Date Night at Swan

Combing an outfit post with a restaurant review. My favourite type of blog post! 

Last week, I had the really exciting treat of going to Swan at Shakespeare’s Globe. I have never been there before and love trying out new restaurants.  (I confess, I spent my entire day at work pouring over their amazing menu – I wanted everything).

I had decided what I wanted to eat by 11am.

Now the tricky bit was just deciding what to wear. 

The weather in London at the moment is beautiful. Sunny, not too hot, nice breeze – but it does get cold in the evenings. But I braved it and went for a summery light white top from Topshop and jeans, and to keep warm on the walk to and from, I opted for my Sandro jacket (my baby).

You can’t really see in these photos but the top has a slight snakeskin pattern just to make it a bit more interesting than a plain white top. It is also double layered which gives it more of a boho feel. I love that it doesn’t cling to you and flows out at the bottom – great for when you are planning on eating too much that evening.

Nail Varnish : Essie

Shoes : John Lewis

Shop The Look

My shoes are really old but Russell and Bromley have some beautiful loafers at the moment!

My Sandro jacket is also no longer on sale because they only have all their summer jackets out now.

Now for food. 

Unfortuantly I had an absolute nightmare on my way to dinner and my camera ran out of battery, I was so angry. Especially when the plates started arriving and everything looked so beautiful. 

So you are just going to have to take me word for it that it looked amazing. I have stolen a few photos from the Swan’s website just to show you want an amazing view you get of London. The location of this restaurant is fabulous. It is set over a few floors – with a very atmospheric bar downstairs that was packed when we arrived. The restaurant we ate in was up a floor and then apparently there is a balcony room up one more floor – I bet the views for up there are unparalled!

As it says in the title, you are next to/basically in the grounds of Shakespeare’s Globe. You drink your wine and eat your dinner next to the river with such a beaut view of St Pauls! This place would be my number one choice if I was planning a party as the venue rooms are so beautiful.

I mean – does it get any better?

Photo from Swan Website

Photo from Swan Website

As I said before I am so upset that I couldn’t take photo’s to share with you all, so I will just have to describe everything to you.

Firstly here is their Dinner menu, just so you can feast your eyes on what is on offer!

Amazing isn’t it!

Now it isn’t a cheap menu – it is a ‘treat yourself to a nice evening out’ menu – but it is definitely worth it.

To start with I had the monk fish. This was by far my favourite course. I am a big fan of starters anyway – if I had to choose between a starter and a main or having a main and a dessert, the starters would win hands down, every time. But this starter was close to being one of my all time favourites. (to all my dessert loving readers – please don’t disown me!)

My monk fish was a soft as a scallop. It was meaty but not at all chewy – and the chorizo and cauliflower puree – oh my god – I could have kept eating that for hours. The texture and flavours went perfectly together. Plus peas. I love peas. Everything complimented each other beautifully. 10/10.

For main, I went for the duck. I never really have duck, but as it was a new restaurant, I thought I would try something new. And I am glad I did. The duck breast was beautifully cooked and tasted amazing. The confit ravioli was great (anything pasta is good in my books) and it all went so well together with the parsnip puree. This place is great at a puree.

We washed everything down with a gorgeous bottle of Rose which was recommended to us by our waiter. Which brings me onto the service. I hate how most waiters make you feel like you are inconveniencing them if you ask them to describe something, bring a clean fork, close the window.
But at the Swan, the service was fantastic. We had the nicest waiter, he was very attentive, friendly and recommended which starter I should have – so I am eternally grateful.

I also didn’t have to pour my own drink once. He was always there to fill up my water and my glass! So thank you very much.

I was so full after my duck, but who in the world could turn down a Chocolate praline parfair and chocolate flourless cake. Not me. 

If I am totally honest, it wasn’t the best pudding I have had, and I was slightly disappointed after my two amazing courses. But I did finish it. And if definitely didn’t dampen my spirits of the evening.

So that was my everning! I just wish I had been able to take photos of the food. Hopefully I will be able to come back soon, maybe for a lunch, and I will be able to photograph everything for you guys!

Lots of Love

Cocoa Chelsea x