Swan at the Globe London Review

I’m a sucker for a good view and Laura and I were not disappointed when we were shown to our table in the Brasserie at the Swan which faced directly out onto the Thames. Through the large paned window, the lights of the City twinkle behind St Paul’s Cathedral, providing a spectacular backdrop to our three course extravaganza.

Situated on the South Bank, right next to Shakespeare’s famous open-air theatre, The Swan at the Globe is unsurprisingly patriotic. The Brasserie looks slick and smart but theatrical touches like feathered angel wings around the light fittings and velvet curtains warm the atmosphere. We sipped Champagne aperitifs while examining the British menu (with local ingredients aplenty), which ticked the necessary meat, fish and vegetarian boxes.

After tucking into the fresh white and granary bread placed on our table by Michael, our Kiwi waiter, I started with Potted Shrimp (£7.25) served with warm, thin, delicate toast while veggie Laura took on a possibly-too-creamy Celeriac Soup (£6.50). Although tempted by the English wine on offer, we both went international to accompany our main courses. I chose a glass of Malbec to go with my rump steak (£16.00), which was served beautifully rare and topped with a delicious mushroom butter. Laura combined comforting mouthfuls of Artichoke and wild mushroom Fricassee with herb dumplings (£11.50) with a perfumed Sauvignon Blanc. My sizeable slab of beef left little room for the crispy hand cut chips alongside it, nor for the side portion of cauliflower cheese (£3.50), which was a pity.

We rested in between courses and felt no rush from the charming staff. Despite there being no production on stage that evening – it was November and the season begins in April and runs through the summer – the restaurant was well populated. Downstairs, the gastro-pub-style Theatre Bar also hummed with a cosy, Christmassy feel, which made me want to return on a blustery Saturday afternoon with a group of friends for a Cheese and Piccalilli baguette (£6.50) and a glass red wine (from £3.50).

We were given a tour of the building’s Balcony Room, which can be hired out for conferences, private parties and even weddings. A floor above the Brasserie, it has an even better view of St Paul’s and I quickly found myself fantasising about donning a white dress and saying my vows on the balcony above the tourists milling about on the riverside.

After a brief pause, we ploughed on with desserts and had no regrets. Laura’s Pear and Almond Torte (£5.00) undoubtedly benefited from the scoop of vanilla ice cream she ordered on the side. I indulged in a glass of Puglian dessert wine (£6.00) with my smooth Bitter Chocolate Tart (£5.00). Thankfully, an espresso, two gorgeous chocolate petit fours, and a brisk stroll along the Thames, perked us up enough to make it home. Lucy Edge (05 12 2008)

Swan at the Globe London Description

Swan at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre is located 10 minutes walk away from London Bridge station in the heart of Bankside; it’s Brasserie and Bar offer modern British menus, wines, ales and cocktails, as well as unsurpassed views across the River Thames to St. Paul’s Cathedral.

The private top floor “Balcony Room” has picture perfect views of St. Pauls Cathedral and a balcony for boat and people watching below. This elegant space is ideal for private dining, parties and meetings for 20 - 120 guests.

Beneath the theatre is the “UnderGlobe”, our larger and extremely versatile event space for special dinners, awards, performances, conferences and parties of 120 – 400 guests. There is a private mezzanine level for reception drinks, canapés and mingling before heading down the staircase for the main event.

We have a new member of the team, Mark 'Sarge' Sargeant, who has recently joined Swan as Creative Director, working alongside esteemed chefs Kieren Steinborn and Richard Edney. Having worked with Gordon Ramsay for thirteen years, Mark started at the legendary Aubergine, Royal Hospital Road Chelsea. He then led his own brigade to a Michelin Star at Claridge's.

Customer Reviews for Swan at the Globe

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Additional Information

• Cuisine Type: English
• Average Price: £40.00
• Dress Code: Smart/Casual
• (Independent/Freehouse)

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