The Swan — Restaurant in Vale of White Horse

I would love to give a review of the real ales and ambience of this pub,but I never got that far. I went here as I was in the town overnight and liked the description of the place;I love real ales. As I entered the pub I passed a bloke finishing off a cigarette and a phone call outside the main door. Inside the pleasant looking bar I stood behind a woman being served. Everybody at the bar; five men,all had drinks,no-one was waiting for a drink. As the woman in front of me payed ,by contactless,I was directly in the the eyeline of the barman;tall,dark hair,glasses. He finished dealing with the woman in front of me and walked past me to serve the gentleman to the left of me,who had a full pint in front of him. This gentleman then ordered a drink for the bloke I passed on the way in;who was now stood behind and to the left of me. I left at this point. If the statistic that three pubs a week are closing in England is true it can't be surprising if this is representative of the level of 'service',we can expect. If you want to get served in this establishment;at least by this barman,I suggest you move to the town at least a year prior to your visit,just to get your face known.

Alternatively, go somewhere...

2025: Now under new ownership. Interim owners removed a lot that made the pub great (spread of real ale and interesting, non-large brewery offerings) but the new owners have returned it to its roots. Even better it seems like they have something going on every night, with interesting groups of hobbyists of all sorts having gatherings that add a bit of interest to your usual venture! Atmosphere remains great (fab addition of the touch table lamps downstairs) and it is back to being one of, if not the best 'local' style pub in Faringdon.

2019: Probably the best offering of ale, cider and other thirst quencher in Faringdon. Does a great job focusing on the provision of interesting drink and in that respect out does any other Faringdon establishment. Great decor whilst retaining the English pub vibe. Friendly bar staff. Probably a little pricier for a drink in here compared to other pubs in Faringdon, but that's mostly because I'm tempted by the rarer offerings located on their taps/pumps! Dog and child friendly if they are kept...

We'll, it's my local and I drink there most days when I'm at home.

Well kept real ales, mind boggling range of gins... All the usual stuff.

It's not huge, it's usually one or both tennants behind the bar, or their young assistant. It's a proper pub!

Update:

Oh dear - change of tenant and it's all gone wrong. I've not been in for three or four months, as I've been made to feel most unwelcome - a common experience, as far as I can gather. Plus - it's now all supermarket beers at premium pub prices. I mean, really - what's the point? If they don't want me there, I'll happily walk past to Tesco a few hundred metres away, buy the same beer for half the price, and drink it somewhere I am welcome - ie my living...