Review The Swan - Thaxted

We went there to have lunch. They were really busy even though we went at 3pm. Staff was very warm and welcoming. Even though we were told that food would take long, it arrive pretty quickly. The food was delicious. We had a great time there. If I could I would give 10 stars to the team. Service was flawless. Would love to go back.

Food and drink are standard Greene King heritage fare and that's a good thing: you know what you get and at decent prices at that. The staff have been friendly on both recent occasions we've visited, although when it gets busy (Friday early evening) they seem to get a little more flustered. But not enough for it to mar the service. Food was good, though it's not difficult, to be fair, to go wrong with the stock they have. There are a few tables outside at the back, and more on the high street at the front: excellent for watching the world go by. Or for looking at the beautiful church. Or the windmill. Plenty of space inside, too, of course if the weather is inclement or it gets too dark (there is no outside lighting at the front). The toilets were clean and tidy but it's the staff that does it, making locals and visitors alike feel very welcome indeed! We'll be back!

My fiancé, 3 month old and I was staying a couple nights in the area and this was next door to us. So came up for some drinks and dinner. Even though it’s on a very busy road the inside was nice. Very spacious. Staff were all really nice and helpful. If you like your bikes & cars it’s a good spot to sit out front and watch. You get all sorts passing, with the nice view of the church opposite. Food was all spot on with no complaints. Nice and hot and well presented.

Nice stopover when touring the area. Lunch and drinks and the general demeanour of this establishment were excellent. Sit outside if you like to see the aircraft on final approach to Stansted if the wind is blowing in the right direction.

We stayed over night with some friends to go to a concert at Audley End Hall. The hotel was so lovely . The food was good, the rooms were lovely and clean. Most importantly the staff were so friendly and accomdating (especially Jackie)

A rustic inn in a beautiful village. We stayed here as a halfway stop and the team really looked after us. The windmill and historic buildings are within walking distance. Rooms are spotlessly clean.

First evening meal here for a while. The car park was almost full when we arrived and there was a really good atmosphere inside. It was warm, although the large open fire was not lit. There were families here and in previous occasions I have seen well behaved dogs in the bar area (it's so lovely to find a pet friendly pub). There seemed to be a lack of staff, as we had to wait for bar staff to appear behind the bar in between serving at tables. There were people waiting to be served all round the bar. The meal we wanted was unavailable due to not having the main ingredients, which was a shame. Over the years, this has been a very hit and miss pub to go to. Hopefully it's just a New Year blip. Update Feb 2023 Visited again for a meeting in a room just off the main bar. The bar was well staffed and our meal was delivered promptly. Much better service tonight. Update May 2023 We popped in for a midweek lunch, and took the dog with us. There were a couple of parking spaces available. Service and food was fantastic. Everything we ordered was available and made to our preference. Even the dog had a sausage and met some of the customers. Toilets were fully stocked and clean.

Have eaten here 3 times in the last year and thoroughly enjoyed it each time. The young enthused staff always impress me and the food is remarkably good value for these days.

I went to The Swan Hotel for a meal and Chelsea served us all evening and the meal was cooked to perfection, I'm definitely coming back. Absolutely loved it. James.

Comfortable room food was great and a good selection of drinks staff friendly and helpful would recommend if you are in the area

Just an overnight stay with dinner and breakfast.Easy check in but not given much info.We had booked a table for dinner earlier in day but no one had entered into the dinner diary but luckily had room.Our room was comfortable and everything we needed in it for one night with a fantastic view of the church and windmill from our window.Dinner was tasty and good prices and arrived quickly after each course which was ok as only two of us.Breakfast was nice and plenty to eat but got order wrong and not the quantity as described on the menu which is no excuse as the chef should know what is in the menu if not at least read it so the correct items are plated up.Overall a lovely stay and would return, just small criticisms but great value for money

Great place to stay really nice staff, just happened to be a England football night so busy but great. Noisy late on but not too bad, great breakfast

Has the look of a very inviting place. Staff were friendly enough, but very young & talked amongst themselves quite loudly for everyone to hear. My sandwich was ok but the bread looked and tasted like shop sliced white loaf, so nothing special. Had the potential for being superb, but wasn't! Ok experience.

Had lunch yesterday, had the hog roast burger and chips which was lovely. The only let down was the service. My sons chips had been forgotten and was a while before they got bought out and then had to wait for them to cool down, so had already eaten all his pizza. Didn't seem to be a lot of staff for the amount of customers either.

Had a great Sunday dinner here yesterday. Been hit and miss here but yesterday i had the lamb shank and Emma had the beef rib and it was defo the best meal we have had here. Just what we needed after long weekend.

Short measure on beer. Twice. And asking for my money before serving my drink. NOT THE DONE THING! Would appear Greene King’s policy is to serve 5% less than a pint. Greed! And dishonest.

Waited 1 hour and 5 minutes for our roasts and our children's meals today after booking a table in advance , when it did arrive my chicken was stone cold and the veg was near enough raw , the bar staff and waiting staff were lovely and very kind and helpful I would like to add and I would use it again for a drink maybe but my dining experience was not great !

Superb atmosphere staff could not do enough for us and the food was top class deffo go back again

We have stayed here twice in the last 4 weeks. Great hospitality - nothing is too much trouble. Comfortable rooms, great breakfast and evening meals whether you have the budget one or something from the main menu. We have no hesitation in recommending The Swan.

Bloody awful. This was the worst hotel I've ever had the misfortune to encounter. For $50 I was put in a tiny room just in front of an upstairs patio. It was really hot and there was no a.c. and some guy was hanging out right outside my open window smoking when I was trying to sleep. I asked management if they had any other rooms and they dismissed me immediately and didn't help in the slightest. I'm still pissed off about it and it was months ago.

Over an hour wait for wifes desert! Even after asking on 3 separate occasions. Had to ask for a refund in the end and barely an apology!

Excellent food and friendly staff will definitely go again for lunch

Lovely pub, food is good value. Parking sometimes limited.