Claimed to be on the site of the first coaching stop west after leaving the City and now handily placed between the two Hammersmith Underground stations and close to the bus station, the Swan, built in 1901 by the architect Frederick Miller in Jacobean style, is Grade II listed and a CAMRA one-star Heritage Pub. Note the fine tessellated gables depicting the eponymous fowl.
Inside, wood predominates in the bustling 'L'-shaped main room. Beyond the counter, with its fine back-bar, is more seating in the spacious corridor and alcove which formed the original hotel entrance. An ornate double staircase leads to a first-floor restaurant with its own bar and the pub's toilets.
A good range of cask ales is on offer downstairs, including some darker and some paler brews. The usual Nicholson's menu offers traditional fare at reasonable prices throughout the pub; the venue also offers a food collection or home delivery service.
Historic Interest
Grade II listed, Historic England ref 1192058.
One star - A pub interior of special national historic interest
Listed status: II
A spectacular pub of the ‘gin palace’ variety with a host of memorable features both inside and out.
Built in 1901 by F. Miller, this grand Victorian pub occupies a prominent position on the Hammersmith one-way system and has an exuberant exterior with all manner of architectural flourishes on three walls. Inside has undergone some updating (for example, the wood and glass partitions are modern) but has retained much that is original.
The patterned ceiling, which extends throughout the pub is very eye-catching and is an original Victorian feature. So too is the marvellous inglenook fireplace with a curved ceiling that matches the pattern of the ceiling elsewhere in the pub. An unusual double staircase – presumably another Victorian feature - leads up to a first floor restaurant. All around the pub are decorative cornices, painted white and with some intricate patterning picked out in gold.
This Pub serves 1 changing beer and 4 regular beers.
Swan, Hammersmith
Source: National