The Cygnet at the Swan Inn

Review summary

1. r

   rosemary

   Oxford3 reviews

   1.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 1

   Cold food in a cold & miserably decorated room The only side of vegetables was broccoli- no side salads or vegetable based starters Really disappointing
   

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2. A

   Al

   Oxford1 review

   2.0

   Dined on 1 March 2025

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 3

   Having read great reviews, we were excited to come to the Swan for my son's 18th birthday. Sadly we were very disappointed. The service was largely excellent, and our waiter was charming. However, that's where the positives mostly end. As a special occasion, we started with cocktails and mocktails - the latter seemed to go down well, but the cocktails were not up to much (my martini, in particular, was poor). For food, we were advised it was tapas style sharing and recommended to go for two small plates and one large plate - the former being in the 15 quid region and the latter 25 and above. The small plates were minuscule and the large ones were hardly much bigger, so this was not enough food, and we had to order more bread (nothing comes free) to try and fill up. The large plates, in particular, were very disappointing, with very little substance. A dish of cod on romesco sauce, for example, whilst actually by far the tastiest thing we had, was a tiny piece of fish on a swirl of sauce with three broccoli stems - almost impossible to share as it was so small - for 25 pounds this felt like a rip-off but at least it tasted good. Most other dishes were similarly tiny but didn't taste that good. As we feasted on toast when we got home starving, we all agreed that the dishes lacked flavor (possibly salt?) The desserts were sadly not much better. My cheesecake with apple granita was a bizarre and unenjoyable experience. All in all - 450 quid for a meal for 5, which we left hungry and unsatisfied, felt like a mugging. For context, we have eaten in several other fine dining restaurants, so we are not ignorant of the difference between a carvey and a restaurant; this is just poor. Maybe we just had an off night. Sadly, i suspect this place will not survive unless it changes its game massively
   

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3. E

   Emma

   Gloucestershire1 review

   5.0

   Dined on 28 February 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Exceptional and stylish service. A very pleasant lunch experience.
   

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4. R

   Robert

   Oxford1 review

   5.0

   Dined on 15 February 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   A memorable Valentine's dinner, with imaginative dishes, meticulous presentation and exemplary service. A joyous occasion indeed.
   

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5. L

   Lee

   London6 reviews

   4.0

   Dined on 15 February 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Great little find, staff friendly and informative. Overall great experience and we will be back!!!
   

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6. T

   Tarquin

   Oxford1 review

   5.0

   Dined on 13 February 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The 2nd time I have eaten here and I think that it was even better if that's possible. The attention to detail and culinary masterpieces produced were truly excellent. I wish you every success in your next venture and hope that I can find you to enjoy your superb food once again. Thank you
   

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7. C

   Chris

   London3 reviews

   3.0

   Dined on 12 February 2025

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 2

   The food and service were Michelin-quality; however, the restaurant ambience was not great ; it felt a bit like being in a hall.
   

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8. A

   Andrew

   Kent9 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 8 February 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Great food and friendly, attentive service, as always, and very good value for what it cost.
   

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9. G

   Gail

   Manchester2 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 5 February 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   What great value for money, fabulous food and great service
   

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10. C

    Claire

    Newcastle1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 30 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    Absolutely delicious food, lovely dining room, great service. Fantastic lunch.
    

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