The Black Swan pub on Swanage’s High Street is a locals’ and visitors’ favourite for its great food and relaxed vibe.
Set in the older, historic part of town, the Grade II-listed Black Swan has views across town toward the Purbeck Hills. Its traditional atmosphere and great food makes this pub extremely popular so booking in advance is advised.
The somewhat unassuming Black Swan Inn is set at the edge of town, away from the busy main streets, making it a bit of a hidden gem in Swanage. Inside there are original, exposed beams and log fires for cosy winter evenings, and outside is a pretty patio beer garden for a sunny afternoon drink, although there is an awning and outdoor heaters for chillier days too.
It’s a gentle, 10-minute walk to the beach from the pub, and there’s access to fantastic hill and coastal walks nearby, so you can work up an appetite on the way to the pub, or walk off a hearty meal after. Simply strolling around the nearby streets is worth it too, with the picturesque old mill pond and historic St Mary’s Church on your doorstep – it’s also worth checking to see what’s going on at St Mary’s as there’s often concerts being held.
If you’re staying at the Purbeck House Hotel, whilst you’re close to the centre of town with all the central pubs and restaurants there, it’s just a short stroll up the road in the opposite direction to The Black Swan for a quieter meal or pint.
🐾 Well-behaved dogs are welcome at The Black Swan
On the menu at The Black Swan
The Black Swan aims to serve high quality meals for its customers, using the freshest, local ingredients where possible.
With an excellent range of light snacks, burgers, and seasonal mains on offer – including seafood, vegetarian options, sharing platters and popular Sunday roasts, the Black Swan can be very busy, so it’s best to call ahead and book a table.
There’s also a children’s menu, meaning that grown ups get to have a special meal, whilst kids are happy with familiar favourites.
The pub serves real ales, local craft beers, specialty ciders and has a carefully-selected wine menu.
A nice touch at this pub is that the friendly and knowledgeable chef often comes out after your meal to say hello and have a chat and is only too delighted to explain any of the more unusual items on the menu. Staff are known for being attentive and efficient at, with food being sent to your table promptly.
You’ll often find unique dishes on the Black Swan’s menu, such as a chorizo and baby octopus starter, beetroot chilli, or game pie mains, as well as gastro takes on pub grub staples like ribs, steak, chicken wings and hearty fish pie. Or why not share one of the pub’s renowned platters such as the aptly named Jurassic Feast?
Check out the most up-to-date menu on the pub’s website: www.blackswanswanage.co.uk/index_
Live music and events
The Black Swan holds regular live music nights, as well as open acoustic nights.
It also holds cookery demonstrations and supports the range of music, literary and folk festivals that happen in Purbeck.
To keep up-to-date with what’s on at The Black Swan, follow the pub on Facebook: www.facebook.com/theblackswanswanage/
Opening hours
The Black Swan has fairly traditional opening hours, with specific times for dining:
Monday – Saturday: 5pm – late (food served from 5pm – 9pm)
Sunday: 12pm – late (lunch 12pm – 4pm; dinner 5pm – 9pm)
Note that on Sundays the pub serves roasts, along with most of its usual menu.
Contact details
The Black Swan only accepts telephone bookings – it’s best to call after 5.30pm:
📞 01929 423846
Location & parking
📍 159 High Street, Swanage, BH19 2NE
The pub itself doesn’t have a car park, but there should be plenty of parking on the residential roads around The Black Swan.
Alternatively, the nearest car parks are either at the Co-Op (postcode: BH19 1HP) for short stay parking, or Main Beach car park on Victoria Avenue for long stay. The quickest way to walk from these is through the grounds of St Mary’s Church and past the mill pond and memorial cross, up to the pub.
If you have children or a dog with you, Main Beach car park is also adjacent to a great playground and playing field to let off steam before or after your meal.
