The Swan at Forest Row — Restaurant in Wealden

Me and my partner decided to try a local pub and food, when we arrived there wasn’t much of an atmosphere (music was a little loud, instead of being background music), the manager (maybe landlady)on shift was very unwelcoming and got my drink order wrong as she didn’t listen, we decided to order two starters and two mains, starter 1 - baked Camembert to share (as stated on the menu) and starter 2 - deep fried mozzarella, main 1 - double cheeseburger and main 2 - pulled pork burger. The Camembert was realistically only for one person it was the size of a hockey puck (not even joking, but apparently they are for the price) The deep fried mozzarella is just inedible it was cold in the middle and was like they just took it out the packet, breadcrumbed it then put in the fryer, it was under cooked to the point I would of rather had it room temperature over a salad. The double cheeseburger was inedible, the bun was very soggy, like it’s been defrosted in a microwave and the beef patties where very tough to the point I didn’t even eat it at all (weatherspoons do a much better burger) The pulled pork burger was exactly the same as the cheeseburger. I spoke to the manager (landlady maybe) and told her but all I got back was I’ll let the chef know, I didn’t even get an apology at all, when I came to pay the bill she expected me to pay for the full amount, no discount was offered, I have to ask another staff member to get her back over and I explained that I was not paying for the full bill as it was inedible so she removed the two starters, then asked aggressively if I’m paying cash or card, once I payed I still didn’t get an apology for the food/ service or even a thank you for paying, not even a goodbye when we left.

I would not recommend eating there ever and I will inform my friends not to as well.

I hope the management can sort out her attitude as well as learn how the hospitality industry works (manners cost nothing as well as the food quantity need to be edible and also to do check backs on tables that have food to see if...

an impromptu stop due to weather ( riding bike back from london. it was more a ‘ come out of the weather’ because i’d worn inappropriate clothing. a warm welcome from staff and especially the locals, it’s obvious that’s it’s a place they come and you’ll discover why. i was soaked… i thought a drink could give me enough for my next hours ride, but… then i discovered it has boutique rooms. i was advised to speak with the manager Ben. what an asset he is to this establishment. i told him my predicament, he sourced me a room straight away ( although it being monday i was extremely lucky that one was available) i pulled the card out and within minutes i was shown to a room. but that’s not all… obviously hadn’t eaten, asked for a menu and it was a delight. excellent bistro pub and the food didn’t disappoint, i had fish and and chips where a proceed is giving to a charity so of course i chose that option. i was full to the brim..i wobbled up to my room taking one of the brilliant bottles of wine they have on offer. but let’s talk about the balfour wines of which the vineyards of at staplehurst own these 6 establishments. and i was given a taster of , it was excellent, british wine at its finest but also brilliant ciders and beers. let’s not forget the rest of the staff who also were outstanding. nothing is too much, needed my phone charged, straight away taken to it to the office and i’m now able to leave this review. my room, on point decor with a host of free refreshments and a bed i won’t want to leave. based on the dinner i immediately booked breakfast, i’d be stupid no to. fate brought me here, but everything else will bring me back. thank you to all for exceptional service and warmth. almost feel like i don’t want to share but would be a...

(July 2024) 4.2/5 for this place is actually quite underrated I’d say, should average at least 4.5. Excellent set of dishes with really imaginative combinations of ingredients yet nothing pretentious or abstruse and not from an overwhelmingly long list to choose from, and not too large helpings, just right after a three-hour walk in fine summer weather from Turners Hill. My courses summed up nicely the level of culinary imagination - starter was treacle cured salmon with a refreshing dressing with sliced onion, kind of a lighter version of gravlax. Then the main course was a roasted duck breast and orange salad with various other things, including “soft boiled egg” - really medium boiled and not out of a shell, but certainly not the worse for that. The duck was tender and lean with a really good flavour. I finished with a white chocolate (+ something else?) crème brûlée with candied pistachios and thyme shortbread. Only one star knocked off for service due to them not having passion fruit martini, but the drink I had in its place (a combination of apple and lemonade) was a worthy and very refreshing replacement, and the self-service fruit flavoured water was a nice touch. Lovely as well to enjoy this outside, with a view of the church and typically hilly high street.

Shall definitely be returning - only regret is it might not be for many months, as this visit was at the end of the first part of a self-devised trail exploring the 70-mile long Medway from source to sea. Hopefully this place can retain its excellent...