On the Bank Holiday Monday we took tea at the The Swan a pub adjoining the Globe Theatre on the Bankside.
The Setting
The perfect location to spend a bank holiday monday catching up with old friends over tea and cake. Upon arrival we were escorted through the hustle and bustle of the downstairs dining room and upstairs to the tearoom. Huge windows let natural light in and the beautiful views across the Thames to St Pauls cathedral make for a lovely space.
Although I felt that overall the setting was lovely, I do think that some small changes are needed to truly elevate the experience, such as putting table clothes on the table and perhaps having some music on in the background.
Overall I would give the Setting 4/5 stars
The Food
First the savouries, we had a slightly boring selection of sandwich which consisted of coronation chicken not our favourite, salmon and cream cheese which could have done with more salmon, egg mayo that had a slightly soapy flavour and a mushroom tartlet. I felt the sandwich selection could have been more daring but was generally inoffensive. The scones were simply lovely, big and shiny they glistened delectably but the strawberry jam was a tad runny. I can’t say I remember any of the sweets. All of this to say the food was pleasant but nothing to write home about.
Overall I would give the food 2.5/5
The Service
The service wasn’t great. I often find the best part of attending afternoon tea is trying the variety of different teas but after bringing our first pots out, our waiter didn’t come back and offer to change our tea at any point. The two friends I was with ordered the same tea and one pot was brought out for them to share, which would be fair enough but we were all left nursing the same pots of tea for the whole sitting.
Perhaps some of the problem was how busy the tea rooms were and each server being in charge of a few different tables made the service less bespoke.
Furthermore, with 35 minutes left of our sitting we were approached by a waiter, who told us quite brusquely that we had about 10 minutes left before they needed the table, ruining the mood by jolting us out of what was supposed to be a leisurely activity.
“These violent delights have violent ends”
Romeo and Juliet
Overall I would give the service 2/5
60% Overall Satisfaction Rating
Afternoon Tea at the Swan is £32.50 per person
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