The Swan, Little Totham

Ok, after reading a review from somebody here and seeing the red mist, I had to register.

John and Val run the most FANTASTIC and a very rare type of pub. Many pubs pretend to be this and are not. They have won Essex CAMRA Pub Of The Year for more years running than any other pub I have known.

I have many years appreciation of Real Ale and you could say that I know my ale. I've only ever had one 'dodgy' pint there and that was immediately corrected by John trying it and agreeing with me immediately. It was taken off tap immediately. I have seen a couple of occasions where John would start a keg off and his 'all knowing nose' would immediately say it was wrong. John takes IMMENSE pride in his ale to the point that I would say he is the fussiest landlords that I've ever known who is determined to ensure that his customers receive the very best.

There are 365 days in a year and going there for one day and to write the pub off is, quite simply, ridiculous. If I would have done that to every pub I'd ever been in (whether it would be because of a bad pint or people in at the time) then I'd have no local and would stay indoors with a keg! The locals are wonderful- all really friendly and from the moment we walked in there. I wish I could say the same for so many pubs that I've frequented quite a few times and their reputation doesn't hold up.

We've had some great food there too so that deserves a mention.

We love the place and wished we lived nearer. My wife and I always make the effort to go there because it is so cozy and friendly and you may even get a few licks from visiting canines!

It's a gem.....I cannot say more.

21 Dec 2008 16:48