Swan & Three Cygnets — Restaurant in England

Called in tonight as it was raining and wanted to get a drink after being out for food. We didn't realise it was a Sam Smith pub until we went inside. Let me begin by saying we all agreed with the premise that talking more over being on phones is a positive...however not in here! I had received a voice note whilst in the restaurant (where we couldn't hear to play it) but obviously didn't want to stand in the rain to listen. As there was a man a few tables down using his tablet we didn't think that the digital ban was super strictly enforced. I therefore started playing the voice note for us to listen to with the intention of discussing afterwards as it was a continuation of a conversation we had been having earlier. Mid-way through I hear from across the bar "girls...GIRLS...NO." My friends and I honestly felt like we were back at school being scolded. Never in my adult life have I been spoken to in that way. This was our first visit to the pub and we would have been more than willing to put it away had we been approached politely and reminded that those are the rules, they are strongly enforced so would we mind doing that or going elsewhere. Instead we were spoken to like children, loudly across the bar by what I can assume to be the manager. Meanwhile around the corner a group of 6 male (i assume university students) sat and played on their phones, showed each other pictures, took pictures and not a word was said to them. I am yet to decide whether it was because they had the sense to sit slightly out of sight or whether it was because male patrons (tablet user and them) are exempt from the technology use ban, that they avoided a scolding. One thing is certain I will not be returning to this venue or any of the Sam Smith pubs if this is what to expect. I should also note that whilst again I agree with the premise to an extent, devices are an integral part of most people's lives and I am yet to enter any other pub that is silent due to phone use. They are not conquering anything other than reducing their...

Today (13/06/2025) I was at the pub, I only had two beers, and someone came saying the manager wasn’t there and that he was in charge. He simply kicked me and my brother out of the pub, saying there had been three complaints about us (which is a lie and with no proof). We had been at the pub for three hours and spoke to only two people during the entire time.

In short, I was kicked out for no reason. I asked the “manager” to ask the people around me, and all he said was that I had to leave.

It was blatant prejudice. He didn’t even ask me if something had happened (which it didn’t). He just came over and said there were three complaints (which is impossible since I didn’t talk to anyone and kept to myself).

He had cameras he could’ve checked and people he could’ve asked but instead, he preferred to just get rid of a customer without doing...

Warm cosy traditional type public house situated in an ideal position on the banks of the River Wear in Durham. It is one of very few Samuel Smith's houses left in the North East of England. Staff are very hospitable and friendly as well as being knowledgeable on their cask ales. It was my second visit this year, just for a refreshing pint on a warm day. Last time I had the Dark Mild, this time I opted for the Old Brewery Bitter hand drawn from the wooden cask. Shame I couldn't stay longer, I could have quaffed a gallon it was that nice. Beautiful colour and clarity a hint of malt and hoppiness and more important it was not so cold as to kill the taste. Both pints were priced under £3.50. I honesty don't know if they have a food offer the beer was sufficient to satisfy me. I'll certainly be returning on my next...