Pub in London WC2
White Swan
14 New Row, London, WC2N 4LFClosest station: Leicester Square, about 4 min walk4.4out of 5 on Google, from 1,994 ratings
Details last checked January 2025. Things may have changed since.
About White Swan
Bar with dark wood and antique fittings, serving traditional ales plus hearty pub classics upstairs.
Grade II listed building dating back to the 17th century, once a coaching house and mentioned by the diarist Samuel Pepys.
An Irish-theme bar for many years, the pub was thoroughly refurbished and partly re-fitted as a traditional pub by Nicholson's, opening in May 2012. There is now a light and airy 1st floor restaurant with table service, and the ground floor bar has been considerably lightened and improved compared with the old Mucky Duck - a dark traditional market pub. It does get busy, as does any pub in Covent Garden, and background music may be little overpowering at times. TVs show muted rolling news or sports.
The White Swan was formerly a Hoare and Co. house, controlled by the bankers of Fleet Street, of the Red Lion Brewery with a reputation for stout and sparkling ales in Lower Smithfield, that closed in 1934, and there's a magnificent mirror with their name at the entrance.
Takeaway and delivery food options are also available.
Description from WhatPub, CAMRA’s pub guide, with a summary from Google Maps.
Features
- Dog Friendly
- Sports TV: Certain events such as Six Nations
- Family Friendly
- Serves Food
- Serves Lunch
- Serves Dinner
- Restaurant: Upstairs - can be used as a function room.
- Real Ale
- Real Cider: May be summer-only
- Disabled Access
- Accessible Restroom
- WiFi
- Reservable
- Good for Groups
- Accepts Credit Cards
- Accepts Debit Cards
Opening times
- Monday
- 12:00 – 11:30 PM
- Tuesday
- 12:00 – 11:30 PM
- Wednesday
- 12:00 – 11:30 PM
- Thursday
- 12:00 – 11:30 PM
- Friday
- 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Saturday
- 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday
- 12:00 – 10:30 PM
As listed in January 2025. Hours change, and bank holidays differ: check with the pub.
Good to know
- Operator
- Mitchells & Butlers
- Price
- 2 out of 4 (Google’s price level)
- Phone
- 020 3077 1129
Google rating and reviews
4.4out of 5 on Google, from 1,994 ratings
3 out of 5Nelson Lauon Google, December 2024
Very average food. Ok beer selection, but some choices were out of stock when we were there. Upstairs dining room was nice, not noisy. Service was so-so, but maybe they’re just abit understaffed. Sausages in sausage and mash were burnt to bitterness on some parts. Steak and Ale pie had really dry and not tasty crust. Would not recommend.
1 out of 5Harry Inukon Google, December 2024
Great atmosphere and a lovely pub, but the staffing level seems insufficient. We were seated upstairs, but it was challenging to get service as there was only one staff member who was already very busy managing multiple tasks—serving food and drinks, taking orders, and tidying up tables. The staff member was friendly and did their best, but I would have expected more support to ensure a smoother experience.
5 out of 5Ciro Auricchioon Google, October 2024
Wonderful pub in the center of London, Covent Garden. The atmosphere is really intimate with smooth lighting and the music choice is really good. We took hamburgers, tomato soup, beef pie and a lovely apple & blackberry crumble. The food was really delicious, certainly one of the best pies I've eaten in London. And burgers were great too! We had also great beers and a very good Apple Cider! Special thanks to Sarah, it's wonderful to see someone who puts so much love and passion into her job, always smiling and welcoming.
4 out of 5Nic Son Google, September 2024
The food was great. The server was scared of a table of eight. She was very nice and did a great job. A little coaching and she would be even better. Three croquettes is not enough to share. Not sure why restaurants are making appetizers so small you can't share them. The building is old and slanted. It's cool. Be careful. Decor is great.
5 out of 5Edward Blunton Google, May 2024
Amazing find , we were getting soaked British weather at its best. So we popped by chance and had lovely meal. I had the steak and ale pie.. and as a pie connoisseur it was top quality, a lovely hard crust and full of steak. I very nearly didn’t finish it as it was very filling. I stepped up to the challenge. My partner loved the vegetarian option(sorry no picture).friendly staff topped it off. It was a bit noisy as it had a group of lads by the bar but it’s to be expected. But I loved the place,full of history, good food at a competitive price, nice staff . So give it a try
Rating and reviews are from Google Maps, as they stood in January 2025. See the latest on Google Maps.