White Swan, Burntwood

The atmosphere here in this cozy little White Swan, Swan Island Burntwood pub is very good. I do however have a few issues. I am Canadian and have frequented many pubs during my vacation . My partner and I went here on a Sunday evening, approximately 10 customers in the pub, not busy at all. #1 I noticed one staff member was lacking in hand hygiene, after covering his mouth during a coughing episode. #2 As I noticed in some English pubs, the same glass is often used to pour a second drink for the same customer. Even if the customer is ok with it, it should be a definite NO NO . For instance when I needed a drink from the tap, that same tap had touched a contaminated glass (used twice by another person). The myth that you can't get germs by this cross contamination, is one infection control personnel would not be too pleased with. Maybe it's a way to save on dishwashing, but not a very good hygienic practice either.
#3 It was a cold, rainy evening. We were catching a bus but we missed it. We decided to go for Chinese food next door. Our phone had died so we had no means of calling a cab. The Chinese eatery had loads of little business cards posted but none for a cab. My partner decided he would go back to the White Swan to request a cab. Despite us being there minutes before buying several drinks, the same person refused to call him a cab. I couldn't believe what I was hearing when he came out and told me. This would be completely unheard of in Canada. We then walked to the Star pub some 10 minutes away in pouring rain. The girl serving at the Star had no hesitation whatsoever in calling us a cab. What an amazing difference in hospitality, and obliging behavior towards customers. I don't know about my partner but I will never enter this pub again. Thanks

6 Mar 2015 22:03