The steak was doable. Had expected the baitfish to be a little more fried. Overall was happy with the dinner. The place was crowded and we were lucky to get a seat rather quickly. As we were leaving at 830pm or so, diners were still streaming in. The area upstairs looked more charming, as it faced the park. Would be nice for a beer there. Would recommend!

  • 5 out of 5Cristian Alexandru Dumitriuon Google, August 2024

    We always go to The Swan, near Hyde Park, as it’s on our way to and from Central London home. We love the atmosphere and the staff is always so friendly. We meet a lot of nice people visiting London or living in the area, like we do.

Rating and reviews are from Google Maps, as they stood in October 2024. See the latest on Google Maps.

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