The White Swan — Restaurant in Leeds

I got there early, about half an hour prior to the time (5 p.m.) that I had booked. I had trouble signing into the WiFi but I was told that you don't need to follow the indicated procedure. I gained access eventually. I was asked if I wanted a drink while I was waiting. I said that I could wait until I ordered my food. At 2 minutes to 5 I had to wave the menu above my head to attract the attention of a member of staff behind the bar so that I could place my order.. No-one had thought to ask if I wanted to order early. I was going to a show after the meal, for goodness sake. I had previously been told that the dinners were served all day. I asked for the starter and main dish to be brought out at the same time. This created a delay in getting the food to me at around 5.30. I had ordered a soft drink and could see the member of staff behind the bar with my drink in her hand chatting to a colleague for close to a minute. I moved the drink to a better position on the table but when she brought the cutlery and napkin, she put them on the wet spot where she had originally put my drink. I had to ask for a fresh napkin. Shortly before I finished my food I saw a small insect walking along the edge of one of the plates. When I went to the toilet, I did not see any warning sign or yellow and black tape on the edge of the small step down just before reaching the door that gave access to the toilets. Going down the steps to the toilets I saw three or four small white insects flying around. I pointed out all three issues to a member of staff, who did not seem overly concerned about them. The menu looks pretentious and they do not warrant the high prices they charge. When I asked at the bar for my bill, one was produced without applying the 20% discount I was getting because I was going to a ahow at the City Varieties next door. I would NOT recommend anyone to go there...

We have been coming here for years and have always enjoyed the food. We chose the steak and ale pie, mine with mash and my partner had chips.

We got one piece of parsnip and two slices of carrots. I don't really care for parsnips but with the lacking in amount of vegetables I tried to eat it. I took one bite and it wasn't cooked fully. Which is funny as one of my two carrots was burnt.

The pie was frozen and obviously zapped in a microwave as it was squishy and chewy. There were no chunks of steak, it was like a pulled pork consistently.

The mash was revolting, I question whether it was from a packet. The gravy used to be gorgeous as it was thick and made with real meat juices but today it was thin and watery. Clearly made with granules and they dripped dome dry herbs in it to make it look fresh.

No wonder it was quiet, you used to struggle getting a seat. This place has clearly gone down and they don't have a chef anymore just someone throwing frozen stuff onto a plate.

Really sorry to see the standards drop so much as we used to come here as a treat. I have some great pictures of past meals and this does not compare.

No one came to ask how the meal was, they just stood chatting or on their phones...

Updating my prev review after a revisit. Waited an hr for food which, when theatre busy we sort of understood BUT my father in law is diabetic so shoukd have been told beforehand, also, when food came it was not the best standard, and certainly not worth waiting for. My tcake and chicken were burnt, chips on all meals were cool, peas on f&c, cold, no tartare sau e, although we were told, gravy like dishwater. Inlaws said the fish itself was nice. Pie was ok. I ended up with caesar salad just to eat. When i complained the young lady did try, and did reduce the meals, and deduct but as it was first time bringing inlaws, and with prev good experience, can honestly say i am still disappointed!!!!! Still same re follow up service.

Prev review:steak and ale pie, rump steak and gammon- meals were delicious, mash and vegetables were great, fresh and tasty. Food was reasonably priced and was served within good time.

As previous reviewer, 2 large glasses of rose wine cost over £17 which we thought was expensive, but apparently that's just city centre prices.

Staff were very friendly and helpful but once main meal was received they were too busy to offer good follow on service. We will go back however when...